Huddersfield becomes a founding member of the Defence Universities Alliance
The University of Huddersfield has been selected as a founding member of the new Defence Universities Alliance (DUA), a national partnership bringing together leading universities, government and industry to strengthen the UK's defence and national security capabilities through research, skills and innovation.
Announced by Luke Pollard MP, the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, at the University of Manchester, the 35 academic and research institutions, and Universities UK will help address defence and national security challenges, create a thriving network of defence research expertise and drive a skilled workforce across the UK.
The University's selection follows a highly competitive process and reflects its strengths in research, innovation, partnership working and talent development.
Members of the Defence Universities Alliance have signed a charter committing to three key priorities:
• Advancing defence and national security research and innovation.
• Promoting skills development and careers across the defence and national security sectors.
• Strengthening collaboration between government, academia and industry.
The Alliance will work closely with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the UK Armed Forces, the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser for National Security and the wider defence community to create a more strategic and coordinated approach to tackling future challenges.
Professor Monty Adkins, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at the University of Huddersfield, said, "We are delighted to become a founding member of the Defence Universities Alliance. This recognition reflects the quality and impact of our research, our strong culture of collaboration and our commitment to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing society.
Alliance 'to drive innovation to meet UK's security needs'
"The Alliance represents an important opportunity to strengthen links between academia, government and industry, helping to drive innovation, develop future skills and support the UK's national security objectives. We look forward to working with partners across the Alliance to help shape its future direction and maximise the impact of defence-related research and education."
Professor John Synnott, who coordinated the University’s submission to the Defence Universities Alliance, said, “National security and defence are not solely the responsibility of government and the security services; they require the combined expertise of academia, industry and the public sector. Universities across the country have an important contribution to make.
Professor John Synnott
Director of the Professional Doctoral Academy
“Over recent years, the University of Huddersfield has been on a deliberate journey to identify where our expertise can make the greatest impact, both through world-leading research and by developing the next generation of people who will support defence and national security throughout their careers."
“Being selected as a founding member of the Defence Universities Alliance is recognition of that journey. It provides an important platform from which we can help shape the future of defence and national security research, innovation and skills across the UK.”
Professor Tim Dafforn, Chief Scientific Advisor, Ministry of Defence, said, “The Defence Universities Alliance represents a genuinely transformative step forward in how Defence partners with the UK’s world-leading academic sector. By bringing together our shared expertise, ambition and innovation, the Alliance will help us tackle some of the most complex challenges facing Defence at a strategic level. I am incredibly excited about the opportunities this creates. The DUA will fundamentally change the way Defence, universities and industry work together - strengthening our national security, creating strategic advantage and supporting growth to deliver better outcomes for the UK.”
The UK faces an increasingly complex global environment, characterised by rapid technological advances, evolving security threats and growing international competition. The Defence Universities Alliance has been created to ensure the country can draw on the expertise of its higher education sector to maintain a strong research base, develop emerging talent and foster innovation.
As a founding member, the University of Huddersfield will contribute to shaping the future direction of the Alliance, helping to develop a national network of students, researchers and academics committed to supporting defence and national security priorities. The University will also have opportunities to engage more closely with policymakers, senior government officials and leaders from across the defence sector.
The establishment of the Alliance reflects the UK Government's commitment to strengthening partnerships between higher education, government and industry, ensuring the nation has the skills, research capabilities and resilience required to meet future opportunities and challenges.