The role of academia and education in national defence, security and resilience is crucial, yet it tends to be often underestimated or overlooked. Recognising their value and investing in them is essential for a safer and more resilient future. Academic institutions play a pivotal role in advancing research and innovation. They contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies, strategies, and policies that enhance national security.

Whether it’s cybersecurity, military science or disaster management, universities and research centres drive progress. Educational institutions produce the next generation of military and security leaders. Officers, analysts and strategists receive specialised training in military academies, intelligence schools and defence colleges. These institutions instil discipline, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Academia collaborates with defence agencies, sharing expertise and resources. Joint research projects, internships and exchange programmes bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Think tanks and policy institutes also contribute by analysing security challenges. For example, the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of academic research in public health. Universities study infectious diseases, vaccine development and healthcare infrastructure. They also educate the public on preventive measures.

In this presentation Dr David Crouch will explore the various channels in which academia and education support national defence, security and resilience in the UK.

The Terrorism Risk Assessment, Modelling and Mitigation Seminar Series (TRAMMSS) is a virtual seminar series focused on technical topics related to terrorism risk assessment and modelling, including blast modelling and response; IEDs; vehicles as weapons; CBRN; big data for risk assessment, security and screening; and associated mitigation measures.

Speakers

Dr David Crouch is a professional chemist, with 30+ years’ global experience in the fields of extreme hazard operations, materials science, PPE and CBRN remediation. David is a chartered chemist (CChem), European Chemist (EurChem), Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and Fellow of the Institute of Civil Protection and Emergency Management (FICPEM). He is also a member of Institute of Decontamination Science (MIDSc) and Society for Radiological Protection (MSRP). A Senior Lecturer in Counter-CBRN at Cranfield University (Defence & Security), a Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and the current chairman of the European Section and International Board Member of the International Society for Respiratory Protection (ISRP). David is also the resident technical director at United CBRN Ltd, providing specialist defence, security and resilience consultancy to numerous global organizations including the Resilience Advisors Network, as an international advisor. Further career highlights include:

  • Global Subject Matter Expert (Defence and Public Safety) – 3M
  • Associate Director – Military & Civil Defence – Scott Safety (Tyco)
  • Research Fellow – University of Manchester
  • Chairman of CBRN-UK
  • ADS Security Sector Council
  • Emergency Planning Society - CBRN Professional Working Group
  • Member of various International Standards Development committees

Who should attend

This seminar is open to guests from outside Cranfield, who may work in academia, research or industry. Due to the potentially sensitive nature of this seminar series, guests should be able to show that they are affiliated with an appropriate bona fide organisation.

Cost

The event is free of charge, but participants must register for the TRAMMSS mailing list in advance.

How to register

To attend this seminar, you must register for the TRAMMSS mailing list. Further information on the TRAMMSS community can be found on the main website at cranfield.ac.uk/TRAMMSS.