Dr Annette Southgate has joined Cranfield University as Director of Security, in a secondment from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office where she is Deputy Director Business Development for the UK Civil Service.

With a background in roles that led IT service delivery and programme management, Annette has experience of working with the national and international security community.

Dr Southgate said: I am really excited to come to Cranfield and combine my experience within technology and engineering leadership and love of working with people, with the brilliant research, minds and facilities Cranfield has to offer. I strongly believe this partnership will be something special for both organisations to be proud of.”

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Defence and Security at Cranfield University, Professor Mark Richardson said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Annette to Cranfield University and I’m certain she will have a quick and positive impact. This is a great opportunity to develop our partnerships in the security community, using Annette’s long-standing expertise and experience in fostering fruitful collaborations.”

Dr Southgate initially joins Cranfield for a 3-year secondment period. She holds a PhD in seed longevity and thermal chemistry, awarded by Birkbeck University and sponsored by Kew Gardens.

About Cranfield University

Cranfield University is one of the world's leading universities for defence and security education, research and consultancy.

Our staff and facilities are at the forefront of their fields, offering a diverse range of capabilities from energetics and forensic sciences to international stabilisation and cyber security.

Cranfield provides specialist knowledge to industry, security and emergency services, military, governments and NGOs, underpinning defence and security sector reform around the world. As a postgraduate academic provider to the UK’s Ministry of Defence, we offer a unique gateway to delivering practical education and solutions that make a real difference to the lives of military, security and civilian personnel.