New Fulbright Cyber Security Award Open for 2016-17

The Cabinet Office and the Fulbright Commission Support Cyber Security with New Awards

• Applications now open for the new Fulbright Cyber Security Award
• The award will enable UK experts in cyber security to conduct research at any US institution for 3 to 6 months
• The first cohort will take up their awards in the academic year 2016-17

The US-UK Fulbright Commission is now accepting applications for its new Cyber Security Awards.

The Fulbright Cyber Security Awards, announced in January 2015, were the initiative of the Cabinet Office as part of a package of increased US-UK cyber security cooperation discussed on the visit of Prime Minister David Cameron to the White House for talks with President Obama.

Both governments agreed to support and fund these new awards. The awards for US citizens have been open since the beginning of the year. Parallel awards for UK citizens are now open.

The new Award will provide an opportunity for some of the brightest minds to conduct research in cybersecurity in the US. The exchange programme will build networks and encourage collaboration between American and British universities, bringing together world-class cyber security researchers.

This award is designed to enable academic or professional experts in cyber security to conduct research, pursue professional development, and/or assess best practice at any US institution for a period of 3 to 6 months. Research outputs should produce benefits of significance to the larger cyber security community.

In exchange for being hosted at an institution, Fulbright cyber scholars will be a resource for US institutions by offering to speak to students and faculty about cyber security policy and practice in the UK.

Penny Egan CBE, Executive Director, US-UK Fulbright Commission said:

“I am so proud that the US-UK Fulbright Commission could respond so rapidly and run with a new idea that is central to the crucial goal of global security. I feel sure that the US-UK collaboration on this new programme will make a significant contribution to securing all our futures.”

Natalie Black, Director, OCSIA, Cabinet Office said:

“I hope the new Fulbright Cyber Security Award will encourage those who may not have considered a career in cyber before and provide a unique opportunity for those that are more experienced to deepen their knowledge. As a former Fulbright scholar I know what an incredible opportunity this is and it’s fantastic that even more US and UK scholars will be able to meet and collaborate to build a lasting partnership.”

Matthew Hancock, Minister for the Cabinet Office said:

“The UK and the US take cyber security very seriously. Training up the next generation of ‘cyber defenders’ with the launch of the new Fulbright Cyber Security Award encourages future talent on both sides of the Atlantic.  Today’s announcement delivers on the Prime Minister and President Obama’s commitment to work together to defend our critical sectors like our energy, transport and financial infrastructure from cyber threats.”