Understanding Evolving Security Risks: The NABS+ Initiative
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting geopolitical landscapes, the need for a comprehensive understanding of security risks has never been more critical. Recognizing this imperative, Lancaster University has been awarded £3.5 million to lead the Network Plus for Analytical Behavioural Science (NABS+) in Security and Defence. This initiative, in collaboration with Bath, Cardiff, and Edinburgh universities, aims to create a new understanding of how individual and population-level security risks evolve.
The Vision Behind NABS+
NABS+ is not just a research project; it is a concerted effort to bridge the gap between social science theory and practical applications in security and defence. With over £2.8 million of funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), NABS+ seeks to foster a vibrant and inclusive community of researchers and end-users. Professor Stacey Conchie, who leads the network, emphasizes the importance of combining social science insights with novel data analytics to tackle national challenges effectively.
“I’m honoured to lead this important initiative,” Professor Conchie stated. “Our goal is to develop a community that is better equipped to respond to existential and acute threats, who understand and can navigate policy dilemmas, and who are adept at working with both ‘big’ and ‘small’ data.”
A Multi-Disciplinary Approach
One of the standout features of NABS+ is its commitment to a multi-disciplinary approach. The initiative will bring together experts from various fields, including social sciences, industry, government, and other stakeholder groups. This collaborative environment is designed to facilitate independent research and skill development that aligns with the needs of policymakers and national security organizations.
Professor Laura Smith, Deputy Director of NABS+, highlights the significance of this collaboration. “Researchers from Bath’s Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour conduct cutting-edge research that places people at the heart of digital security. With this investment and opportunity for collaboration across sectors and institutions, we will be able to leverage our critical mass of expertise to generate transformative answers to some of the most pressing challenges of our time involving the threats and risks presented by the interaction between people, digital technologies, and data.”
Addressing Emerging Threats
In today’s interconnected world, emerging threats to security and defence are evolving at an unprecedented pace. NABS+ aims to address these challenges by proposing a range of activities that will map threats and opportunities, allowing researchers and practitioners to engage directly with data. This hands-on approach is crucial for developing actionable insights that can inform policy and practice.
The initiative recognizes the dual nature of new technologies—they pose significant risks but also offer opportunities for resilience. By understanding how these technologies interact with human behaviour, NABS+ aims to create a framework that enhances security while promoting innovation.
Building Societal Resilience
The funding from UKRI is part of their strategic theme, "Building a Secure and Resilient World." Christopher Smith, Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council, underscores the importance of this initiative in fostering societal resilience. “We live in a highly interconnected and interdependent world where events can escalate quickly into major international social, political, and economic crises. The UK needs to build societal and global resilience to these shocks, playing a facilitating role in maintaining a secure international order and managing impacts across the world.”
NABS+ is poised to play a vital role in this mission by creating a network that not only addresses current security challenges but also anticipates future risks. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, the initiative aims to build a robust framework for understanding and mitigating security risks.
Conclusion
The NABS+ initiative represents a significant step forward in the field of security and defence. By combining the expertise of multiple disciplines and leveraging innovative data analytics, this project aims to create a deeper understanding of how security risks evolve at both individual and population levels. As the world continues to face complex challenges, initiatives like NABS+ will be essential in building a secure and resilient future.
For more information about NABS+, you can visit NABS+.