£1m Fund for Academic-Industry Aviation Security Research

Industrial PhD Partnership grants are available to UK universities in collaboration with industry to conduct significant research into the future of aviation security.

A new joint initiative between the Department for Transport and the Home Office will support UK universities seeking to carry out cutting edge research into the next generation of aviation security solutions.

The £1 million Future Aviation Security Solutions (FASS) programme is offering the funding to universities through Industrial PhD Partnership (IPP) grants.

All universities in the UK can apply for the FASS IPPs which will bring industry and academia together to mentor students in developing innovative aviation security measures that help create seamless movement of passengers and cargo in the airports of the future. The programme will contribute to national security by improving the UK’s ability to prevent terrorist attacks and could lead to the creation of new products and services that enable faster, more effective airport screening processes.

In addition, FASS IPPs will also enhance the UK’s national security expertise by creating a pool of highly-skilled researchers. Successful students will have academic and industry supervisors helping them to build a network of contacts across the aviation sector and gain relevant work experience that could lead to employment opportunities.

Home Office Security Minister Brandon Lewis said:

“The introduction of these grants is an important part of our work to make sure the UK continues to boast the world class skills and experience needed to remain at the cutting edge of aviation security.

“This is the latest example of the FASS fulfilling its vital role of bringing government, industry and academic experts together to ensure that we keep ahead of the evolving threats we face.”

Applications to FASS IPP will need to have both a university and industry partner in order to be eligible. There will be three brokerage events which will bring together universities and potential industry partners to network and learn about the full application process:

Those that can’t attend any of the brokerage events or are interested in finding out more information about the grants, can contact: fassipp@cp.catapult.org.uk