Welcome to the Global Uncertainties Programme

Global Uncertainties brings together the activities of the UK Research Councils in response to global security challenges. The programme will help governments, businesses and societies to better predict, detect, prevent and mitigate threats to security.

Over 1 in 5 in the UK have been a victim of online identity theft (Get Safe Online 2009) Almost one third of all people living in cities worldwide live in slums (UN World Water Development Report)

Latest news

NERC publications

Two recent NERC features highlight how natural and environmental research can inform global uncertainties. These include:

EU launches a redesigned website for security research and development

The European Commission launched an updated and redesigned website for security research and development programme to inform about the latest development in the security research sector. The website includes a useful library of relevant programme documentation and will provide information on latest developments on security research priorities in Horizon 2020, the follow on programme to FP7 which is due to commence on 1 January 2014.

EPSRC and ESRC to fund new thinking on infrastructure

New ideas and business models that may change the way the UK's infrastructure is both developed and managed, are to be explored via research funded by the EPSRC and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

Religion, State and Society Special Issue

A special issue of the journal Religion, State and Society on 'Muslim Young People in Britain and Russia' has been published based upon a series of workshops co-funded by the Religion and Society Programme and the New Eurasia Foundation.

Nuffield Council on Bioethics: Novel neurotechnologies

Nuffield Council on Bioethics set up a Working Party to explore the ethical, social and legal issues arising from the development and impact of the 'novel neurotechnologies' that intervene in the brain. They are being developed to help treat diseases such as stroke, dementia, obesity and depression; however the possible use of such technologies for non-medical purposes is becoming a subject of debate.

UK Strategy for Organised Crime Research announced

The UK Home Office published its strategy for Organised Crime Research. The document, Future Directions for Organised Crime Research, sets out a strategic vision for future research, which will underpin an overarching UK strategy against serious and organised crime, launched in July 2011. Home Office will also establish an Organised Crime Virtual Research Network to facilitate information sharing and collaboration between its partners.

EU publishes proposals for Horizon 2020

The European Commission presented its proposals for a new research and innovation funding programme, Horizon 2020. €80 billion package which is part of the drive to create sustainable growth and new jobs in Europe includes support for research in response to six societal challenges. One of these challenges is ‘Inclusive, innovative and secure societies’. Full proposal is available on Horizon 2020 website.

UK announces a new Cybersecurity Strategy

The UK Government announced its new strategy for Cybersecurity. It sets out how the UK will support economic prosperity, protect national security and safeguard the public’s way of life by building a more trusted and resilient digital environment.

Foresight report on Migration and Global Environmental Change

The UK’s Foresight Programme published a report examining how profound changes in environmental conditions such as flooding, drought and rising sea levels will influence and interact with patterns of global human migration over the next 50 years.

EPSRC high level position statements on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure

EPSRC recently published high level position statements on research and innovation in Cybersecurity and supporting research on infrastructure.

FP7 Security workshop on Ethics in Security

FP7 Programme Security theme held a workshop on Ethics in Security Research in Brussels at the end of September. Presentations from the workshop are now available on-line.

Home Office consultation on Aviation Security

Home Office seeks views on the introduction of an authority to carry scheme to prevent individuals who pose a terrorist threat from flying to the UK. The consultation closes on 6 December 2011.

Report from EU’s annual Security Research Conference

European Commission reports that EU’s annually Security Research Conference in Warsaw in September raised expectations for policy and economic growth as EU prepares next seven-year “Horizon 2020” research budget.

Cyber Security in the UK (external PDF)

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology has recently published a short briefing note on cybersecurity, looking at approaches to cyber security in the context of large-scale attacks, with a focus on national infrastructure.


Videos: GU research making an impact

GU-impact Helmand

Two new videos highlight GU research impact on British military operations in Afghanistan and Islamic education in Nigeria.

Latest calls

G:news

G:News is the Global Uncertainties newsletter, providing GU news and events, funding calls and other security-related highlights of interest.

Upcoming events

News submission form

You can now submit your news about Global Uncertainties on our website