Global uncertainties

The Research Councils UK (RCUK) Global uncertainties programme is examining the causes of insecurity and how security risks and threats best can be predicted, prevented and managed. The programme is one of six RCUK priority themes and brings together the activities of all seven UK Research Councils to better integrate current research investments as well as support new multi-disciplinary research in security.

The programme will also foster collaboration between academic partners and funders and a range of national and international policy makers, public bodies, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and the public.

The Global uncertainties programme focuses on six core areas:

• Cyber-security
• Ideologies and beliefs
• Proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive weapons and technologies
• Terrorism
• Threats to infrastructures
• Transnational organised crime

The programme will also explore how developments in these areas are affected by environmental change and diminishing natural recourses, food security, demographic change, poverty, inequality and poor governance, new and old conflicts, natural disasters and pandemics, expansion of digital technologies, economic downturn and other important global developments.

If you would like to read more about Cybersecurity: research and innovation for a more secure Britain (PDF 5MB) please read through the position statement.

More information can be found on the RCUK Global uncertainties programme website.

View an A-Z list of all research areas within the EPSRC portfolio, or all research areas within this theme.

To see the broader digital economy portfolio across all councils please visit the RCUK Global uncertainties programme website.