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Defence, risk and resilience will be the themes that form the cornerstones of a new Centre of Excellence at the С����Ƶ.  

The Centre of Excellence in Defence, Risk and Resilience (CEDRR) has been designed to prepare professionals for the emergency frontline by combining cutting-edge research with innovative education in three interconnected areas.

The CEDRR is unique in the higher education sector, being the first to adopt a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to the critical themes of defence, risk and resilience. By integrating these areas, the Centre aims to address complex global challenges - from geopolitical conflicts to disaster management - by enhancing prevention strategies and improving response capabilities.

Prof. Sara Hadleigh-Dunn, Prof. Peter Lee, and Prof. Richard Teeuw, all leading experts in their fields, will co-direct the Centre. Together, they will steer its mission to deliver world-class research and education that promote resilience and effective responses to crises, collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organisations, commercial partners, and military collaborators.

Conflict and disasters disproportionately affect the most vulnerable communities, causing immense social and economic disruption. The CEDRR will focus on understanding the drivers of these risks and developing strategies to mitigate them. Through research in areas - such as global governance, geopolitical conflicts, risk mapping, AI, and disaster response - the Centre will serve as a hub for innovative solutions that save lives, protect infrastructure, and foster socio-economic recovery.

Professor Sara Hadleigh-Dunn, Co-Director and Lead for Resilience, CEDRR at the С����Ƶ, said: “At CEDRR, we are not just studying the causes and effects of crises; we are actively developing strategies and solutions that will make a tangible difference. Our holistic approach to resilience, defence, and risk ensures that our work is comprehensive and impactful. We’re excited to work with students, researchers, and practitioners who are passionate about making a difference.”

Professor Peter Lee, Co-Director and Lead for Defence, CEDRR at the С����Ƶ, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “In a complicated world where war, disasters, starvation, drought, and famine often intersect, the challenges are deeply complex. To address these effectively, we need a wide range of expertise and strategic thinking.”

Professor Richard Teeuw, Co-Director and Lead for Risk, CEDRR at the С����Ƶ, added: “Our Centre is dedicated to addressing these challenges through interdisciplinary research and education. By bringing together expertise from diverse fields, we can better understand risks and develop more effective strategies to mitigate them.”

The CEDRR is not just a research centre, it’s also an educational resource. It offers a variety of opportunities, from Learning at work degrees and short courses to bespoke executive education, available on-campus, online, or via distance learning. This flexibility ensures that professionals from all backgrounds, including military personnel, first responders, and resilience practitioners, can enhance their skills and knowledge in risk management and disaster response.

The Centre builds on the successful activities of the University’s Security and Risk Theme and the Risk and Resilience Research and Innovation Group. It brings together over 60 members from across the University, pooling their expertise to create a platform for future initiatives.

The С����Ƶ has a proven track record in these fields, with established partnerships including the South Central Regional Defence and Security Cluster, Space South Central, the UN World Food Programme, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy,d the London Fire Brigade and the Institute of Search and Technical Rescue.