Uni of Gloucestershire to host £5.8m cyber facility as it partners with CyNam

The University of Gloucestershire has launched a partnership with CyNam as work continues on a new £5.8 million cyber and computing facility at the university’s Park Campus.

CyNam – a Cheltenham-centric not-for-profit platform to encourage networking, innovation and collaboration within the cyber sector – has been invited to consult on the facilities alongside Hub8 and Plexal.

The project is set to deliver a cyber control centre, virtual reality facility, digital lounge, and enhanced teaching and learning spaces designed to support collaboration with businesses.

These spaces will be equipped with the latest technology, including an internet of things kit and photogrammetry equipment capable of capturing 3D objects in different locations.

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It’s all intended to help students connect with industry and the business community, ensuring that they graduate with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive the sector forward.

The university recently appointed DP Designs to deliver its vision for the facility, which is backed by funding from the Office for Students (OfS) and due for completion in the 2024–25 academic year.

Professor Jackie Labbe, deputy vice-chancellor and university provost, said: “We’re excited by the wide-ranging possibilities offered by our new facilities at Park Campus and our growing connections with the cyber and tech community in the region.

“Together, these developments will strengthen our community, digital and employer connections, open the door to new research and development and see us play a leading role with our partners in addressing the skills gap in cyber and emerging tech in the county and beyond.”

The university’s partnership with CyNam will also enable a programme of community-building events – including EmPowerCyber, which will bring together 1,000 Year 8 girls from across the region later this year.

This event aims to empower young girls to explore opportunities in the world of cybersecurity, with the ultimate aim of better female representation in the cyber workforce.

Chris Dunning-Walton, director of CyNam, added: “We’re thrilled to announce a new strategic partnership for the next two years with University of Gloucestershire.

“Together, we’ll be able to supercharge networking, collaboration, and innovation in Gloucestershire’s cyber and tech community to drive growth and prosperity for the region.”

Moving forward, Gareth Nelson, senior lecturer in computer science, will have a dual role across the university and CyNam to support the aims and development of the partnership.

For now, CyNam is gearing up for its first headline event of the year – CyNam 24.1 – at Oxstalls Campus on Tuesday 19th March, where the partnership will be officially launched.

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