35 universities join UK defence alliance

Thirty-five British universities have joined the new Defence Universities Alliance after selection from nearly 100 applicants, linking academia more closely with the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces and defence industry. The initiative forms part of a £182 million skills package and will focus on cyber security, robotics, artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing. It follows £80 million of MOD funding for 2,500 student places across 24 universities and colleges. The alliance will coordinate research, specialist training and pathways into defence employment, alongside five Defence Technical Excellence Colleges supported by a separate £50 million programme.