University Secures Prestigious Award for Defence and Security AI…

The University of Lincoln has secured a major research award from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), leading a consortium of seven UK universities to advance the application of artificial intelligence in defence decision-making and wargaming. The collaborative partners are the Universities of Lincoln, Cambridge, Oxford, the Open University, Salford, Sheffield and Ulster.

The project, led by Dr Patrick Finnegan, Deputy Director of Executive Education and Skills and Academic Lead for Defence and Security at the University of Lincoln, was one of only two funded nationally following a highly competitive process.

The consortium will explore how advanced AI can support complex decision-making in national security contexts, with practical applications for defence strategy and operations. As our world becomes increasingly digitalised and AI continues to evolve at pace, it is critical that academic research informs and advances the rapid, ethical and explainable adoption of these technologies for national security benefit.

Julian Free, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Defence Lead at the University of Lincoln, and a former military leader, said: "This award confirms Lincoln's growing capability and presence in defence research in this nationally vital field, drawing on the University's close relationships with Armed Forces in the region and beyond.

"By convening leading universities and working closely with stakeholders in government, the military and industry, we are building the intellectual and technological capacity the UK needs to meet rapidly evolving threats seen in conflict zones today."

Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, added: "This announcement recognises Lincoln's capacity to apply AI, machine learning and data science techniques to national challenges in a creative way. It builds on our considerable track record in applying these technologies in agriculture and food production, recognised by the Queen's Anniversary Prize for our innovative application of AI and robotics in 2023.

"Now, through initiatives such as DecisionWorks, we are collaborating with government, industrial and academic partners to lead on innovation in decision intelligence, enhancing our reputation as a neutral and trusted convenor, linking users and their challenges to innovation talent. This is how we strengthen the UK's defence and security capabilities while building sustainable skills and innovation capacity to drive regional and national growth."

Dr Patrick Finnegan added: "Our research will advance the state of the art in AI for wargaming and decision support and strengthen the vital connection between academia and defence. It will do so by exploring how AI can enhance second-order theory of mind in adversarial scenarios, offering a transition towards the next generation of wargames. Collaboration with our partner institutions will ensure this project draws upon the best expertise from across the UK, with Lincoln at the centre of this effort."

The University's location in Lincolnshire, close to the heart of UK intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, underpins its growing role as a trusted partner in defence innovation. Alongside research programmes, the University is leading DecisionWorks, a new 'triple helix' innovation collaboration anchored in Lincoln.

Research and innovation activity is strengthened by a long and celebrated track record in delivering military education, leadership of the Greater Lincolnshire Regional Defence & Security Cluster, and a broad and proactive commitment to military and veteran causes. The region showcased its collective contributions to Defence recently at DSEI - the Biennial Defence Exhibition in London.