Lancaster University unveils cutting-edge computing and cyber security facilities

By Rob Kelly

24 Apr 2025

Head of Lancaster University's School of Computing and Communications Professor Nigel Davies, Chris Ensor, Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Sarah Kemp

Lancaster University has officially opened one of the largest educational facilities in the country to help train the next generation of computer science and cyber security students.

The facilities, opened by Chris Ensor, Deputy Director, National Cyber Security Centre, were given a £4m grant from the Office for Students (OfS).

They will support teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, an executive MBA and professional training and reskilling.

The new developments demonstrate the university's ambitions to support the growth in demand for experts in computer science, data science, software engineering and cyber security. They include:

  • Eight specialist teaching laboratories – co-created by students and equipped with the latest technology, the labs support large-scale data visualisation, software engineering, computer-intensive tasks, and cyber security programming. The labs are a highly customisable environment designed to meet the needs of different students, modes of study and enhance the overall student experience.
  • Data Immersion Suite – The suite and accompanying control room are dedicated teaching and research facilities with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment including a 22-metre partial wrap-around video wall comprising of 48x55’’ high resolution screens. The facility enables students, academics, policy makers and engineers to explore complex problems using on-screen data visualisations with real-time updates from cyber and physical systems. It allows users to generate scenarios which unfold over hours or days to create a life-like experience.

The Data Immersion Suite offers businesses and industry the opportunity to engage with experts from Lancaster University to understand how they can use the facility to explore data-driven solutions tailored to their business. ​

The suite enables organisations to collaborate with Lancaster researchers, carry out training sessions, and conduct practical workshops.

The opening coincides with the arrival of the National Cyber Force (NCF) in Salmesbury, Lancashire, which presents a unique opportunity for the region to establish itself as a leader in cyber security.

With an anticipated need for approximately 30,000 highly skilled professionals in core cyber roles and a projected quadrupling of the sector’s economic output to £2.8 billion, Lancaster University is strategically poised to help bridge the cyber skills gap and drive innovation with industry.

The new facilities are central to Lancaster University’s Data Cyber Quarter and support the launch of Security and Protection Science at Lancaster, a £19m initiative to boost the University’s teaching and research capabilities around cyber security.

For more information about the facilities, please contact [email protected]

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London. The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and the Rt Hon Steve Reed (L-R Front Row) David Hammond, and Daniel Knowles

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London.

30 Apr 2025

2

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield Edenfield housing development

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield

29 Apr 2025

3

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens Dovestone Gardens launch

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens

29 Apr 2025

4

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success Louise Kirby

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success

29 Apr 2025

5

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire Lidl

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire

29 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Celebrating 50 years of KTP
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Celebrating 50 years of KTP

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:00

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
13421_research_knowledge_exchange_2025_600x300.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
07 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin