University of Gloucestershire forms first post-Brexit partnership to deliver cyber security centre in Germany
4.2 million euros has been secured to establish the centre
The University of Gloucestershire is joining forces with The Fachhochschule del Mittselsands (FHM) University to establish an institute for cyber security and digital innovation in Germany.
Funding of 4.23 million euros over five years has been secured from the Düren district in Germany for the University of Gloucestershire and the University of Applied Sciences for Medium-Sized Enterprises (FHM) to establish the new facility.
The partnership will be crucial to the district's economic regeneration plans, supporting business growth in high-innovation, high-skill sectors.
The new institute will offer training in the area of data protection and cyber security for businesses in the Rhineland region, tailored to their specific needs, promoting cyber security and digital innovation in small and medium-sized businesses.
It will also increase the education opportunities available to local people, equipping them to thrive in a digital world and providing more skilled workers that will help address the cyber skills gap.
The first activities are planned to launch in Autumn 2021 and will lay the platform for the future development of a centre of excellence in applied cyber and digital sciences in Düren.
This campus will offer degree programmes at a range of levels geared towards preparing students to meet the emerging opportunities and challenges of an increasingly digital economy, including Cyber and Computer Security and Digital Business Management.
Stephen Marston, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with FHM University to establish this ground-breaking project in Düren.
"The project will deliver first class digital education and research and support businesses to address a key skills shortage in an area of Germany which has exceptional potential for sustainable growth.
"This investment by the Düren district presents a great opportunity to work together, building on our track record and expertise as a University in delivering high quality cyber/digital programmes, in supporting business innovation through our award-winning Growth Hub, and in working with civic partners to support economic regeneration. "