£8 million academic-industry centre launched to deliver advanced skills and innovation needed to secure communication networks of the future

FORT is supported by £8 million in government funding, through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The launch event, hosted at the University of Surrey's 5G/6G Innovation Centre, highlighted the importance of training postgraduate researchers in the fast-evolving fields of wireless communications, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and networking. At least 50 PhD researchers will develop their skills and industry-ready innovations over the next eight years.

The event featured demonstrations, discussions and networking sessions, providing attendees with insights into the future of telecommunications, AI, and cybersecurity. Industry partners shared their vision for the collaboration, stressing the significance of academic-industry partnerships in addressing the real-world challenges faced by the telecommunications sector.