New strategic partnership with SP Energy Networks
A new sector-leading collaboration between the University and SP Energy Networks has been announced.
The multi‑year partnership will create a sector‑leading ‘Cyber Defence Lab’, fund PhD and graduate apprenticeship programmes and develop data, cyber, digital and AI skills needed to deliver a resilient, net-zero electricity system.
The partnership builds on years of positive collaboration between the University and the network operator and brings together their strengths in engineering, data science, artificial intelligence and cyber security.
Professor Chris Pearce is Vice-Principal, Research and Knowledge Exchange: “We’re pleased to be building on our longstanding relationship with SP Energy Networks with the launch of this new strategic partnership, which will allow us to harness the wealth of expertise on both sides for the benefit of all. Together, we will develop valuable new opportunities for cutting-edge research and create learning and career pathways in fields that will help make the country greener and safer for years to come.”
Jen Davies is Head of Workforce Renewal at SP Energy Networks: “At the heart of this partnership is something deeply important to us: investing in our people and attracting new talent into our industry. Through graduate apprenticeships, PhD sponsorships and short, specialist credentials, we’re creating more routes than ever for people at every stage of their careers to develop and grow with us.
“This collaboration will give our teams access to the latest thinking from leading academic minds. It’s an approach that supports retention, builds confidence and reinforces the long-term resilience of SP Energy Networks.”