Welcome to the first CRANE newsletter, wingspan. We hope that this will become a regular monthly round-up of what is happening in CRANE: and we will also be pleased to carry short news items of interest from/for the wider cyber security academic community.
The central mission of CRANE is to strengthen the UK’s cyber security research community. We’re kicking off several initiatives with that goal in mind, with some working groups and special interest groups listed below, as well as a call for more to come. We are starting to see regional cyber security get-togethers organised, and these will be live-streamed to the CRANE community. We are progressing our core activity exploring the horizons for cyber security research priorities. We have inaugurated a Community Advisory Board to give input on how we shape these and other activities. Central to that mission is seeing inclusion from across the sector, and helping the development of the careers of the next generation of cyber security research leaders: do look out for opportunities within CRANE specifically for ECR involvement and development.
Key to the success of CRANE will be building that widespread involvement. We are sending this edition to anyone who’s expressed an interest through various channels so far: in future, we will make a more extensive members’ database, but we are still working on getting the security and privacy of that right. Please do forward this newsletter as needed: and if you didn’t receive it direct from a mailing list, please do use the CRANE website to sign up for future news. If you’re new to CRANE, please do see the website for more information: we expect it to be a rapidly-growing resource centre for the research community. If you have ideas, or want to offer particular skills, expertise, or connections, please do get in touch via the CRANE email box.
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Launching a call for SIG and WG proposals
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One of the ways we are seeking to support the research community is through the creation of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Working Groups (WGs) around topics of interest identified by the community.
Today we launch a call for proposals for the formation of groups, with aims such as:
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- exploration of a research topic where a nascent UK research community already exists but would benefit from additional focus;
- continuing (coordinating) a programme of research begun elsewhere;
- initial discussions of an emerging research theme;
- preparation of a proposal for a substantive research project (e.g. a Platform Grant);
- defining pilot studies which may lead to a more substantial research agenda
- developing understanding of the research needs of a particular sector or application domain;
- scoping the translation of research into practice.
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Visit our website to read the call and submit a proposal. The deadline for this call is Monday 27 October 2025, 17:00 GMT
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Support our technology trends tracking
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We’re launching a new initiative to systematically track emerging technology trends using an evidence-based, multi-horizon approach (short: 1–2 years, medium: 3–7 years, long: 8+ years). This work aligns with our objective to identify and articulate opportunities for game-changing developments in cyber security research.
Your input will be essential. On 1 November 2025, we’ll launch a structured expert survey to capture insights across two technologies we are focusing on this year – AI and Robotics. The results will help shape our community’s direction, guide partners, and inform upcoming calls-for-proposals.
Please share this with colleagues who may be interested, and encourage them to join our mailing list to receive the survey when it’s released.
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Become a Regional Co-ordinator
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Working in collaboration with Cyber Security & Resilience Seminar Series (CySe3) we are supporting a series of regional hybrid seminars to engage cyber security research communities. We are grateful to a number of Co-ordinators who have already stepped forward to support this activity and we look forward to announcing seminars shortly.
We are however still seeking Co-ordinators for a number of regions. If you could support this activity, please visit our website to find out more and submit an expression of interest.
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Support the Learned Society formation
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Shujun Li from the University of Kent is drafting the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Learned Society Formation Working Group (also known as the Learned Society’s Preparation Committee). If you are interested in be part of the ToR drafting process, please contact Shujun Li via S.J.Li@kent.ac.uk
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Introducing our Inclusive Careers Working Group
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Tuesday 28 October, 10:00 – 11:30, Online
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We are excited to announce the launch of CRANE’s Inclusive Careers Working Group—a space dedicated to how CRANE can best manage an inclusive cyber security research network that is fair and equitable in its approach.
The Inclusive Careers Working Group is a space where we can come together to discuss how to make cyber security research career development and opportunities accessible to everyone. We aim to create a networking culture that supports all researchers in growing, regardless of their background, identity, or career stage.
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By joining, you will have the chance to shape how we approach inclusivity in CRANE. Whether you have lived experiences to share, innovative ideas to contribute, or just a passion for inclusion, your voice matters.
Register to join our first meeting, or email us to find out more.
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Join our Research Practices SIG
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Monday 27 October, 14:00 – 15:30, Online
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We are delighted to invite you to join the CRANE Research Practices Special Interest Group. We will discuss how cyber security research intersects with ethics, law, and regulation.
During our initial meeting, we will outline the scope for the working group and plan for future activities. Initial proposed deliverables from the working group include an approach to ethics for CRANE, a code of practice for the upcoming learned society, guidance for cybersecurity researchers and their institutions, and engagement with policymakers.
Register to join our first meeting, or email us to find out more.
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CyBOK Showcase – Edinburgh, 3 November 2025
CyBOK (Cyber Security Body of Knowledge) is hosting a free, in-person Showcase event at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, on Monday 3 November 2025, 10am to 2pm.
CyBOK is a comprehensive framework that consolidates expert knowledge across key areas of cyber security. It underpins education, training, and professional development by providing a structured and accessible reference for both academia and industry.
The Showcase will bring together cyber security researchers, educators, and industry professionals to:
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- Explore resources developed through CyBOK-funded small projects
- Discover new Topic Guides on Cloud Security and Security-Informed Safety
- Learn about CyBOK’s transition to a Community Interest Company (CIC)
- Discuss real-world cyber challenges
- Network with peers across different sectors
- Find out about upcoming CyBOK initiatives
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IoTSF Conference – London, 30 October 2025
IoTSF (IoT Security Foundation) is hosting it’s annual conference dedicated to IoT security.
Register and catch up with the CRANE team at our exhibition stand.
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Do you have news you want to share with the CRANE community? We invite you to share any events, calls, opportunities, publications or training opportunities in future editions of this newsletter. Please send your news to crane@cs.ox.ac.uk before 24 October to be included in the next edition.
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