About us

CDT-FORT is a collaboration between the University of Surrey and Queen's University Belfast, combining the expertise of:

Our centres have been recognised for their research excellence through various awards, including ACE-CSR and ACE-CSE recognition, a Queen's Anniversary Prize, and a Royal Academy of Engineering Bhattacharyya Award.

The need for open, secure, and resilient future communication systems is critical for the UK's ambition to diversify its 5G/6G supply chain, as highlighted in the UK government's Integrated Review and DCMS Task Force recommendations. CDT-FORT directly addresses this national need by nurturing future innovators and enhancing the UK's position in the global ecosystem.

The programme aligns with EPSRC's Digital Futures research priority and the 2022 National Cyber Strategy, which emphasize the importance of resilient, secure-by-design digital technologies. As future networks will underpin Critical National Infrastructure, ensuring their security and resilience is vital.

Currently, the UK faces a shortage of skilled professionals capable of addressing the challenges in future open, secure, and resilient Networks of Networks. CDT-FORT aims to fill this gap, meeting the growing demand from industry partners and government bodies for expertise in this crucial field.

Why CDT-FORT matters:

Aims:

  • Produce industry-conscious thinkers and leaders with expertise in wireless communications, cybersecurity, networking, and AI

  • Address industry-relevant challenges in future open, secure, and resilient communication systems

  • Conduct responsible research and effective innovation in emerging technologies

  • Create a pipeline of skilled professionals from school pupils to alumni

Apply now to be part of this exciting opportunity to shape the future of secure and resilient networks!

Meet the team

Regius Prof R. Tafazolli
(University of Surrey)
Principal Investigator

Regius Prof M. O'Neill
(Queen's University Belfast)
Co-Investigator

Prof L. Chen
(University of Surrey)
Co-Investigator

Dr T Brown
(University of Surrey)
CDT Director

Dr J Martinez del Rincon
(Queen's University Belfast)
CDT Co-Director

Prof M Dianati
Director for Industry Engagement

Programme Team

Adele Ward
CDT Programme Manager

Queen’s University Belfast

To Follow
CDT Co-Manager

University of Surrey

Governance

Executive Advisory Board

The CDT-FORT EAB will comprises an international group of world leading academics and industry researchers. The Group will meet annually to review the strategic direction of CDT-FORT, maintain alignment with both Queen’s and Surrey’s research and PGR training strategy, and help position the CDT against emerging trends and challenges.

  • Dr Mike Short, Chair

    Professor Keith Martin  

    Professor Alywn Seeds  

    Professor Gerard Parr MBE          

    Carl Shaw,Codasip

    Alain Mourad,Interdigital

    Mohammad Hossein Zoualfaghari, AWTG

    Stephanie Russin, EPSRC

    Prof Rahim Tafazolli, UoS

    Dr Tim   Brown, UoS  

    Prof Liquen Chen, UoS

    Prof Maire O'Neil, QUB

    Adele Ward, QUB

    Professor Jesus Martinez del Rincon, QUB

    Professor Mehrdad Dianati, QUB

Training and Scientific Management Board

The TSMB has responsibility for the research and training strategy. The Board will be responsible for: (i) alignment of the PhD projects with the CDT vision and strategy; (ii) cross-disciplinarity via appropriate selection of project themes and supervisors; (iii) linkages between projects against common challenges (iv) research and innovation initiatives (follow-on research or proof-of-concept grant applications, business development)

  • The TSMB includes all members of the EAB, representatives from all Industry Partners and Academic Leads for each Research Theme.