The National Cyber Resilience Centre Group (NCRCG) has today announced that Detective Inspector Martin Wilson has been appointed as the company’s first-ever Researcher in Residence.
The newly-established Researcher in Residence position marks NCRCG and the wider CRC network’s commitment to conducting high-quality, academic research around SME engagement in cyber resilience – alongside providing technical advice. With around 9,000 SMEs registered with the CRC network to date, it is essential that we are using informed, academic research to determine the best ways to engage and communicate with this growing SME base.
As Researcher in Residence, Martin will be contributing published research to the CRC network, completed as part of his ongoing PhD studies at Abertay University. Martin has over two decades of policing experience having begun his career as an officer with Durham Constabulary in 2003, before serving for eight years at the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit as a Cyber Protect officer. In 2019, he joined the North East Business Resilience Centre (NEBRC), which is sponsoring his PhD, and is now serving as Head of Student Services.
Through his research, Martin is looking specifically at human-computer interactions in smaller businesses and the reasons why SMEs can often appear hesitant or reluctant to engage in conversations around cybersecurity. In conducting his studies, Martin has benefited from the support of renowned experts at Abertay University, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Alastair Irons and Visiting Professor Dr Sharon McDonald.
Now approaching the final stages of his research, Martin has gathered extensive and invaluable insight into the attitudes and mindsets of the SME community. These understandings will ultimately be used by NCRCG and the CRC network to inform our approach to SME engagement – making the process both more efficient and more effective.
Speaking about his appointment, Martin said:
“I am very proud to be appointed NCRCG’s first Researcher in Residence. Since I began working in cybercrime, I have always been focused on how we can prevent cybercrime from taking place and best engage individuals and businesses across our communities so they can better protect themselves. Not only is this research therefore of real interest to me but it is also something I am confident will improve the way the CRC network is communicating with SMEs.”
NCRCG CEO, Detective Superintendent Ian Kirby, said:
“I am delighted that Martin will be continuing with his vital research in his new role as NCRCG’s Researcher in Residence. Martin’s novel and innovative insights will be of great value to the CRC network, helping regional centres across the country to communicate even more effectively with SMEs. By working closely with academia – alongside policing, government and business – we have the best potential to minimise the risks posed by cyber criminals.
“Our Researcher in Residence role is something we very much hope to develop over the coming months and years so that we can continue to strengthen our relationship with academia, and ensure we’re benefiting from refreshed and cutting-edge thinking.”
If you are interested in becoming a Researcher in Residence and conducting essential research in support of NCRCG and the CRC network, please email: enquiries@nationalcrcgroup.co.uk
