Academic Centre of Cyber Security Excellence

The University of Melbourne is one of two institutions chosen to lead the Federal Government’s efforts to build the cyber security expertise and job-ready skills needed by Australian industries.

The University of Melbourne and Edith Cowan University will share $1.9 million in Federal Government funding as Australia’s first Academic Centres of Cyber Security Excellence.

Melbourne School of Engineering Dean Iven Mareels said the recognition reflected the University’s long-term teaching and research focus on cyber security.

“We have made this a priority area for engagement with industry and the community, so we can make a greater practical impact with our research and education programs,” Professor Mareels said.

“We have a track record of partnerships with a variety of major corporations, government agencies, start-up companies and leading research institutes around the world.

“We also recognise that in order to build a strong skills pipeline for cyber security in Australia, we need to collaborate with other local research and education institutions so that we can strengthen national capacity.”

Professor Chris Leckie from the University’s School of Computing and Information Systems said the training and research agenda would bring together expertise from the technical disciplines, law and the social sciences.

“This activity, working closely with the Federal Cyber Security Growth Centre, will ensure the Australian economy will have access to cyber security graduates and expertise," Professor Leckie said.

“This will help strengthen existing industries and critical infrastructure, but also help build new jobs and businesses in this rapidly emerging sector.”