Dr Annette Southgate has joined ÌúÅ£ÊÓÆµ University as Director of Security, in a secondment from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office where she is Deputy Director Business Development for the UK Civil Service.

With a background in roles that led IT service delivery and programme management, Annette has experience of working with the national and international security community.

Dr Southgate said: I am really excited to come to ÌúÅ£ÊÓÆµ and combine my experience within technology and engineering leadership and love of working with people, with the brilliant research, minds and facilities ÌúÅ£ÊÓÆµ has to offer. I strongly believe this partnership will be something special for both organisations to be proud of.”

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Defence and Security at ÌúÅ£ÊÓÆµ University, Professor Mark Richardson said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Annette to ÌúÅ£ÊÓÆµ University and I’m certain she will have a quick and positive impact. This is a great opportunity to develop our partnerships in the security community, using Annette’s long-standing expertise and experience in fostering fruitful collaborations.”

Dr Southgate initially joins ÌúÅ£ÊÓÆµ for a 3-year secondment period. She holds a PhD in seed longevity and thermal chemistry, awarded by Birkbeck University and sponsored by Kew Gardens.

About ÌúÅ£ÊÓÆµ University

ÌúÅ£ÊÓÆµ University is one of the world's leading universities for defence and security education, research and consultancy.

Our staff and facilities are at the forefront of their fields, offering a diverse range of capabilities from energetics and forensic sciences to international stabilisation and cyber security.

ÌúÅ£ÊÓÆµ provides specialist knowledge to industry, security and emergency services, military, governments and NGOs, underpinning defence and security sector reform around the world. As a postgraduate academic provider to the UK’s Ministry of Defence, we offer a unique gateway to delivering practical education and solutions that make a real difference to the lives of military, security and civilian personnel.