Strengthening research ties: University and NUCES sign collaboration agreement

The University of Wolverhampton (UoW) and the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (NUCES) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance international collaboration in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) - two fields that are increasingly vital to global economic growth and digital resilience.

Cybersecurity and AI are at the forefront of global challenges and opportunities. According to the UK Government, the cyber security sector contributed £11.9 billion to the UK economy in 2023, employing over 58,000 people across 1,800 firms. Meanwhile, the UK’s AI market is valued at over £21 billion and is projected to exceed £1 trillion by 2035 (Forbes, 2024). These figures underscore the urgent need for robust digital infrastructure and the transformative potential of AI.

The MoU between UoW and NUCES - one of Pakistan’s top-ranked universities for computer science and emerging technologies - will foster scientific collaboration, joint research, and cultural exchange. NUCES is ranked #2 nationally for Computer Science (HEC Pakistan) and consistently features among the top universities in South Asia in the QS Asia University Rankings.

This strategic partnership will:

• Promote scientific collaborations and cultural exchanges to enhance research and teaching.
• Jointly develop research activities and projects, including participation in international funding opportunities.
• Facilitate student placements through curricular and extra-curricular internships.

The collaboration will leverage the expertise of the Centre for Cyber Resilience and Artificial Intelligence (CYBRAI) at UoW, whose mission is to drive innovation, empower communities, and build cyber resilience and AI capabilities. Together, the institutions aim to tackle global challenges in critical infrastructure, IoT security, applied machine learning, healthcare, and next-generation security architectures.

Prof Zeeshan Pervez, Director of CYBRAI at the University of Wolverhampton, said:

“This collaboration with NUCES reflects our shared vision for advancing innovation in cyber resilience and AI. By working together, we will deliver research with real-world impact, empowering communities, supporting industry, and equipping the next generation of students and researchers to thrive in an increasingly digital society.”

Prof Muhammad Asim, Director of the PROTECT Lab at NUCES, added:

“This partnership with the University of Wolverhampton marks an important step in strengthening international collaboration in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. Together, we are committed to addressing global challenges in digital security and resilience while shaping the future of technology.”