Centre for Science & Security Studies

The Centre for Science and Security Studies (CSSS) is a multi-disciplinary research and teaching group that brings together scientific experts with specialists in politics, international relations and history. CSSS forms part of the School of Security Studies at King’s and draws on experts from the Department of War Studies and the Department of Defence Studies. Members of the Centre conduct scholarly and policy-relevant research on weapons proliferation, non-proliferation, verification and disarmament, nuclear security, space security and mass effect terrorism including the CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) dimension. In addition to academic staff, CSSS hosts masters and postgraduate research students, as well as visiting fellows and associates drawn from the academic, government and business sectors. Our educational activities include contributions to the undergraduate and postgraduate offerings in the Department of War Studies, as well as professional development workshops for industry professionals. CSSS offers an MA in Science & International Security (launched 2005) and a variety of relevant MA optional modules including on arms control, non-proliferation and open source intelligence. Our teaching in these areas focus largely on developing multi-disciplinary approaches, theoretical tools, and critical skills for the analysis of current policy problems and emphasises active student learning through the use of case-studies, simulations, and discussion seminars. Alongside our taught modules and research supervision, CSSS also focuses on engagement with industry, government and international organisations, and the wider dissemination of research findings through interaction with the media. These activities include executive education and specialised professional development courses for practitioners with a focus on supporting the implementation of nuclear security measures and efforts to counter proliferation-related trade.