Criminals are benefitting from globalisation without the constraints experienced by law enforcement. To successfully tackle transnational crime, cross-border cooperation is a necessity with the support of an effective mechanism to disseminate information internationally. Information sharing and multi-agency working are integral to preventative and proactive strategies, however, despite calls to share criminal information across borders and evidence of positive outcomes, formal and informal intelligence sharing alliances, and co-ordinated international policing operations, limitations to effectively engage in this process remain. Law enforcement cannot rely on 20th century technology and methods to effectively police the 21st century. Despite billions of pounds being spent across developed countries to improve co-ordinated intelligence responses, there has been no independent analysis as to what works. To meet the demand generated by global offending, an effective solution requires a joined-up approach. In 2003, the Bichard Inquiry was launched following the tragic murder of two young girls in the UK. Failures in the information exchange process prevented forces sharing details about the offender's criminal history. The Police National Database (PND), a national information management system, was launched following a recommendation of the Inquiry, enabling multi-agency sharing of local information on a national-scale, allowing investigators to see the full picture of an individual. Whilst the benefits of the PND are evident, research identified limitations associated with a reluctance to share information, a lack of governance, a resistance to business change and confusing legislation. The developers of the PND are working with the international criminal justice sector to create a similar mechanism, 'CGI iD360', marking a significant turning point for international law enforcement agencies. This project aims to critically assess how information can be effectively exchanged between law enforcement agencies globally, by identifying the crucial underlying factors, specifically in relation to serious organised crime, human trafficking and modern slavery investigations. A mixed methods approach is proposed with participants from the Five Eyes community, including primary data collection via surveys, interviews and multi-agency workshops, and secondary data from law enforcement agencies, which will be examined via quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques. The research will be conducted in collaboration with business, academia and law enforcement, both nationally and internationally, to enable actionable outcomes that will have transnational impact for practice, policy and research. The development of conclusive evidence-based guidance on information exchange practice for law enforcement practitioners and policy makers presents an accessible and informed knowledge base to prevent failures in information exchange, and subsequent safeguarding, from reoccurring. This project will revolutionise the international landscape of information exchange in law enforcement, with significant benefits to practitioners, policy makers, governments, technology developers, the general public and academics.

Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and land use in the UK contribute to global climate change. The UK is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Since 1990, greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and land use have fallen, but in 2020 and 2021 they started rising again. 11% of UK GHG emissions stem from cattle and sheep grazing (7%) and degraded peatlands (4%). This research project is developing an Artificial Intelligence algorithm called a 'Self-Learning Digital Twin' for sustainable land management. A Digital Twin applies computational modelling, environmental measurements and an Artificial Intelligence algorithm to provide new environmental insights into the functioning of a system. Farmers and land managers can ask questions that the Digital Twin can answer. In a nutshell, it is a digital model of the physical environment and is updated from real-time data, so that it mirrors the environment at all times. Digital Twins can support farmers and environmental managers to achieve better outcomes for their greenhouse gas emission reductions, ultimately saving time and resources. The self-learning digital twin learns from real-time satellite images, greenhouse gas measurements from field instruments and other data. Its underlying model improves over time as new data are becoming available. The project will promote sustainable cattle and sheep farming practices and peatland restoration. We will prepare the ground for an ethical and socially responsible application of artificial intelligence for achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions. An important part of our work is to build a 'Community of Practice in AI for Net Zero' that brings together computer scientists with environmental, behavioural and social science researchers to develop a common approach. We will incorporate the social and ethical dimensions of digital twins, including who they may benefit or disadvantage.

Over the next few decades, quantum computing (QC) will transform the way we design new materials, plan complex logistics and solve a wide range of problems that conventional computers cannot address. The Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCI3) brings together >50 investigators across 20 universities to address key challenges, and deliver applications across diverse areas of engineering and science. We will work with 27 industrial partners, the National Quantum Computing Centre, the National Physical Laboratory, academia, regulators, Government and the wider community to achieve our goals. The Hub will focus on where collaborative academic research can make transformative progress across three interconnected themes: (T1) developing integrated quantum computers, (T2) connecting quantum computers, and (T3) developing applications for them. Objectives for each are outlined below. (T1) Developing integrated quantum computing systems, with a goal of creating quantum processors that will show real utility for specific problem examples. Objectives: OB1.1: Demonstrate quantum advantage in analogue platforms with neutral atoms and photons OB1.2: Make neutral atom quantum simulation platforms available in the cloud OB1.3: Develop new applications for these and other near-term systems (T2) A key challenge of building the million qubit machines of the future is that of 'wiring' together the quantum processors that will create such a machine. The Hub will develop technologies that help achieve this and develop models to understand how such machines will scale. Objectives : OB2.1: Develop interconnect technologies for quantum processors OB2.2: Demonstrate blind computing and multi-component networks with trapped ion quantum computers OB2.3: Demonstrate transduction and networking of superconducting processors (T3) Developing applications in science and engineering, including materials design, chemistry and fluid dynamics. Objectives: OB3.1: Develop new methods for materials and chemical system modelling and design, fluid dynamics, and quantum machine learning OB3.2: Identify the nearest routes to quantum advantage for these application areas OB3.3: Develop implementations of these algorithms on T1 and T2 Hardware These will be supported by work in overarching tools (T4) that can be used across the themes of the Hub, including error correction, digital twins, verification and software stack optimisation. Skills and training Hub partners will work with end-users, our students and researchers, and partners across the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (UKNQTP) to ensure members of the Hub have the skills they need. Specific objectives include: Provide training in innovation, commercialisation and IP, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) to Hub partners Provide reports and training to end-users, working in partnership with the NQCC and others Continue to provide advocacy and advice to policy makers, through work in such areas as RRI Exploitation and Engagement: The Hub will build on the strong engagement activities of the UK programme, further developing the technology pipeline. We will play a key role in strengthening and expanding the UK ecosystem through events, networking and education. Specific goals are to: Broaden the partnership of the Hub, bringing new academic, government and industrial partners into the Hub network Contribute to regulation and governance through programmes of work in standards and RRI, and close collaboration with UKNQTP partners Support the generation and protection of intellectual property within the Hub, and its exploitation Develop Hub and cross-Hub outreach initiatives, working with the RRI team, to help ensure the potential of quantum computing for societal benefit can be realised