Dundee University has launched a new institute which will examine global security issues ranging from terrorism to food and energy security.
The European Institute for Security and Justice (EISJ) will look to provide a broad understanding and analysis of issues of security and justice, drawing on expertise from disciplines as varied as politics and history to anatomy and pathology.
“We live in a changing world where the idea of security is changing all the time,” said Professor Christian Kaunert, Director of the EISJ.
“Right now we see issues of health security in West Africa and the ebola crisis, of energy security in Europe with tensions with Russia, and of course the continuing situation across the Middle East with armed conflict and threats of terrorism.
“In recent years we have also issues emerging such as the global food price crisis of 2007/08. If we are to look at issues of security and justice, we need to consider the wider picture and how it shapes the decisions of policy-makers and organisations around the world.
“This is the only centre in Europe that will take this broad approach and it is fitting it is based here in Dundee, where we have the requisite blend of experience across a wide range of disciplines and excellence in research and teaching that will give us the base to carry out this work.”
The Institute has been designated a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence by the European Commission. The University of Dundee will receive €100,000.00 for various research, teaching and public engagement activities over the next three years.
Dundee is the only university in the UK to have received such an accolade in 2014.