The Centre for Science & Security Studies (CSSS) contributes knowledge and understanding to policy and scholarly debates at the intersection of science and security
The Centre for Science & 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 College London 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.
The Centre also organises conferences where internal and external speakers address issues related to science and security. For upcoming events, please check the CSSS events page.
History of CSSS
CSSS was created in 2003, with the support of a capacity building grant from the MacArthur Foundation, in an effort to bridge the gap between the natural and social sciences. Recognising both the increasing political and technical complexity of international security issues. To this end staff in the Centre take a collaborative approach to research and teaching, integrating different disciplinary perspectives. Over the past 15 years the Centre has expanded from its initial strong nuclear focus to also encompass chemical weapons issues, biosecurity and emerging technologies.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Centre is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the Centre, King's and beyond – including within the nuclear field through our participation in Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy.
Our commitments and actions include requiring that all staff participate in EDI training, ensuring that all student interns are paid equally and producing a guide to holding inclusive events. The EDI Reading Group also takes place on a monthly basis.