UCL welcomes Five Eyes in high-profile event on International Security collaboration

Held on 27 February 2025, the event provided a rare opportunity for students, staff, and alumni to engage directly with senior figures in global security. The Five Eyes alliance has its roots in World War II intelligence cooperation and today plays a critical role in cyber defence, counterterrorism, espionage, and tackling serious crime.

The evening, hosted by Honorary Professor R Mark Evans OBE, began with an informal pre-event reception, followed by country presentations and a Q&A session under the Chatham House Rule. Claire Elford, CEO of Clue Software, which generously sponsored the reception, delivered the opening remarks, while Professor Kate Bowers, Head of Department, concluded the event. 

Country representatives shared perspectives on intelligence collaboration, emerging threats, and the delicate balance between privacy and security. They also discussed personal and professional challenges and underscored the importance of teamwork and trust in tackling security threats across borders. As Professor Evans reflected:

“The most significant aspect of this event was the strong sense of collaboration, networking, and trust that underpins the Five Eyes partnership – we are there for one another when support is needed. The speakers shared compelling insights, but what resonated most was their discussion of personal and professional challenges.”

From state-sponsored misinformation campaigns to AI-driven cyberattacks, the battle lines for tackling serious international crime have shifted since the end of WWII. For students in the room, this was not just an academic discussion but a rare insight into careers they might one day hold.

As one of the speakers highlighted: “Intelligence work is not all action-movie dramatics. Much of it is patient, painstaking work. It is sifting through data and human behaviour.” These were experts who had seen the actual consequences of political instability, organised crime, and cyber warfare in modern societies.

Students were given unique glimpse into career paths in intelligence and security. The discussions not only broadened their understanding of international cooperation but also showcased the human side of large security organisations.

Alessia Maria Box, a MSc student attending the event, described it as both humbling and motivating:

“The Five Eyes event was both informative and inspiring. As a student aspiring to work in intelligence, I was moved by each speaker, whether it was their courage to innovate or their global impact. Seeing these professionals in action reinforced my career aspirations and highlighted the fulfilment they find in their roles. They also provided insights into how collaboration drives success. Their openness to conversation and networking made the experience even more rewarding, offering students a rare opportunity to engage directly with those who inspire them.”

Professor Kate Bowers, Head of the Department, closed the evening with appreciation, underscoring the vital role of academic, industry, and policy engagement that underpins our department’s vision for impactful security research, teaching and practice. She also highlighted the importance of initiatives to provide hands-on learning experiences and interaction with security professionals.

Following this event, plans are already underway for future industry-focused engagements in 2026, including a repeat of the Triad-UCL Hackathon, and a new counterterrorism-focused event.