It has been a tough year for the UK on the terrorism front, lest we forget. Multiple challenges have surfaced, among them the need to enhance resilience. Aimed at doing just that, Pool Re has partnered with Cranfield University to establish the Centre for Excellence in Counterterrorism.
The two entities have appointed Professor Andrew Silke as the professor of terrorism risk management and resilience at Cranfield University, naming him as the person in charge of establishing the centre following a rigorous selection process. The new position, which Silke is assuming on January 31 next year, will be co-funded by Pool Re and Cranfield University for an initial five-year period.
With a background in forensic psychology and criminology, Silke currently holds a chair in criminology at the University of East London where he served as head of criminology, as well as terrorism studies programme director. Internationally recognised as an expert on terrorism and low intensity conflict, he will be responsible for fostering a greater understanding of terrorism threat risk mitigation.
“The appointment of Professor Andrew Silke represents the important first step towards building a world-leading resource into the study and analysis of terrorism, risk mitigation, and resilience,” noted Pool Re chief executive Julian Enoizi. “The horrific events in London and Manchester this year have emphasised the scale and complexity of the threat.
“Andrew will lead the development of a centre for excellence which will serve as a focal point for counterterrorism thought leadership and risk mitigation. Pool Re recognises the importance of engaging business, academia, and government in tackling all forms of extremism, and this appointment will help leverage the growing relationship between the public and private sectors.”
Cranfield University vice chancellor and chief executive Sir Peter Gregson said they will be working with government and other institutions to disseminate and publicise the nature of terrorism, the threat from it, and ways to mitigate the threat.
“Historically, terrorists principally targeted property; Islamist extremists’ primary aim is to cause mass casualties,” added Enoizi. “Pool Re was established to mitigate the former threat. If we and our members are to be more proactive and remain at the cutting edge of the risk, then we must continually evolve in line with current and emergent threats.
“Enhancing our knowledge and understanding are key to ensuring we can provide cover which reflects the evolving nature of the risk. The appointment of Professor Silke is a significant step in achieving this aim.”
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