UK Cyber Effects Network
About
The UK Cyber Effects Network seeks to build and strengthen a UK community of interest that fosters informed debate around the theory and practice of offensive cyber and other cyber effects operations.
Context
In 2023's Responsible Cyber Power in Practice, the UK set out how it will use cyber effects in a legal, ethical and responsible way. The publication of the document by the National Cyber Force (NCF) marked a significant step from the UK government in signalling more transparency regarding its approach to offensive cyber operations. In it, the NCF set out three principles for its operations — that they be accountable, precise and calibrated. In doing so, the NCF explicitly recognises it needs a 'license to operate' from the public, and that achieving this requires more openness and engagement.
This thinking opens up an opportunity for the research and practitioner community: to connect, reflect and develop further thinking on topics concerning the effects of offensive cyber operations within the UK and beyond. Offensive cyber operations are defined by 2022 UK National Cyber Strategy as 'adding, deleting or manipulating data on systems or networks to deliver a physical, virtual or cognitive effect'. At a time of heightened geopolitical competition, it is more critical than ever to reflect on when, how and under which conditions the theory and practice of such operations is evolving.
Mission Statement
The UK Cyber Effects Network seeks to build and strengthen a community of interest focused on cyber effects issues. The Network aims to generate new thinking on the theory and practice of offensive cyber operations, and help develop the next generation of UK experts. The Network is administered by RUSI and funded by the National Cyber Force.
The Network will further these aims through three main pathways:
- Developing the next generation of researchers, policymakers and practitioners through the Cyber Effects Fellowship Programme.
- Providing intellectual contributions by publishing novel research.
- Convening experts through workshops, scenarios and other interactive activities to build a stronger knowledge base for a UK community of interest on cyber effects issues.
Project Team
Jamie MacColl
Senior Research Fellow
Cyber and Tech
Conrad Prince CB
Distinguished Fellow and Senior Cyber Adviser
James Sullivan
Director, Cyber and Tech
Cyber and Tech
Dr Pia Hüsch
Research Fellow
Cyber and Tech
Dr Louise Marie Hurel
Senior Research Fellow
Cyber and Tech
Sophie Williams-Dunning
Research Analyst
Cyber and Tech
Hugh Oberlander
Senior Programme Manager, Cyber and Tech
Cyber and Tech
Marike Woollard
Programme Manager
Military Sciences
Dr Tim Stevens
RUSI Associate Fellow, Cyber and Tech
Professor Robert Black
RUSI Associate Fellow, Cyber and Tech
About the Cyber Effects Fellowship Programme
The Cyber Effects Fellowship provides an opportunity for Fellows to connect with senior officials and top international experts, participate in scenario-based discussions and exercises and receive professional development support.
The Network is pleased to announce applications for the next cohort of the Fellowship Programme.Â
Successful applicants will deepen their knowledge and engage in discussions on cyber effects. Fellows will grow their networks with like-minded researchers and practitioners, enhance writing and policy skills, and engage with practitioners from the UK cyber effects community.
The deadline is 23:59 BST, 05 June 2026. We will not be able to consider any incomplete or late submissions.
Below are some of the Fellows who formed part of our first cohort:
Cyber Effects Perspectives
This series of opinion pieces offers novel takes on a wide range of aspects relating to offensive cyber policy in the UK. They include contributions on the involvement of the private sector, the escalatory nature of cyber operations, the policies governing offensive cyber operations and more.Â
The articles below are written by the Cyber Effects Fellows. Any opinions offered are those of the authors only and do not speak for RUSI or the NCF.
Cyber Effects Papers
The UK Cyber Effects Network's first major publication, New Thinking on UK Cyber Effects: An Edited Collection, explores what offensive cyber looks for the UK and middle powers. Bringing together a community of practice that draws on on academic and policy research, professional insights and multidisciplinary expertise, the volume aims to reframe our understanding of cyber effects operations and UK strategic culture. The book is the product of an open call for papers in 2025 and is the first in a series of edited volumes that will explore the UK's approach to offensive cyber.
Call for abstracts
The UK Cyber Effects Network is planning to produce a second edition of its collected papers. We are now accepting abstract submissions for original papers that address conceptual, doctrinal, legal, policy, capability and technological aspects of 'Optimising Cyber Effects Operations for Conflict’. Abstracts are due by 23:59 BST on 30 July 2026