UCO Joins Forces with Coventry University to Tackle Complex National Security Threats
Nov. 3, 2026
The University of Central Oklahoma and Coventry University in the United Kingdom are expanding their international research partnership through the establishment of the Center for Counterterrorism and Forensics to advance collaborative research, educational opportunities and innovative approaches to national security and public safety.
The center builds on an existing partnership between the institutions, previously announced in 2024, and will unite UCO's W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute and Coventry University's Protective Security Lab.
“At the University of Central Oklahoma, we recognize that addressing today's complex national security threats requires collaboration that extends beyond borders,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.
“This partnership with Coventry University brings together world-class expertise in forensic science, national security and research to develop innovative solutions to security challenges facing our communities and nations.”
Through the center, faculty, researchers and students from both universities will have opportunities to collaborate on research and educational initiatives addressing emerging national security threats. Areas of focus include insider threats, personal safety and security, critical infrastructure protection and forensic science applications in response to security incidents.
The partnership will also create opportunities for international academic and research exchanges, allowing Coventry University faculty and students to work alongside UCO researchers in the United States and UCO faculty and students to collaborate with their counterparts in the United Kingdom.
Potential research initiatives include examining security considerations for major public events, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and Oklahoma City, as well as establishing a U.S.-U.K. advisory board to address shared national and international security challenges.
“This partnership builds on more than 10 years of collaboration with the University of Central Oklahoma on security-related research, which has resulted in societal impact in both the U.K. and the United States,” said David McIlhatton, Ph.D., associate pro-vice-chancellor for research and enterprise at Coventry University.
“We will draw on both institutions' specializations to create a unique transatlantic partnership where collaboration and societal impact will be at the center of our activities.”
The memorandum of understanding was signed during a ceremony at Coventry University's campus in Coventry, England. UCO representatives included President Lamb; Charlotte K. Simmons, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs; and Sarah Gordon, Ph.D., dean of the Jackson College of Graduate Studies.
Coventry University representatives included Ian Dunn, provost; Richard Dashwood, deputy vice-chancellor for research; and McIlhatton.
The UCO FSI is ranked among the nation's top institutions for forensic science and is the largest and most comprehensive forensic science education program. The institute has seen significant growth from its inception—from fewer than 100 students in 2009 to more than 1,000 forensic science majors.
With enrollment on the rise, the UCO FSI is planning to complete a new wing at the facility, including expanded chemistry teaching and research labs. The Oklahoma State Legislature allocated $10 million to support the expansion, with additional funds secured through the federal Community Project Funding program.
The FSI offers four Bachelor of Science degrees, four Master of Science degrees in Forensic Science and a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Forensic Science. All graduate degrees are accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
For more information about UCO's W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute, visit uco.edu/fsi.
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Cutline: UCO President Todd G. Lamb (left) and David McIlhatton, Ph.D., associate pro-vice-chancellor for research and enterprise at Coventry University, sign a memorandum of understanding to establish the Center for Counterterrorism and Forensics to advance collaborative research, educational opportunities and innovative approaches to national security and public safety.
