Defence Online

Head of Defence and Security Accelerator appointed

Homeland March 8, 2017

International Women’s Day sees the appointment of Dr Lucy Mason as Head of the Defence and Security Accelerator.

Launched in December, the Accelerator is designed to promote relationships between defence, security and industry to fast track innovative capabilities to the Armed Forces, and Dr Mason will be responsible for accelerating the delivery of these.

Dr Lucy Mason

The Accelerator will match smaller businesses with expert Innovation Partners and guide them through the process, turning ideas into marketable products and defence and security capabilities through the use of an £800M Innovation Fund.

Dr Mason previously worked at the Home Office, leading the science and technology, and private sector engagement work strands as part of the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy.

Rob Solly, Division Head for the Defence and Security Analysis Division within the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and Interim Head of the Accelerator said: “I’m delighted to welcome Lucy as Head of the Accelerator. Lucy’s passion for innovation and strong leadership skills will be vital in taking the Accelerator through to full operating capability; ensuring innovative ideas can be taken forward for the benefit of our Armed Forces and the security of the UK. Her expertise in horizon scanning and security technology and her knowledge of digital ethics and identity, social and behavioural science, make her a perfect candidate for this role.”

Read our interview with Dr Lucy’s predecessor, Rob Solly, about the Accelerator Engagement Days on Friday.

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Defence and Security Accelerator Dr Lucy Mason Rob Solly

Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.