Founded in 2017 and chaired by Sir Richard Dearlove, the former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), the Cambridge Security Initiative (CSi) 2017 provides a unique bridge between business, government, and academia. Drawing on world-leading expertise in intelligence, security, and international affairs, CSi combines historical perspective, cutting-edge academic research, and the practical experience of senior security professionals to deliver informed analysis of current and emerging security challenges.

Based in Cambridge, CSi develops and delivers internationally recognised educational programmes, research collaborations, and strategic engagement focused on intelligence, security, defence, and foreign policy.

CSi’s educational Programmes include:

• the International Security and Intelligence (ISI) Programme
• the CSi Annual Conference
• the International Security and Intelligence Professional (ISI-Pro) Programme

These programmes bring together undergraduate and postgraduate students, early-career professionals, academics, policymakers, and intelligence practitioners from the UK and around the world.

Their purpose is to foster informed discussion and interdisciplinary collaboration on the complex security challenges facing democratic societies. Participants engage directly with leading scholars from Cambridge and other internationally recognised institutions alongside experienced practitioners from the intelligence, defence, and national security communities.

Cambridge Security Initiative (Registered Charity No. 1175201) was established to advance education in international security and intelligence.

The Charity pursues this objective by:

• supporting research into intelligence and security issues;
• delivering high-quality educational programmes;
• promoting teaching, research, and collaboration with UK and international universities; and
• working with governments and partner organisations to strengthen understanding of intelligence, security, and statecraft.

 CSi exists to advance public understanding of international security through education, research, and professional development.

Its educational programmes provide students and early-career professionals with unparalleled access to leading academics and experienced practitioners, creating opportunities to explore the strategic, political, and ethical dimensions of intelligence, defence, foreign policy, and national security.

In addition, the Charity supports the study of intelligence and security within UK universities through targeted funding and academic partnerships, helping to develop the next generation of researchers and practitioners.

The Charity operates in accordance with a comprehensive framework of governance Policies and Procedures designed to ensure the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and legal compliance. These policies guide every aspect of CSi’s activities and reflect its commitment to meeting both its statutory responsibilities and wider ethical obligations.