Today, Wednesday 1 October, marks the official launch of nine Policing Academic Centres of Excellence (P-ACE) in partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The centres will begin work closely with forces to strengthen collaboration between policing and academia, ensuring policing is shaped by the latest scientific expertise. 

Each P-ACE provides accessible expertise aligned with Policing’s Areas of Research Interest (ARIs). They will support forces with adopting new technologies, developing tools and techniques, improving training and skills, and enhancing public safety. 

The nine universities leading P-ACEs are: 

• UCL P-ACE - University College London 

• P-ACE LAB - The University of Leicester, Aston University and the University of Birmingham 

• TYP-ACE - The Yorkshire Policing-Academic Centre of Excellence, University of Leeds with University of York 

• SPACE - Scottish Policing Academic Centre of Excellence, Edinburgh Napier University, with Glasgow Caledonian University, University of St Andrews and University of Edinburgh 

• M-PACE - Manchester P-ACE, Manchester Metropolitan University with University of Manchester 

• Bath P-ACE - University of Bath 

• UoP P-ACE - University of Portsmouth 

• NTU P-ACE - Nottingham Trent University 

• L-P-ACE - Lancaster University 

Professor Paul Taylor, Police Chief Scientific Adviser, said: 

“Academia and policing have a long history of collaborating on issues as diverse as forensic science, crime prevention, and analytical technologies. The P-ACEs will fortify this connection, providing a focal point for research and knowledge exchange. 

I’m particularly excited about what the P-ACEs can bring to early career scientists who are interested in tackling the complex challenge of keeping the UK public safe. We look forward to forging deep and lasting partnerships over the next decade.” 

How to engage with the P-ACEs 

Anyone in policing can access P-ACE resources and expertise: 

General enquiries: Use the P-ACE expertise finder to identify which P-ACE has the right expertise. Click through to the P-ACE's university hosted page to learn more about what they do, see their existing research and resources, and for information on how to contact them and engage with their programme. 

See P-ACE outputs and activities: Access the P-ACE Knowledge Hub site, where P-ACEs will share details of their outputs, engagements, events and impacts. This is a place for discussion, collaboration and disseminating information. 

Regional and national activity: Forces are encouraged to consult their Research and Innovation Lead (RIL) or Regional Science and Innovation Manager (RSIM) when engaging with P-ACEs. Governance is provided by the Office of the Police Chief Scientific Adviser (OPCSA), with RSIMs supporting cross-regional coordination.