NetworkPlus for Analytical Behavioural Science (NABS+) in Security and Defence

The last decade has seen a proliferation of social data that betrays human behaviour--from a person's clicks to a group's language to a state's signal data. Concurrently there has been rapid developments in our ability to analyse these data, to identify patterns that enable inferences not conceivable before. These advances open exciting possibilities for understanding human behaviour at the individual, group and population level. But they are also a source of insecurity and vulnerability, challenging the meaning of privacy and exposing individuals to manipulation.

NABS+ will deliver 'next generation behavioural science' that addresses these opportunities and threats in the context of security and defence. It embraces new forms of data and analytics for behavioural science, while acknowledging the need to simultaneously address ethical and societal consequences. It will promote a generation of 'analytical behavioural scientists' who are equipped to respond to existential and acute threats, can understand and navigate policy dilemmas, and are adept at working with diverse data.

NABS+ will be home to a vibrant community of researchers and end-users who recognise the value of combining social scientific theory and novel data analytics. Our vision is to stimulate an interdisciplinary community that is: (1) focused on identifying, prioritising and developing knowledge in analytical behavioural science through a theory-led, data-driven lens; (2) structured to be agile and responsive to international security trends and stakeholder needs, recognising that diverse data and methods are needed for different challenges; and (3) driven to create a community that is home to an emerging generation of data literate, behavioural scientists.

NABS+ will deliver four pillars of activity.

The Community pillar will deliver activities that shape new forms of public-private partnerships, connecting academic, industry, and government stakeholders to deliver challenge-driven collaborations. NABS+ is premised on the value of bringing together behavioural and data scientists. It thus invests in outputs that break down traditional groupings and increasing awareness (e.g., white papers, website).

The Research pillar will co-develop and deliver interdisciplinary research that responds to immediate needs and prepares for future threats. The work may be an event, a synthetic review, or novel research, and we strive for a diversity of data and methodological approaches. In all cases, however, projects will be theory-led, data-driven activities that consider ethical and society implications at all stages.

The Disseminate pillar recognises that progress in analytical behavioural science will depend on researchers understanding the activities and concepts of others. The pillar will deliver world-class activities that 'translate' knowledge so that understanding spreads beyond specialist audiences. As part of this, NABS+ will support researchers inform policy and practice, utilising unique Research to Practice Fellow support.

The Build pillar seeks to ensure growth in the NABS+ community so that it becomes home to a next generation of behavioural scientist. The pillar involves activities that foster the skills and leadership of members through training and by providing secondment opportunities (e.g., academic researchers into industry). As part of this, NABS+ will implement a programme of actions designed to progress the network toward being self-supporting.

The cumulative impact of these activities will be a world-class analytical behavioural science capability; a vibrant community with shared understanding, common tools, and a programme of ongoing research that shapes understanding and contributes profoundly to policy and practice.