Ciaran Martin

Ciaran Martin serves as Professor of Practice in the Management of Public Organisations at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Previously, he was the founding Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), where he spearheaded a fundamental shift in the UK's cyber security approach, resulting in the UK rising from 8th to 1st in the International Telecommunications Union's Global Cybersecurity Index.

Martin's research centers on the intersection of cyber security, public administration, and government management. His work emphasizes responsible, values-based government and the importance of fair, impartial public services. He focuses on how cyber threats impact critical infrastructure and advocates for systemic solutions to cybercrime rather than relying solely on traditional policing approaches.

His recent publications examine the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and cyber security, analyzing whether current digital security frameworks can withstand emerging AI-driven threats. Martin's commentary consistently addresses practical implementation challenges in cyber policy and the need for international cooperation in cyber defense.

• Appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the 2020 New Year's Honours
• Recipient of the Social Sciences Division Teaching Excellence Award (2025)

With 23 years of civil service experience, Martin has advised on national security matters at the highest levels, including serving as Constitution Director (2011-2014) where he negotiated the Scottish Referendum framework and equalized Royal Succession laws. His unique expertise spans public finances, national and international security, and Whitehall bureaucracy, shaped by his Northern Irish background during The Troubles.