Two cutting-edge projects have been announced which will seek to benefit business and society.

The Foresight projects on cyber trust and the electromagnetic spectrum will study today's science and technology and then look forward to the next decade and beyond to consider the potential opportunities and challenges they provide.

John Denham, minister for crime reduction and policing, said: "New developments in technology are bringing huge benefits to society and to the fight against crime.

"But criminals are also making use of new developments to commit crime in new ways.

"This project has been set up to help ensure that technology is used to benefit society and to help ensure police officers have the latest tools and technology to protect and police our communities and to minimise criminal misuse."