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On April 1st, the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) hosted the CDT Fort Ideas Lab, a dynamic one-day event that brought together researchers, academics, and industry partners to tackle the future challenges of open, resilient, and secure networks. The event was designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with a focus on addressing business needs, the emergence of new connected technologies, and changes in the geopolitical landscape.
The day began with a compelling video address from Ian McCormack of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), who outlined the main challenges currently faced in the cybersecurity space. His insights set the stage for a day of intense discussion and brainstorming.
Participants included postgraduate researchers (PGRs), academics from Queen's University Belfast (QUB) and the University of Surrey, and esteemed industry partners such as Adrian Waller from Thales UK, Gerry McQuaid from Ofcom UK, Patrik Ekdahl from Ericsson AB, Tim Croy from Ampliphae Ltd, Carl Shaw from Codasip, and Richard Mackenzie from BT Group PLC.
Throughout the day, attendees worked together to develop a collection of potential research questions that could lead to Year 1 Group Research Projects and potential PhD topics. The high levels of engagement from both industry partners and PGRs were evident, as participants eagerly shared their expertise and perspectives.
The event was not only a platform for generating innovative research ideas but also a positive and memorable experience that built excitement and credibility among all participants. It provided an invaluable opportunity for PGRs to develop their collaboration skills and increased their confidence in having collaborative conversations with industry partners. By the end of the day, many PGRs felt a stronger sense of ownership over their research projects.
Overall, the CDT Fort Ideas Lab at CSIT was a resounding success, paving the way for future collaborations and advancements in the field of cybersecurity.
Innovating the Future: Collaborative Solutions for Secure Networks at the CDT Fort Ideas Lab
The CDT Fort cohort recently gathered at Queen’s University Belfast for their first block module, marking a significant milestone for the cohort including the three University of Surrey students as it was their inaugural visit to the QUB campus. The students participated in the Foundations of Cyber Security module, led by Dr Tuan Hoang from CSIT, hosted at the University’s Graduate School.
The module provided valuable insights into the cyber security landscape, key concepts, risk and threat identification, and the societal impact of cyber security. In addition to academic learning, the students enjoyed a range of social activities, including a walking tour of Belfast, dinner with the CDT Manager Adele Ward and Co-Director Professor Jesus Martinez del Rincon, and engaging tours and demos at CSIT. The visit concluded with a lively evening of bowling.
The cohort will reconvene for their next block module, Secure Open Networks, at the University of Surrey in February, continuing their journey of collaboration and innovation in the field of cyber security.
CDT Fort Cohort Attend First Block Module at Queen’s University Belfast
FORT is supported by £8 million in government funding, through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
The launch event, hosted at the University of Surrey's 5G/6G Innovation Centre, highlighted the importance of training postgraduate researchers in the fast-evolving fields of wireless communications, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and networking. At least 50 PhD researchers will develop their skills and industry-ready innovations over the next eight years.
The event featured demonstrations, discussions and networking sessions, providing attendees with insights into the future of telecommunications, AI, and cybersecurity. Industry partners shared their vision for the collaboration, stressing the significance of academic-industry partnerships in addressing the real-world challenges faced by the telecommunications sector.
£8 million academic-industry centre launched to deliver advanced skills and innovation needed to secure communication networks of the future
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