London, 29 November 2023 – The European Cyber Conflict Research Incubator CIC (ECCRI CIC) is proud to announce its official launch.
Co-led by Dr. James Shires and Dr. Max Smeets, ECCRI CIC is at the forefront of exploring the intersection of digital and emerging technologies and global affairs. It is committed to conducting and promoting research and education on this intersection for a broad audience, including policymakers, industry, civil society, and the general public.
Marking its first key project, ECCRI CIC is partnering with Google.org to support a series of cybersecurity seminars across select European universities. The seminars will offer a diverse range of topics in cybersecurity, from foundational concepts to advanced strategies for combating cyber threats. Participants will benefit from a mix of classroom learning and practical applications, including internships, mentorship from experienced cybersecurity professionals, and participation in hackathons.
These seminars are designed to challenge students to develop innovative solutions to real-world security problems, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. The seminars will deepen students’ cybersecurity knowledge and prepare young people for dynamic career opportunities in this rapidly evolving field. These seminars will also increase the level of cybersecurity in under resourced sectors, as students will work with local community organizations, non-profits, and SMEs to improve their cybersecurity posture.
Through this collaboration, Google.org and ECCRI CIC aspire to cultivate a new generation of cybersecurity experts, well-equipped to tackle the complex challenges faced by digital economies and societies.
ECCRI CIC is a UK community interest or not-for-profit company (CIC), with its assets tied to the European Cyber Conflict Research Initiative, a UK registered charity. Although the two organizations are administratively and legally independent, James and Max are already Co-Directors of the Initiative, and bring their wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and passion for the subject to the launch of the Incubator.
As James explains: “Since its founding in 2020, the Initiative has rapidly established a reputation for high-quality research and community building among academics and researchers, with a strong network across Europe and worldwide. The Incubator will build on this momentum, enabling us to continue world-leading research while also expanding our work to more practical, hands-on projects like the Google.org cybersecurity seminar program.”
We’re thrilled that Google is expanding its transformative investment in the cybersecurity workforce to support innovative, hands-on programs across Europe,” said Ann Cleaveland, Executive Director of the UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity and Co-Chair of the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, an international network that works to expand experiential cybersecurity education for the public good. “By training the next generation of leaders to provide digital security support in their communities, this program is reaching beyond borders to strengthen the entire cybersecurity ecosystem.”
For media inquiries and further details about ECCRI CIC and its programs, please reach out via email at contact@europeancyber.org.
