Cyber Research Conference Ireland, April 25

Academics, students and professionals working in the tech sector attended Ireland’s first Cyber Research Conference Ireland (CRCI) at ATU Galway City on April 25.

The conference focused on both practical and theoretical aspects of cyber security, privacy, trust as well as the resilience of networks, systems and services. Attendees exchanged knowledge and experience with the shared goal of strengthening research in cybersecurity and related areas across Ireland.

The event was organised by itag’s (Innovation Technology AtlanTec Gateway) Cyber Forum in conjunction with Cyber Ireland, National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) and ATU Galway & Mayo. The conference was co-sponsored by IEEE and the keynote address was given by Professor Donna O’ Shea, Chair of Cybersecurity, Munster Technological University (MTU).

Speaking about the conference, Caroline Cawley, CEO of itag said: “Ireland is becoming an important centre of cyber activity with the five leading security software companies in the world already based here and another 60 Irish cyber security businesses in operation. Yet despite the strength of Ireland’s cyber security prowess internationally, there hasn’t been the same level of focus domestically or any suitable platforms for the sharing of expertise between industry and academia.”

Programme chair for CRCI, Ruth Lennon (ATU Donegal Letterkenny) said: “As an IEEE senior member, I knew the importance of disseminating the work of our presenters to a wider stage through IEEE indexing. The commitment of the conference chairs to supporting diversity in the panel of speakers saw the IEEE UK & Ireland choosing this event as the first event they have ever technically co-sponsored. Following on from this success, CRCI 2023 will take place in ATU Donegal Letterkenny strengthening our cross campus security expertise.”

These comments were echoed by conference co-chair, Dr Michael Lang (Senior Lecturer in Business Information Systems in NUIG), who said: “This inaugural conference will provide an opportunity for researchers and practitioners in cybersecurity, cybercrime and related areas from across the whole island of Ireland to present their work, advance the state of knowledge, and build alliances. The conference will be multidisciplinary, with contributions invited from the fields of computer science, information systems, business, law, criminology, psychology, and other relevant cognate disciplines.”