- The event at Conference Aston during Birmingham Tech Week 2021 was opened by Peter Thompson, Head of Cyber Security, UK Defence and Security Exports, Department for International Trade
- Line up of speakers included experts from the Institute of the Directors, Cyber Security and Digital Identity Directorate, DCMS and the Opel/Vauxhall Finance
- The Centre aims to develop cyber security capability in both research and commercial solutions
Aston University has officially launched the Cyber Security Innovation Centre at an in-person event during Birmingham Tech Week 2021.
Supported by ISACA Central UK chapter, the event at Conference Aston on 13 October provided a platform for networking between industry-leading experts, academics, UK Government officials and start-ups.
Distinguished speakers from the UK Defence and Security Exports Department for International Trade, the Institute of the Directors (IoD), Cyber Senior Policy Lead, DCMS, Opel/Vauxhall and Professor Vladlena Benson, Director of CSI Centre headlined the event. CyberQ Group, West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit, HighSide Secure Collaboration and Professor McAlaney, Bournemouth University addressed the Prevent and Protect themes.
The CSI Centre, established in 2020, brings together stakeholders from industry, government and leading cyber security research institutions with the aim to deliver industry-aligned research outcomes.
CSI members include globally-recognised academics undertaking research projects that address real-world cyber security challenges through innovative solutions.
Professor Vladlena Benson, director of the CSI Centre at Aston Business School, said:
“Nothing compares to face-to-face networking and being able to listen to exciting talks and being able to ask questions.
“The CSI centre started last year, but with most of the UK confined to working from home for the majority of the last 18 months, we have had to wait for the opportunity to meet and build relationships with the people who can help business owners grow, innovate and make their companies more resilient.
“I’d like to thank everybody who attended our inaugural event, especially Peter Thompson, Department of Defence and International Trade and Daljinder Mattu, at the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) for highlighting the importance of the cyber security industry and academia in the West Midlands and Birmingham in particular.
Professor Simon Green, pro-vice chancellor research at Aston University, said:
“I am very proud of the work of the CSI Centre here at Aston University.
“It was wonderful to see its first in-person event so well attended, with experts and influencers from across the world of cyber security coming together to share knowledge and best practice.
“The work being undertaken at the University and beyond is crucial in finding a robust approach to maximising the effectiveness of cybersecurity investment to win the cyber war”.
- Notes to Editors
Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Alec Cameron is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.
Aston University was named University of the Year 2020 by The Guardian and the University’s full time MBA programme has been ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. The Aston MBA has been ranked 12th in the UK and 85th in the world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)744691 0063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk
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