The funding will support students in discovering cybersecurity opportunities and protecting local organisations from cyber threats.
Two Polish universities, Warsaw University of Technology and Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, will receive significant support in the field of cyber security. They have been selected by Virtual Routes to participate in the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminar programme, under which they can receive a subsidy of up to $1 million.
With this support, the two universities will be able to create a cyber-security programme for 1,600 students from various academic disciplines.
In 2024, the number of cyber attacks worldwide increased by 44%. This problem is exacerbated by a shortage of cybersecurity professionals; according to the EU, our region will already face a shortage of 260,000 to 500,000 experts in this field in 2022. Such a deficit poses a serious security threat, which is why it is necessary to invest in education and create new development opportunities for future cybersecurity professionals.
It is to this end that Warsaw University of Technology and Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, have received significant support with a grant of up to $1 million from the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminar programme. With this funding, the universities will introduce an innovative seminar programme to their educational offerings for students keen to develop their expertise in the area of cyber threat prevention. By joining the classes, students and future cybersecurity experts will not only gain theoretical knowledge but also support local community organisations by strengthening their online security.
The Google.org Cybersecurity Seminar programme run by Virtual Routes (formerly known as the European Cyber Conflict Research Incubator CIC) offers selected universities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa funding from Google.org. The programme aims to provide students with the chance to deepen their knowledge and gain practical skills in the field of cyber security. The funding on offer will supply universities with unique opportunities for students to bring their knowledge into practice. Programme participants will have the opportunity to attend internships, receive mentorship from experienced cybersecurity professionals and participate in hackathons to solve real-world cybersecurity problems together.
- "Cyber security is a challenge affecting us all. We are convinced that investment in education within this area is to create a safer future for ourselves and our country. The grant and the cooperation with the Warsaw University of Technology and Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, is another project implemented by Google to support the development of digital education and the building of an information society," said Magda Kotlarczyk, head of Google Poland.
- "The Warsaw University of Technology focuses on development and innovative teaching methods using modern technologies. The grant from Google.org is part of our activities in this respect. We are convinced that the project shall constitute an essential component of educating future experts capable of meeting the complex challenges related to cyber security,' said Prof. Mariusz Malinowski," Vice-Rector of the Warsaw University of Technology.
- "In an age of rapid development of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, bringing both opportunities and threats to cyber security, we face a serious lack of experts in cyber security," said Dr Wieland Holfelder, vice president of engineering, regional CTO of Google Cloud Security and Sovereignty. - "This is why initiatives such as the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminar are so crucial, offering students the chance to gain practical skills and prepare them for the challenges of today's world. It is a win-win - students gain valuable experience, and community organisations in improving online security. We are proud to support universities in the EMEA region in building a diverse and challenge-aware workforce of cybersecurity professionals, ready to use artificial intelligence effectively."
- "We are pleased to contribute to enhancing cybersecurity. By delivering seminars in collaboration with Google.org, our students will not only be given the chance to develop their competencies, which are so essential for the security of Poland as a whole but also, to support local communities needing assistance in protecting themselves from cyber-attacks. It is a project that combines science, practice and social engagement," said Prof. Michał Banaszak - Vice- Rector of Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, for Digitization and Business Cooperation.
The funding provided by Google.org is part of Google's broader commitment to combat the growing threat of cyber-attacks in Europe and around the world. The company is actively working with universities and institutions, investing in the development of talent and innovative educational solutions to reduce the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals. Through similar projects across Europe, Google has already trained 12 million people in digital skills and launched certified training in this area in 2023.
The participation of the Warsaw University of Technology and Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, in the cyber seminar project, as part of the Google.org programme, is a further step to train a new generation of Polish professionals ready to face the challenges posed by the modern digital world.
Photo by Kamil Kozielewicz / Kreatyw Media
