European Cybersecurity Seminars
About the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars
Google.org is teaming up with the European Cyber Conflict Research Incubator CIC (ECCRI CIC) to offer more and better learning and job opportunities in cybersecurity to students at select European universities. These students will get to put what they learn into practice, which will not only advance their skills but also positively affect the communities around them.
They’ll do this by working on real security projects, receiving guidance from mentors, and competing in competitions that challenge them to solve security problems.
Google.org and the European Cyber Conflict Research Incubator (ECCRI CIC) are teaming up to improve cybersecurity education at selected European universities. This effort is about giving students who are interested in cybersecurity more chances to learn and build careers in this fast-changing area.
The partnership will help these universities teach a fuller range of cybersecurity subjects, covering everything from foundational concepts to advanced strategies for combating cyber threats.
Students taking part will learn by applying their classroom skills in real-life situations. This can include doing internships where they can work in the field, getting tips and networking with professional cybersecurity mentors, and taking part in hackathons, which challenge them to come up with solutions to actual security problems while working with others and sharing ideas.
Through this innovative mix of theory and practice, Google.org and ECCRI CIC aspire to cultivate a new generation of cybersecurity experts ready to tackle the complex challenges faced by digital economies and societies.
Who We Are
The European Cyber Conflict Research Incubator CIC (ECCRI CIC) advances the interdisciplinary study of the impact of digital and emerging technologies on global affairs, in Europe and beyond. The Incubator exists to conduct, facilitate and promote research and education on these issues for policymakers, industry, civil society, and the general public.
The European Cyber Conflict Research Incubator CIC (ECCRI CIC) advances the interdisciplinary study of the impact of digital and emerging technologies on global affairs, in Europe and beyond. ECCRI CIC exists to conduct, facilitate and promote research and education on these issues for policymakers, industry, civil society, and the general public.
Google.org has partnered with ECCRI CIC to co-create and run the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars Program across Europe. ECCRI CIC will be running the application process, creating bespoke curriculums and training universities on the program, ensuring both the depth of training and the longevity and scale of the program.
ECCRI CIC will also be creating a community of practice across Europe and have links with the University of Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, which runs the Cybersecurity Clinics program in the United States.
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.
How It Works
Selected universities across Europe will receive up to $1 million in funds and access to Google’s technology and expertise. They’ll also receive educational materials and guidance from ECCRI CIC.
Google.org, along with ECCRI CIC, will review and select applicants to receive funding during two Open Calls, the first from November 29, 2023 to February 29, 2024, and the second from April 8, 2024 to July 15, 2024.
Applications are reviewed by a panel consisting of ECCRI CIC, Google.org, and external experts. Applications are then be recommended by the panel to Google for due diligence checks prior to signing a grant agreement with Google.
Successful applicants receive up to $1 million in funding, along with access to Google’s technology and expertise. Additionally, they receive educational resources and guidance from ECCRI CIC.
Applicants are evaluated against criteria including their interest, ability and commitment, program design, and program impact.
Applicants for the second Open Call must run at least two seminar courses before September 2027, with at least one course before September 2026. Ideally the first course will be held before September 2025.
In terms of impact, applicants for the second Open Call should aim to train at least 200 students and help at least 250 local community organisations before September 2027.
Read ECCRI CIC’s full Terms and Conditions for the application process here.
Who we Support
In the second Open Call, Google.org will support and fund up to eight university programs across the 27 EU countries, excluding those countries already receiving Google.org support under this program: Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Poland, Romania, and Spain.
The cybersecurity curriculum will be available in the language of all participating countries, and in English.
This program is available to higher education institutions that are not universities, as long as their primary purpose is education and most of their courses are available to the general public. Examples of such higher education institutions include polytechnic institutes, professional or vocational colleges, or military or diplomatic academies.
All supported institutions – universities or other higher education institutions – must be nonprofits.
A Step-by-Step Guide
We created a step-by-step guide on how to set up and apply for a Google.org Cybersecurity Seminar Grant.
This guide will assist you through the process, making sure you have all the necessary information to successfully apply for this opportunity.
Connecting cybersecurity and AI
The European Cybersecurity Seminars program will include a strong focus on connecting cybersecurity with Artificial Intelligence (AI). All participating institutions will receive training on AI and cybersecurity, providing instructors and students with an understanding of AI-based changes to the cyber threat landscape.
All participating institutions will receive training on AI and cybersecurity, providing instructors and students with an understanding of AI-based changes to the cyber threat landscape.
Participating institutions will also receive a separate toolkit for students, focusing on how AI can be effectively integrated into practical cybersecurity measures.
For the second Open Call, applicants will be evaluated in part on how they will incorporate AI aspects of cybersecurity into their program.
Stay Informed
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FAQ
What is the European Cybersecurity Seminars program?
The program is a collaborative effort by Google and ECCRI CIC to support selected universities across Europe, enhancing access to cybersecurity education. It aims to provide students with real-world experience and opportunities to impact local communities through internships, mentorship, and hackathons.
Who can apply for the open call?
To be eligible for the second European Cybersecurity Seminars open call:
- An applicant must be based in any EU country other than the seven EU countries receiving grants in the initial phase. Eligible countries are therefore: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden.
- An applicant must be a nonprofit higher education institution, such as a university, vocational college or polytechnic institute.
- Collaboration with other nonprofit educational institutions is permitted, but does not automatically strengthen an application. Where applicants choose to collaborate, we encourage them to build on existing networks and relationships.
- Only one application may be submitted per person and per institution.
How does the open call work?
Applications are reviewed by a panel consisting of ECCRI CIC, Google.org, and external experts. Applications are then be recommended by the panel to Google for due diligence checks prior to signing a grant agreement with Google.
Applicants are evaluated against criteria including their interest, ability and commitment, program design, and program impact. Applicants must submit a detailed plan for the Cybersecurity Seminars hosted at their university, including how local community organizations will benefit from student assistance.
Applicants for the second Open Call must run at least two seminar courses before September 2027, with at least one course before September 2026. Ideally the first course will be held before September 2025. In terms of impact, applicants should aim to train at least 200 students and help at least 250 local community organisations before September 2027.
For more information, please consult the Information Workshop slides here.
What support does the European Cybersecurity Seminars program provide?
Selected universities receive up to $1 million in funding, cybersecurity education resources from ECCRI CIC, access to Google’s technology and expertise, and a connection to a European-wide network of cybersecurity instructors. The maximum total amount of grant funding available in the second Open Call is $4,070,000.
What is the timeline for the second open call?
- Application Opens: April 8, 2024
- Information Workshops: May-June 2024
- Drop-in Sessions: July 2024
- Application Deadline: July 15, 2024
- Notification of Selection: September 2, 2024
- Program Commencement: December 1, 2024
What commitments are expected from universities planning to run cybersecurity seminars?
Running cybersecurity seminars is a substantial commitment. Universities require creativity, depth, and drive, especially to deliver real impact to under-resourced organizations beyond the university. Cybersecurity seminars are not a one-off; they require ongoing passion and dedication over three years – and ideally beyond – as well as a true enthusiasm for improving cybersecurity skills of students in a practical, careers-oriented way.
Cybersecurity seminars are expected to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, both encouraging the strong participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds and creating an inclusive environment, thereby enriching the overall learning experience and strengthening the cybersecurity community.
Cybersecurity seminars must have measurable impact, reaching at least 200 students and engaging with at least 250 community organizations over three years, and providing hands-on experience for students.
Applicants will also be evaluated in part on how they will incorporate AI aspects of cybersecurity into their program.
How will my personal data be handled?
The information provided to ECCRI CIC will be used in accordance with ECCRI CIC’s Privacy Policy. Any data held by Submittable will be stored and used in accordance with Submittable’s Privacy Policy.
If your application is not selected, ECCRI CIC will delete personal data (name, title, work email, and work phone number) from your application within three months of the application window closing.
If your application is selected or reserved by the panel for recommendation to Google for a grant award, ECCRI CIC will retain your personal data for the purposes of communicating with you regarding your potential grant and, if awarded, any reporting expectations of your organization.
At any time, you may request to delete and substitute your contact information with another member of your organization by contacting contact@europeancyber.org
How do I contact ECCRI CIC for further questions or to update my contact information?
For additional questions or updates to contact information, please email contact@europeancyber.org