Events & Webinars
CPD events, workshops, and conferences for UK technology educators.
Cisco Girls in IT
Anglia Ruskin University is delighted to host Cisco Girls in IT on Wednesday 13 May 2026, welcoming students aged 12–14 (Years 8 and 9) to its Cambridge campus for a free, inspiring day focused on technology, cybersecurity, and digital careers. Delivered in partnership with Cisco and CSE Connect, this national initiative runs simultaneously across 14 UK and Ireland locations, connecting young people to a wider community of future innovators and role models. The event is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and open eyes to the wide range of opportunities available in IT. Students will be introduced to Cisco and the diverse careers within the technology sector, hear from professionals during a national keynote session, and take part in interactive, hands-on activities exploring areas such as cybersecurity and computer science. In the afternoon, participants will put their creativity and teamwork skills into action through a Dragon’s Den-style challenge set by Cisco, developing and pitching ideas to their peers. These activities help students build valuable skills including collaboration, computational thinking, communication, and critical thinking, all while having fun in a supportive university environment. The event runs from 09:00–14:30, includes lunch and snacks, and is completely free to attend. It is ideal for schools looking to encourage girls to consider future studies and careers in technology and digital industries.
Cyber Escape Game
Aston CSI delivered an interactive Cyber Escape Game at Intercity, designed to bring cybersecurity concepts to life in a practical and engaging way. Created by Laura Di Chiacchio, the activity gave participants the opportunity to work together to solve challenges, outsmart cyber threats and build practical awareness of how digital risks can affect businesses. The session demonstrated the value of hands-on learning in cybersecurity, helping participants explore key digital safety concepts through teamwork, problem-solving and an engaging escape game format.
The Sheffield Siege CTF
This Jeopardy-style competition will challenge your skills across a variety of areas, including web security, reverse engineering, forensics, cryptography, and infrastructure, with tasks suitable for all levels. Whether you're an experienced competitor or completely new to CTFs, The Sheffield Siege is designed to be inclusive and beginner-friendly, with challenges suitable for all skill levels. It’s a fantastic opportunity to sharpen your skills, collaborate with others, and connect with the cyber community. -Both in-person and online participation available -Prizes available for in-person participants only All challenges are created exclusively for this event by our partner Hack The Box and will not appear on their main platform, making this a truly unique CTF experience.
Jobs Are Changing: Navigating Your Career in an AI‑Transformed Workplace
Join our interactive workshop, Jobs are Changing: Navigating Your Career in an AI-Transformed Workplace, and discover how AI is reshaping the world of work and what it means for you.
Ravensbourne University: Navigating Your Career in an AI-Transformed Workplace
This workshop examines how artificial intelligence is affecting the modern workplace and what this means for career planning. A central element of the workshop is to participant in a national survey that explores student perspectives on AI tools, skills, literacy and workplace preparedness. Participants will conduct their own own investigation into how AI is affecting specific job roles. Using structured prompts and AI assistants such as Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini, attendees will analyse entry-level cyber security positions to understand how these roles are changing and which skills are likely to remain relevant. The workshop concludes with a collaborative exercise where participants contribute their findings to a central repository, that will be used as a foundation for a later publication in which all contributors will be acknowledged, and where the most notable contributions will be included as contributing author. By the end of the session, participants should be better placed to make informed decisions about their professional development ambitions and options.
Into the Shadows: How Cybercriminals Target SMEs
Aston University’s Centre for Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) delivered Into the Shadows: How Cybercriminals Target SMEs as part of the Cyber Clinic programme, funded through the West Midlands Innovation Programme (WMIP) 3.0 Flexible Innovation Fund and delivered in collaboration with TechWM. The event supported small and medium-sized businesses in developing a clearer understanding of the evolving cyber threat landscape. It explored dark web activity, crypto-enabled crime and the methods cybercriminals use to identify, target and exploit smaller organisations. Through expert presentations, real-world examples and interactive discussion, attendees gained practical insights into emerging cyber risks and the steps they could take to strengthen their organisation’s digital resilience. The session also created opportunities for SMEs to connect with researchers, students and cyber security professionals, share experiences and consider how stronger collaboration can help businesses respond to increasingly complex threats.
Cyber Futures Connect: Talent Meets Industry
Aston University’s Centre for Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) hosted Cyber Futures Connect: Talent Meets Industry at the West Midlands Cyber Hub, bringing Cyber Security students together with leading employers for an interactive networking and careers event. The event gave students the opportunity to speak directly with industry professionals, build their confidence and explore potential placements, apprenticeships and graduate career pathways. Through fast-paced conversations and practical insights, attendees developed a clearer understanding of the skills employers value and the realities of working across different areas of the cyber security sector. Representatives from Cybercy Group, CyberQ Group, Orbital IAM and Cyber Tzar shared their expertise, career advice and industry experiences. The event strengthened connections between education and industry while helping to support the next generation of cyber security professionals.
Women Shaping Cyber
Aston University’s Centre for Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) hosted Women Shaping Cyber at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham to mark International Women’s Day. The event brought together professionals, researchers, students and cyber security practitioners in a supportive environment to connect, share experiences and exchange perspectives on the future of the sector. Through an interactive roundtable discussion, participants explored the importance of human and interpersonal skills in cyber security, including leadership, communication, collaboration, intuition and effective decision-making. The conversation highlighted how women’s perspectives, diverse experiences and inclusive approaches can strengthen cyber resilience, encourage innovation and support more effective responses to complex digital challenges. The event also created valuable opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange, while recognising the important contribution women make to the cyber security profession and to helping organisations, including SMEs, navigate an evolving threat landscape.
Secure AI: Building Cyber AI Confidence
SECURE-AI: SME Education for Cybersecurity & Responsible AI Adoption, an interactive event to help enterprises confidently embrace AI Join the Anglian Ruskin University and the ISC2 East of England Chapter for a unique event designed to empower SMEs with the skills, confidence, and practical knowledge to adopt AI technologies securely. Built around the innovative SECURE-AI Framework, this session brings together leading experts, hands-on advice, and networking opportunities for businesses navigating the fast-changing world of AI and cybersecurity.
Disinformation for SMEs
Aston University’s Centre for Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) delivered Disinformation for SMEs: How to Spot, Protect and Respond as part of the Cyber Clinic programme, funded through the West Midlands Innovation Programme (WMIP) 3.0 Flexible Innovation Fund and delivered in collaboration with TechWM. The workshop supported small and medium-sized businesses in understanding the growing risks associated with misinformation, disinformation and manipulated online content. It explored how false narratives, fake reviews, AI-generated media and deepfakes can damage organisational reputation, weaken customer confidence and undermine trust. Through practical guidance, expert insight, discussion and real-world examples, attendees learned how to recognise misleading content, assess potential risks and respond more confidently. The session also encouraged SMEs to consider practical measures for protecting their online presence and strengthening their wider digital resilience.
AI Cyber Career & Cyber Defence Workshop
we are bringing you the AI Cyber Career & Cyber Defence two-day workshop, happening on 15-16 January in room 9303, from 9:30 am - 5 pm. This event is your chance to get ahead of the curve and explore where cyber, AI and career innovation collide. Across the two days, you will: Discover how AI is reshaping the cyber landscape in Jobs Are Changing: Navigating Your Career in an AI-Transformed Workplace, led by Dr Charles Clark, Director of CSE-Connect (NCSC Initiative Project). Gain Real-World insight from NATO's Andy Moores (SHU Alumni), joining us from Brussels to share what's happening in the field right now- current threats, in-demand skills, and how to stand out to employers. Get hands-on with modern threat modelling techniques in Analyst 201: Intelligence-Led Adversarial Threat Modelling, delivered by Sajid Khan, Principal Analyst at HSBC. Schedule Day 1 – Thursday 15th 09:30–12:00 – Jobs Are Changing: Navigating Your Career in an AI‑Transformed Workplace (Dr Charles Clarke) 12:00–12:30 – Lunch 12:30–13:30 – Guest Talk: Andy Moore (Cyber Security professional, Brussels) 13:45–17:00 – Analyst 201: Intelligence‑Led Adversarial Threat Modelling (Sajid Khan, HSBC) Day 2 – Friday 16th 09:30–16:30 – Analyst 201 (continued) -Saj Khan This workshop is a collaboration between CSE‑Connect, Sheffield Hallam University, HSBC and the Yorkshire Cyber Security Cluster (YCSC), supported by funding from BCS South Yorkshire Branch & CSE-Connect. Students who complete the workshop will receive a Certificate of Completion- a great addition to your professional portfolio, demonstrating your engagement, skills development, and readiness for a career in cybersecurity. Places are limited and allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis; however, priority will be given to final‑year students, as this opportunity directly supports their transition into industry.
White Ribbon Day: What is Digital Abuse!
Aston University’s Centre for Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) supported a Digital Abuse Awareness session exploring how technology can be misused to control, monitor, harass or intimidate others. Delivered as part of Aston University’s wider White Ribbon commitment, the session aimed to raise awareness of domestic abuse in digital spaces and promote safer, more respectful online behaviours. The event examined key forms of technology-facilitated abuse, including cyberstalking, online harassment, identity misuse, coercive control, unwanted monitoring and the non-consensual sharing of private information. Through discussion and practical guidance, participants were encouraged to recognise warning signs, understand the potential impact on those affected and consider how digital safety can help prevent harm. The session also highlighted the importance of seeking support, responding appropriately to concerns and creating a university community in which harmful online behaviours are recognised and challenged.