Events & Webinars
CPD events, workshops, and conferences for UK technology educators.
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.
CyberFirst: MEGA Event
Aston University’s Centre for Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) supported the CyberFirst MEGA Event, helping to inspire more than 180 Year 8 girls to explore cyber security, technology and future career opportunities. Delivered as part of the National Cyber Security Centre’s CyberFirst programme, the event brought together young people, educators and industry partners for a day of interactive learning. Aston CSI delivered a hands-on Capture the Flag activity, challenging participants to work together, solve problems and apply their digital skills to a series of engaging cyber security tasks. The event created a supportive environment in which students could build confidence, discover the range of careers available across the cyber sector and see how teamwork, creativity and logical thinking can be applied to real-world digital challenges. It also demonstrated the importance of collaboration between education, academia and industry in encouraging a more diverse generation of future cyber professionals.
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.
CDA Workshop
Workshop delivered by CSE Connect to students from Roehampton University and Anglia Ruskin University participating in the Course Degree Accreditation (CDA) impact project as part of their final undergraduate project. This will be the initial meeting where students will gather the requirements for the project so they can start the design.
CSI Impact: 2025
Aston University’s Centre for Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) hosted CSI Impact 2025: Celebrating Innovation, Success & the Future, its annual conference showcasing the Centre’s achievements, partnerships and real-world impact across cyber security research, innovation, education and community engagement. The event brought together representatives from industry, academia and the wider cyber security ecosystem to learn more about CSI’s projects, case studies and collaborative initiatives. Through presentations, discussions and networking, attendees explored how the Centre works with partners to strengthen cyber resilience, support skills development and respond to emerging digital challenges. Participants also took part in CSI’s interactive Cyber Escape Game, using teamwork and problem-solving skills to complete a series of realistic cyber security challenges. The conference celebrated Aston University’s recognition as Cyber University of the Year 2025 and highlighted CSI’s continued commitment to building a safer, smarter and more connected digital future.
CyberFirst
Aston CSI welcomed around 80 Year 12 students from local sixth forms and colleges for a CyberFirst event designed to inspire young people to explore future careers in cyber and technology. The event gave students the opportunity to take part in a range of practical, hands-on activities while learning more about the skills and pathways available in the cyber sector. Students participated in activities including coding, virtual reality, open-source intelligence and industry speed networking. The event was delivered in collaboration with the IN4 Group team and included an inspiring keynote on local cyber futures, highlighting the growth of GCHQ/NCF and the wider technology ecosystem.
CyberKali: Capture the Flag
Aston CSI hosted CyberKali Capture The Flag, a hands-on cybersecurity event designed to inspire young women to explore future careers in cyber and technology. The event gave A-Level students the opportunity to develop practical skills through interactive Capture The Flag challenges, while building confidence and awareness of cybersecurity career pathways. Participants explored key cyber topics including cryptography, reverse engineering, digital forensics, Linux commands and open-source intelligence. The event also featured insights from industry speakers and role models, helping to showcase the breadth of opportunities available in the cybersecurity sector.
Women in Cyber Security Forging Your Path to the Future
Aston CSI hosted Women in Cyber Security: Forging Your Path to the Future, a cybersecurity conference designed to inspire and empower more women to explore careers in the sector. The event showcased the breadth of opportunities available in cyber, while highlighting the importance of building a more inclusive and diverse workforce. The programme included high-profile speakers, industry case studies, skills development, leadership and mentoring sessions, networking opportunities, a Cyber Escape Room, and a roundtable discussion on navigating a career in cybersecurity.
Neurodiversity in Cyber and AI
Aston CSI hosted Neurodiversity in Cyber and AI, a seminar exploring the importance of neurodiversity in shaping the future of technology, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The event highlighted how different ways of thinking can strengthen innovation, resilience and problem-solving across the cyber sector. The session brought together perspectives on inclusion, neurodivergent strengths in cyber and intelligence, and the need to design technology and security systems with diverse users in mind. Discussions also explored how neurodivergent individuals may experience unique vulnerabilities to cyber threats and scams, reinforcing the importance of inclusive approaches to digital safety.