Events & Webinars
CPD events, workshops, and conferences for UK technology educators.
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.
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.
Knowledge Café: AI and Community Life
Aston University’s Centre for Cyber Security Innovation (CSI), in collaboration with BizEd Projects CIC, delivered a Knowledge Café on AI and Community Life, bringing together local residents, researchers and community partners to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping everyday life. Through open discussion and shared learning, participants considered both the opportunities and concerns associated with AI, including trust, inclusion, accessibility, privacy and the impact of new technologies on individuals and communities. The informal café format encouraged attendees to ask questions, share personal experiences and contribute different perspectives. The event created a welcoming space for meaningful dialogue between academia and the wider community, helping to make conversations about AI more accessible and ensuring that local voices are included in discussions about how technology should be developed and used responsibly.