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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.