Led by the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), this international consortium includes the University of Guelph (UoG) in Canada, the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT Hyderabad) in India, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The collaboration draws on the partners' established experience and complementary strengths in cybersecurity education and research, including the Norwegian Centre for Cybersecurity in Critical Sectors (NORCICS) at NTNU, UoG's Cyber Science Lab (CSL), IIIT Hyderabad's education and research in cybersecurity and related areas, and USN's experience in industry-oriented education.
Each partner institution offers comprehensive education in computer science and cybersecurity from undergraduate to doctoral levels, fostering a robust foundation for developing innovative cybersecurity solutions. The project also benefits from the partners' engagement with relevant stakeholders and real-world problem settings, including USN's industrial master's program in computer science, as well as collaborations with industry and other stakeholders across the partner institutions. These environments enhance students' learning experiences and contribute to preparing a workforce adept at confronting both current and future cybersecurity challenges.
The project addresses the urgent need for skilled manpower in cybersecurity for Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS), where skilled professionals are scarce. By developing targeted courses and curricula that blend cutting-edge research with practical training, the project aims to equip future professionals with the necessary skills to secure critical infrastructures.
The project aligns with the strategic objectives outlined in the UTFORSK program by:
- Strengthening institutional partnerships for education and research between Norway, Canada, and India, utilizing diverse expertise to collaboratively tackle cybersecurity challenges.
- Promoting sustained student and faculty mobility to provide valuable international experiences that enrich education and research collaboration.
- Increasing integration between higher education, research, and working life, ensuring educational outcomes are relevant to real-world needs.
- Enhancing the international learning environment through innovative teaching methods, collaborative research initiatives, and exposure to global cybersecurity practices.
By fostering deep collaboration, the project aspires to advance cybersecurity for critical infrastructures and contribute to educating professionals equipped to protect essential services and systems in an increasingly interconnected digital world. The project's commitment to interdisciplinary education, international cooperation, and industry engagement supports long-term capacity building in Norway, Canada, India, and beyond.