UCD Centre for Cyber Resilience Education Launches with 2024 Adventures in Cyberland Awards 

We’re excited to announce the establishment of the UCD Centre for Cyber Resilience Education, a new hub for advancing cybersecurity education and awareness across Ireland. Rooted in a commitment to foster digital resilience, the Centre will house groundbreaking initiatives, including those of Cyberwise (www.cyberwise.ie), and will lead various efforts in educational outreach, teacher training, and digital literacy enhancement for young learners.

As a highlight, the Centre will host the 2024 Adventures in Cyberland Awards in —a celebration of the impactful work of CYBERWISE in cybersecurity education in UCD O’Reilly Hall on December 10th 2024. This event will spotlight innovative projects that have broadened access to cybersecurity knowledge for young people nationwide, shaping a future generation of digitally resilient learners.

Key Projects Recognised at the 2024 Adventures in Cyberland Awards

The Adventures in Cyberland Awards will acknowledge several transformative projects:

  • Junior Cycle Cybersecurity Short Course: Implemented in 20 pilot schools across Ireland, this course introduces cybersecurity principles and practices to Junior Cycle students. Access the course here.
  • Primary School Cybersecurity Modules: Now available on Scoilnet.ie, these modules provide age-appropriate cybersecurity content tailored for younger learners, making cybersecurity education accessible from an early age. Access the modules here.
  • SFI/Department of Education’s ‘Busting Gender Bias in Computer Science and Cybersecurity’ Initiative: This initiative, rolled out in 50 primary and post-primary schools, challenges gender biases and fosters inclusion in STEM fields, encouraging students to pursue futures in cybersecurity and computer science. Learn more about the initiative here.
  • Shared Island Forum for Secure Climate Futures: Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, this forum emphasises the critical overlap between cybersecurity and climate resilience, underscoring the importance of secure digital practices in addressing environmental challenges. Find out more about the forum here.
  • Translated Resources in Irish: With support from COGG, all Cyberwise resources have been translated into Gaeilge, ensuring that cybersecurity education reaches the Irish-speaking community and promoting inclusive access to digital knowledge.

In collaboration with the ADAPT Centre, the UCD Centre for Cyber Resilience Education will also enhance AI literacy and support Zero Days capture-the-flag activities, using challenge-based learning to make cybersecurity concepts interactive and engaging.

Join Us in Supporting Cyber Resilience Education

As we gear up for this national celebration of cybersecurity education, we invite contributions to an outreach account set up by UCD finance to support the event’s costs. These funds will help extend our outreach and continue building a digitally resilient Ireland. By supporting this initiative, you’re investing in the future of cybersecurity education and resilience.

Stay tuned to www.cyberwise.ie for event updates and ways to get involved with the UCD Centre for Cyber Resilience Education and CyberWise by contacting us on https://cyberwise.ie/contact-us/ 

Pictured at the Cyberwise Shared Learning Day 25th April 2024. Prof Joe Carthy (UCD School of Computer Science), Mark Baldwin (SchooVR) Mark Lane (TU Dublin & Zero Days), Karen Maye (UCD School of Ed), Dr Rachel Farrell (PI UCD Ubuntu Partnership), Minister Ossian Smyth,  Marelle Rice (Co-PI UCD Ubuntu Partnership), Dr Rob Brennan (UCD School of Computer Science & ADAPT Centre), Marie Bracken (Department of Education), Anthony Kilcoyne (Oide Technology in Education).