Virtual participation: Zoom details available here
Speaker: Dr Hazel Murray, Munster Technological University
Title: "Translating research to impact for a cyber safe society"
Abstract: In today's digital age, the need for a cyber-safe society has never been more critical. Yet, there remains a significant gap between cutting-edge cybersecurity research and the practical tools and guidance accessible to communities and small organisations. This talk will explore strategies for translating complex cybersecurity research into impactful, user-friendly solutions that empower diverse groups—small businesses, older adults, and community organisations—to enhance their digital resilience.
Drawing from Hazel's national challenge fund projects, we'll discuss best practices for identifying community needs, engaging stakeholders, and iteratively designing accessible tools. We'll also examine the role of partnerships with government agencies, industry, educational institutions, and charities in amplifying reach and trust and creating a cohesive cybersecurity ecosystem. This presentation will focus on bridging the gap between research and real-world impact, so that cybersecurity knowledge is effectively utilised to benefit society at all levels.
Biography: Hazel is a cyber security lecturer and researcher at Munster Technological University. She completed her PhD in mathematics at Maynooth University in 2021. She leads two national challenge fund projects: Cyber Safety for Vulnerable populations and Digital resilience for Small businesses, both in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre. She leads the QCloud project which provides free access to quantum computing to all Irish researchers. Hazel's research interests are password security, authentication, systems security and quantum cryptography.