Cyber SMART recently hosted its Spring meeting at the Notre Dame Center for Research Computing (CRC). The Center, whose name stands for Science, Management, Applications, Regulation, and Training, is a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Industry-University Collaborative Research Center (IUCRC) focused on a holistic approach to cyber research and training. During the meeting, members gave presentations about their research, prospective members met with current members and gave presentations, and Jarek Nabrzyski was named as the center’s executive director.

Virginia Tech Joins Cyber SMART

In a significant recent development, the NSF has approved Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, known as Virginia Tech, to join Cyber SMART as a new site. This addition brings valuable expertise and resources to the center, further strengthening its capabilities in addressing critical challenges in infrastructure security and AI.

Gretchen Matthews, the Director and Principal Investigator of Virginia Tech Site, remarked, "Joining Cyber SMART allows us to collaborate with leading experts in infrastructure security and AI, driving innovation and creating impactful solutions for critical infrastructure systems."

Ophir Frieder, CyberSMART Director and Principal Investigator, added, "I am thrilled to welcome Virginia Tech as an official site in Cyber SMART; Virginia Tech brings with it a wealth of experience and expertise that vastly strengthens and expands Cyber SMART's capabilities and scope."

International Expansion: University of Technology Sydney

The center's Industry Advisory Board has approved the University of Technology Sydney to join as an international site. This marks Cyber SMART's first international expansion, broadening its global reach and collaborative potential.

Spring Meeting Recap

During the meeting, two prospective Cyber SMART members gave presentations to the center members.

• Kiyoshi Nakasaka, co-founder of Washington CORE, LLC, presented about the consulting firm that provides strategic analysis and advisory services for the private and public sectors in Japan, the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region.

• Kevin Smith, an inventor, developer, and entrepreneur based in South Bend, delivered a presentation on IQI Balance Intelligence, LLC, where he serves as president and CEO.

Asif Gill from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia, was invited and presented at the Cyber SMART Center meeting and explored the possibility of bringing along UTS DigiSAS Lab as an international site for research collaboration. Cyber SMART Center Industry Advisory Board has approved to proceed with the commencement of this collaboration process.

Leadership Announcement

During the meeting, Jarek Nabrzyski, the Director of the Notre Dame Center for Research Computing and the Director and Principal Investigator for the Notre Dame site, was named the Executive Director of Cyber SMART. His leadership is expected to guide the center's growing operations and research initiatives effectively. Nabrzyski stated, "Our goal with Cyber SMART is to be a transformative and disruptive force for good," emphasizing the center's commitment to impactful research and training.

About Cyber SMART

Cyber SMART is dedicated to addressing current and future challenges in Infrastructure Security through collaborative research between interdisciplinary academic researchers, government labs, and industry partners. The center focuses on integrating AI into infrastructure security to combat both traditional and AI-enabled cyber threats.

With these recent developments, Cyber SMART is poised to make even greater strides in enhancing the security and resilience of critical infrastructure systems through innovative research and industry collaboration.

For more information, visit cybersmartcenter.org

Originally published by Christina Clark at cybersmartcenter.org on August 12, 2024.