Securing Connections: Building a Transnational Network Community in It Security

28 May, 2025

A visit by representatives of UAS Technikum Wien to The Hague University of Applied Sciences strengthened the dialog on cybersecurity and responsible AI. The focus was on establishing joint education and research initiatives.

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Securing Connections: Building a Transnational Network Community in It Security

In a dynamic three-day exchange, The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) welcomed seven colleagues from the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien (FHTW) in The Hague from May 19 to May 21, 2025 to jointly develop a transnational ecosystem at the interface of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity. Their shared goal: enhance expertise, foster innovation, and elevate resilience across research, education, and digital infrastructure in higher education.

Discussions on strengthening cybersecurity practices

The visit opened with discussions around strengthening cybersecurity practices across domains such as healthcare, energy, mobility, and smart infrastructure. Both institutions found significant overlap in applied research and innovation, exploring topics like securing IoT-based eHealth systems, cyber-resilient energy grids, and the role of reverse engineering in education. They also examined potential funding calls, while highlighting the need to build institutional resilience and support awareness training for professionals. The first day concluded with a common dinner, where participants continued exchanging ideas and identified further opportunities for collaboration in an informal setting.

Visit to the Cybersecurity Living Lab in Zoetermeer

On the second day, the focus shifted to education, with both teams identifying strong opportunities for student and lecturer exchange, joint curriculum development, and the creation of common potential student projects centered on responsible AI, data ethics, and cybersecurity. The day ended with an inspiring visit to the Cybersecurity Living Lab in Zoetermeer including a student presentation of CSyLL SOC/SIEM.

The final day brought ethics and governance to the forefront, with THUAS introducing its AI Value Compass and policy framework rooted in institutional values of fairness, transparency, and inclusion. Collaborative ideas emerged around developing checklists, educational toolkits, and AI literacy modules for faculty, alongside cross-European dialogue on AI governance and human-centered teaching approaches.

Plans for a follow-up meeting in the fall

The visit concluded with plans for an autumn follow-up meeting, where partners will co-design a potential common student projects, prepare research applications, and continue building a shared vision for responsible, applied AI and cybersecurity education across Europe.

A heartfelt thank you goes to THUAS for their warm hospitality, thoughtful organisation, and inspiring leadership throughout the visit, their efforts made this collaboration not only productive, but truly memorable.