Laying the Foundation: Innovative Education and Research Hubs
The SECURE project, supported by the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN), is revolutionizing the educational and research landscape in cybersecurity and advanced telecommunications. Its long-term vision centers on the establishment of Education and Research (R&E) Hubs in Ukraine and Georgia, featuring three interconnected virtual laboratories each, dedicated to advancing secure 5G and future network technologies. These hubs will enable remote access for stakeholders through dedicated national platforms, ensuring widespread impact and collaboration.
In Georgia, the Caucasus University Cybersecurity Center will lead operations across three major cities, while in Ukraine, the National Aviation University (NAU) will coordinate the hub, covering Kyiv, the Kharkiv region, and central Ukraine via Cherkasy.
According to project representative at Kaunas University of Technology, assoc. prof. Audrius Lopata, “by creating interconnected research hubs, we not only strengthen education but also build resilient knowledge-sharing networks that will drive cybersecurity innovation across regions.”
Driving Innovation Through New Curricula
A key pillar of the SECURE project is the development of four pioneering courses tailored to the needs of modern cybersecurity. These include DevSecOps practices, AI/ML technologies for network protection, quantum and post-quantum security, and a specialized course on 5G cybersecurity systems.
A. Lopata highlights that our goal is to equip students with practical skills that meet market demands. These innovative courses will allow them to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging cybersecurity threats, ensuring long-term competitiveness.
By aligning educational content with European standards and best practices, the project ensures that graduates will be well-prepared to face both current and future technological challenges.
Strengthening Academia-Industry Collaboration
The SECURE initiative is paving the way for a stronger connection between academia and industry. The collaboration aims to ensure that the educational outcomes directly support innovation and economic development in the region.
As the project representative explains, the cooperation between academia and industry will open new opportunities that were previously unforeseen. It is through this partnership that we will nurture specialists who are not only highly skilled but also capable of contributing directly to technological advancement.
By fostering this constructive collaboration, the project helps bridge the gap between research institutions and business needs, creating a dynamic environment for sustainable innovation.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies play a significant role in the project’s cybersecurity initiatives. AI will enhance threat detection by analyzing massive data streams, automate incident response, and predict future cyber threats — all critical functions in the increasingly complex world of 5G and beyond.
“Integrating AI and machine learning into cybersecurity is no longer optional; it is a necessity,” says A. Lopata. “Through these technologies, we can not only detect threats faster but also anticipate them, strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure.”
The newly developed AI/ML courses within SECURE will empower students to utilize these tools effectively, ensuring the highest standards of network protection.
Projected Impact on Academic Excellence
At the academic level, the SECURE project is expected to significantly enhance research output. High-level publications in leading journals and presentations at international conferences will solidify the participating institutions’ reputation in the cybersecurity field.
Reflecting on the broader impact, A. Lopata notes: “We believe that SECURE will contribute to a new era of academic excellence, where research, education, and innovation move hand in hand, strengthening both regional and global cybersecurity capabilities.”
By blending research excellence, forward-looking education, and close collaboration with industry, the SECURE project is setting a new benchmark for digital security education and innovation in Europe and beyond.
