Abertay University students participate in world's leading cybersecurity conference through scholarship programme

A group of cybersecurity students from Abertay University recently attended Black Hat Europe 2024 after being awarded a prestigious scholarship that covered their event expenses.

The conference, held from December 9 to December 12, 2024, at ExCeL London, is recognised as one of the leading events in the cybersecurity sector, attracting experts, researchers, and professionals from around the globe.

The students, all enrolled in Abertay's Ethical Hacking programme, were able to attend the conference after receiving the Black Hat student scholarship through a competitive selection process.

The scholarships are part of Black Hat’s initiative to support the development of future cybersecurity professionals, providing recipients with complimentary access to the conference's key briefings. These sessions, held on December 11 and 12 at ExCeL London, featured presentations on the latest research, advancements, and trends in cybersecurity, as well as demonstrations of innovative open-source tools. 

At the conference, the students participated in sessions that covered a range of topics, including cyber defence strategies, emerging technologies, and current threat landscapes, enhancing their knowledge and networking opportunities within the industry. 

Second-year Ethical Hacking student, Aaron Lucey said: 

Attending Black Hat Europe was an incredible experience that allowed me to learn from leading experts and see how the concepts we study at Abertay are applied in the real world. The briefings were incredible, and hearing from experts from around the world was truly inspiring. The networking opportunities and insights I gained will undoubtedly shape my future career.

Jamie O’Hare, Lecturer in the Department of Cybersecurity and Computing, said: 

This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage with the forefront of cybersecurity research and practice. Black Hat is an internationally renowned event, and attending the briefings will give them a unique perspective on industry challenges and innovations, enhancing their academic and professional development. The students’ attendance at Black Hat Europe underscores Abertay’s commitment to nurturing talent and equipping students with the skills needed to excel in the fast-evolving cybersecurity sector.

Abertay is home to the UK’s first Ethical Hacking degree and maintains strong ties with the industry, providing students with opportunities to confront real-world challenges. Recently, Abertay was awarded University of the Year at the National Cyber Awards. 

Find out more information on Abertay’s BSc Ethical Hacking and BSc Computer Science with Cybersecurity courses.