DTP Training Programme
The CSIT DTP includes bespoke training elements over and above the PHD research to prepare an excellent cohort of innovative researchers with the core skills to become future leaders and innovators. You will find a summary of our training below.
On the 23rd and 24th May, Cyber AI DTP students attended a comprehensive Public Engagement workshop hosted by Jamie Gallagher at ECIT. These insightful sessions were divided into two main topics: understanding public engagement motivations and processes, and planning and delivering effective engagement experiences.
Workshop Highlights
Topic 1: Motivations and Processes of Engaging with the Public
Jamie Gallagher introduced students to the core motivations behind public engagement and the processes involved. The session focused on transforming complex research topics into compelling and shareable narratives. Key highlights included:
- Understanding Compelling Narratives: Students learned techniques to turn their research into engaging stories that captivate a general audience.
- Preparing Engagement Plans: The workshop covered how to prepare high-quality public engagement plans and activities.
- Recognizing Engagement Benefits: Students discussed the various benefits of external engagement and strategies to achieve these benefits.
- Building Confidence: Practical exercises helped students feel more comfortable and confident in engaging with the public.
- Utilizing Evaluation: The importance of evaluation in reporting and monitoring engagement activities was emphasized.
Topic 2: Planning and Delivering Engagement Experiences and Events
The follow-on session delved into the specifics of planning and delivering successful engagement events. This segment was particularly focused on ECIT’s "Spring School" and "Capture the Flag" events. Key objectives and insights included:
- Identifying Opportunities: Students collaborated to identify key engagement opportunities in the Cyber landscape and tips to decide which events are of value
- Event Planning: Students were guided through the key steps of planning an engaging event based on their research topics.
- Planning Stages and Milestones: Detailed discussions on the essential planning stages, milestones, and deadlines necessary for successful event execution.
- Presentation Tips
Outcomes and Future Opportunities
By the end of the workshop, Cyber AI DTP students had a clear understanding of how to engage effectively with the public. They gained practical skills in developing narratives, planning events, and conducting evaluations. The session also mapped out future engagement opportunities, demonstrating how these activities can enhance their research careers.
Students left the workshop equipped with the confidence and knowledge to execute their public engagement plans, ready to contribute to the broader community and disseminate their research in impactful ways.
We extend our gratitude to Jamie Gallagher for hosting this valuable workshop and look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this training on our students’ future engagements!
The Cyber AI DTP recently hosted a session titled "Innovate to Impact," aimed at equipping students with essential insights into innovation, translation, and impact within the research landscape.
Led by Louise Cushnahan, Head of Innovation at ECIT, the session provided a comprehensive overview of key concepts and practical strategies to maximize the value and application possibilities of research outputs.
Students were introduced to the core concepts of innovation, translation, and impact and gained valuable insights into the significance of these elements in driving research towards tangible outcomes and societal benefits.
A pivotal aspect of the session was the exploration of an innovation process aimed at establishing a common language of innovation.
Louise provided an overview of ECIT's internal innovation programme, "Innovate to Impact." Students received valuable insights into the program's objectives, methodologies, and available support mechanisms aimed at maximising the value and application possibilities of research outputs.
Rebekah Tougher Commercial Development Manager – EEECS IP and Commercialisation Team, shared insights into the IP protocols at Queen's University Belfast (QUB) and the process involved in safeguarding intellectual property. Students gained a deeper understanding of the importance of IP protection in research and innovation endeavors alongside the value of licensing technology.
CSIT Post Doctoral researcher Jack Miskelly showcased the impact of his own PHD research, providing the students with tangible examples of how research outcomes can translate into real-world applications and societal benefits.
An interactive session allowed students to provide feedback to ARC PhD student Gyan, who presented his research using the NABC framework. This interactive exchange facilitated constructive discussions and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
This session marks the beginning of a series of innovation sessions that students will have access to throughout their academic journey, promising continued growth and enlightenment in the realm of research and innovation.
A comprehensive and tailor-made training program has been designed for this program. This includes inductions and/or team-building activity each year to ensure cohort cohesion, access to up to 3 relevant modules from Queen’s NCSC-accredited MSc in Applied Cyber Security, the opportunity to undertake 3 to 6-month internships with our industry partners, a Spring School in Year 2 comprising a programme of intensive advanced-level master classes on technical topics and policy/regulatory issues with lectures given by international experts in the field, a Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge (group-work) in our Cyber Range and many other activities
The CSIT Doctoral Training Programme also provides an exciting and unique opportunity to:
- Advance research in exciting and emerging areas of cyber security research
- Focus on enterprise and leadership skills
- Co-design the Research Program with Industry
- Effective cohort interaction and experience with a comprehensive training programme
- Extensive industrial collaborative opportunities with CSIT’s many industry partners, e.g. Thales, Qualcomm, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and many others
- Use world-class facilities including our Cyber Range, industry standard Wireless labs, and extensive hardware development and measurement infrastructure
- Access to modules in our NCSC-certified MSc Advanced Cyber Security and MSc AI
Doctoral Training Programmes are prestigious programmes which aim to enable cutting-edge doctoral study within a dynamic research culture that encourages innovative, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a cohort student experience. The cohort nature of the programme fosters collaborative learning, creativity, and confidence in a unique way, where students benefit from mutual academic, emotional, and logistical support, helping to improve research outputs and timely PhD completion.
A comprehensive and tailor-made training program has been designed for this program. This includes inductions and/or team-building activity each year to ensure cohort cohesion, access to up to 3 relevant modules from Queen’s NCSC-accredited MSc in Applied Cyber Security, the opportunity to undertake 3 to 6-month internships with our industry partners, a Spring School in Year 2 comprising a programme of intensive advanced-level master classes on technical topics and policy/regulatory issues with lectures given by international experts in the field, a Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge (group-work) in our Cyber Range and many other activities (QUB’s Master your Leadership programme, a public engagement training course, responsible innovation training and a wide range of personal development and transferrable skills training courses run by QUB’s Graduate School, such as Academic Writing Skills, Project Management, Stress Management, Ethics, GDPR, Presentation Skills, Communication Strategies and Applying Research to Policy.