However, traditional FL still relies on a central orchestrator, introducing single points of failure and potential bottlenecks. This keynote explores the next evolution: Decentralised Federated Learning (DFL)—a paradigm that removes the central aggregator, enhancing fault tolerance, reducing bottlenecks, and promoting equity among participating nodes. We will examine how decentralised topologies, consensus mechanisms, and peer-to-peer communication are reshaping the landscape of collaborative AI. Additionally, the talk will highlight the security and privacy challenges unique to DFL, including sybil attacks, data poisoning, and Byzantine behaviours, alongside emerging solutions such as robust aggregation, reputation, and trustworthy solutions. To conclude we will explore Nebula, a platform to train DFL models and test adversarial attacks and countermeasure.

Bio:

Alberto Huertas is an assistant professor at the University of Murcia and a guest researcher at the Communication Systems Group CSG, Department of Informatics IfI, University of Zürich. He received his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Murcia, Spain. His scientific interests include cybersecurity, Federated Learning, and computer networks. He has visited several international research centers and universities in Germany, Italy, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, and the United States. Dr. Huertas Celdrán has published the outcomes of his research in more than 100 journals and conferences.

Hosted by Jill Wright, Research Careers and Employability Officer, Postdoctoral Development Centre,  QUB this session will feature a panel of early career researchers and industry to share real stories from their career path, their own PhD journey and more.

The panel will include;

Jack Miskelly, Research Fellow, CSIT

Rachael Abbott, Data Scientist, Aflac

Mark Lennox, Lead Scientist, Cattleye

Sarah McCarthy, Crytpographic Strategist, evolutionQ

In this session, you’ll learn:

• How to define the core message of your presentation and research so you’re always speaking with clarity and authority.
• How to approach conferences as opportunities for dialogue and learning that will benefit both your research and your own professional, academic and career development.
• Strategies for handling Q&A and challenging question-askers.
• Practical tips for networking effectively at conferences.

In this session, you’ll learn:

• A broad overview of how to plan for and meet major milestones in your PhD
• How to differentiate between deep work and shallow work; and plan your work week accordingly.
• How to use the R.E.St Reset practice, developed by Dr. Jamie Pei for sustainable productivity:

o   Rest – to prioritise and ensure you are enjoying adequate rest, play and balance

o   Energise – to leverage your personal best practices for managing your energy and focus

o   STop – to set boundaries and transition from work to rest with more ease and less guilt.

• How the R.E.St Reset can help to counter procrastination and boost motivation

This session provides opportunities for participants to: 

• Develop self awareness through the exploration of their thoughts and habitual behaviours.
• Consider how they are looking after their mental health and physical wellbeing. 
• Understand their responses to stress and how to relieve tension in the mind and body. 
• Explore techniques that enable them to feel more confident and competent in their abilities