NCSC’s CyberFirst Advanced course led by QinetiQ — 27-31 July 2026
Following the success of the CyberFirst Advanced pilot programme, delivered by QinetiQ in partnership with the NCSC, the initiative expanded significantly in 2026, reaching more than 200 students across 11 locations throughout the UK, including University of Greenwich. Designed for 16 and 17-year-olds with an interest in cyber security, the week-long programme provides hands-on experience in areas including encryption technologies, digital forensics, cyber investigation techniques, open-source intelligence gathering, and penetration testing, while showcasing the wide range of education and career opportunities available within the cyber sector.
The University of Greenwich is particularly proud to have been part of this success story from the beginning. In 2025, we were one of only three universities selected to support the first delivery of the programme, hosting students on our Greenwich campus and working alongside industry and government partners to inspire and develop future cyber talent. The overwhelmingly positive response from students, schools, and partners demonstrated the value of combining hands-on technical activities, industry insights, and practical cyber security challenges in an engaging learning environment.
Participation in the Advances in Teaching and Learning for Cyber Security Education 2026 Conference - 23-24 July 2026
Dr. Muhammad Taimoor Khan represented the University of Greenwich ACE-CSE at the Advances in Teaching and Learning for Cyber Security Education (AiTLCE) 2026 conference, the flagship annual event of CSE Connect. Bringing together leading cyber security educators, researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers from across the UK and internationally, the conference explored how cyber security education can continue to evolve to meet future workforce needs. The event provided an excellent opportunity to share experiences, learn from innovative educational practices, and strengthen the University's engagement with the national cyber security education ecosystem.
Cisco Girls in ICT - 13 May 2026
Over the past two years, the University of Greenwich has been delivering Innovation Challenges for girls in Years 7–10, aimed at encouraging participation in STEM education and future careers. The event is organised by Cisco in partneship with universities and colleges across the UK to host challenge days that inspire young female students (typically aged 12–14) to pursue STEM careers. For University of Greenwich, it took place in the Greenwich and Medway Campuses. In Greenwich, it was organised by Ann Longley and Jason Parke from FES, the University’s Women in STEM Society and Student Ambassadors, in partnership with the Next Tech Girls.
At the Greenwich Campus, more than 20 enthusiastic students from Years 7–9 took part, with a similar number attending at the Medway Campus. Participants had the opportunity to explore career pathways in STEM, including cyber security, and engage directly with role models and mentors. Dr Najma Taimoor and Professor Georgia Sakellari represented the ACE‑CSE, supporting the event and contributing as members of the judging panel. Students showcased a range of innovative digital solutions, addressing how artificial intelligence can be used in a safe, responsible, inclusive, and ethical way to improve the lives of young people. The quality of the ideas and prototypes presented was exceptional, reflecting both creativity and a strong awareness of the societal impact of technology.
CYBERUK 2026 - 21-23 April 2026
Dr Taimoor Khan attended CYBERUK 2026, where he had the opportunity to network with a range of industrial, academic , and government partners working in the area of cyber security for critical infrastructure. Discussions with the network provided valuable insights into current challenges, emerging research directions, and practical security needs across sectors that rely on resilient and secure digital systems.
Open Day, afternoon talks and taster sessions - 21 March 2026
Our CMS staff welcomed prospective students to the Greenwich campus, where ACE‑CSE members delivered talks on our cyber security programmes alongside interactive taster sessions. In particular, Dr. Dennis Ivory introduced students to the field of digital forensics, demonstrating how specialists investigate cybercrime, data breaches, and other digital offences. The session provided insight into the tools and techniques used to analyse digital activity, recover deleted files, and examine devices in a legally compliant manner. Dr. Muhammad Taimoor Khan also delivered an interactive taster session for prospective cyber security students holding offers at the University of Greenwich. During the session, he introduced a range of open‑source tools and techniques, giving students hands‑on experience in developing secure‑by‑design software systems and protecting communications using cryptographic methods.
TechFirst Education Ecosystem Conference - 10-11 March 2026
Professor Georgia Sakellari and Dr Muhammad Taimoor Khan attended the TechFirst Education Ecosystem Conference, engaging with government, academic, school, and industry partners to explore national TechFirst initiatives, share best practice, and identify new opportunities for students and cross‑sector collaboration. The dinner held particular significance for our centre, as it marked the official award of our Gold ACE‑CSE status by NCSC and DSIT.
Combined outreach and research activity in Schools and Colleges - December 2025 - January 2026
Between December 2025 and January 2026, the ACE‑CSE, working in collaboration with the ACE‑CSR, delivered a substantial programme of outreach and research engagement visits to secondary schools and further education colleges across the region.
Activities reached over 600 students at institutions including Thomas Tallis School, Sandwich Technology School, St John’s, The Marsh Academy, Ebbsfleet Academy, St Gregory’s Catholic School, Homewood School & Sixth Form, Fort Pitt Grammar, Orion Spires, and London South East Colleges (Erith campus), with engagement ranging from small group workshops to large‑scale talks attended by over 600 students in total. The talks, delivered by Professor George Loukas, focused on online safety, careers in cyber security, and emerging issues such as AI security. In parallel, 200 students participated in research activities led by our ACE‑CSR and CS2 research centre, contributing to work on age verification in extended reality (XR) technologies. Together, these activities reflect a strong, integrated approach to outreach, widening participation, and research‑informed engagement.
Aspiration Digital December 2025 - 3 December 2025
Our FES events team participated in the Aspiration Digital event in Kent targeted at year 12 students with a stand that provided information about our programmes, including cyber security
CyberFirst Summer School - 26-29 August 2025
We were one of the three UK universities that hosted the NCSC CyberFirst Virtual Advanced Summer School, the only CyberFirst event in England this year. It was an inspiring week filled with hands-on learning, expert insights, and collaborative exploration in to the world of computer science and cyber security delivered by brilliant team at QinetiQ who streamed engaging sessions from Malvern and shared their expertise. It also involved brilliant guest speakers from NCSC, as well as our current and alumni students.
All the Year 12 students that participated brought energy, curiosity and passion to every session. We're proud to be part of shaping the next generation of cyber talent. We were thrilled to see such high levels of interest from local schools (unfortunately we had to turn away over 80 students due to space limitations). Hopefully next year we can welcome even more!
Cyber security is clearly sparking curiosity in the next generation, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.
ACE-CSE certificates ceremony -18 July 2025
The first cohort of students from our National Cyber Security Centre - accredited BSc Cyber Security and Digital Forensics programme have graduated! These talented individuals received their prestigious NCSC certificates, marking a significant achievement in their academic and professional journeys. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and can't wait to see the positive impact they will make in the world of cyber security and digital forensics. Special thanks to our academic staff who made this possible: Georgia Sakellari, Muhammad Taimoor Khan, Erwin George, Mayur Patel, Noel-Ann Bradshaw and Peter Griffiths. See highlights on LinkedIn.
STEM taster day - 19 June 2025
Our ACE-CSE team welcomed students to the Greenwich campus for a STEM Taster Day, offering practical, hands-on activities in cyber security and other digital technologies to inspire future study pathways.
Aspiration Digital 2025 - 13 March 2025
Prof. Georgia Sakellari took part in a panel at Aspiration Digital 2025, encouraging over 1,000 students to explore digital careers and highlighting pathways into cyber security. The university stand engaged students with information and advice on future study options.
UK Cyber Leaders Challenge 2025
A team of undergraduate students mentored by Dr. Muhammad Taimoor Khan progressed to the regional qualifiers of the UK Cyber Leaders Challenge 2025, demonstrating excellence in practical cyber security skills.
Sustainability Careers Expo - 5 December 2024
Dr. Taimoor Khan and Prof. Georgia Sakellari represented Greenwich at the Sustainability Careers Expo, promoting sustainable cyber security to over 4,000 students alongside 60+ leading employers and education providers.
Dartford Grammar School Careers Fair - 27 November 2024
Our team delivered interactive STEM and cyber security sessions for more than 300 students (Years 9–13) at Dartford Grammar School, showcasing study and career opportunities in the field.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hES2O-GpcU