Last week, from 7th to 13th April 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting Professor Noelle van der Waag-Cowling from Stellenbosch University as part of our ongoing staff exchange program. Noelle’s visit was not only intense but also incredibly productive, leaving a lasting impact on our team and our work.
One of the highlights of Noelle’s visit was her captivating open lecture titled “Strategic Cyber Threats in an Age of Insecurity” on Wednesday, 10th April 2024. Her insightful presentation covered a range of topics, including emerging technology threats, strategic cyber security operations and events, and a fascinating case study on Volt Typhoon’s impact on critical infrastructure sectors in the U.S. Noelle wrapped up her lecture with thought-provoking reflections on systemic events. The lecture was nothing short of fantastic, drawing in a packed audience and sparking thought-provoking discussions that continued long after the event.
The following day, Noelle had the opportunity to meet with members of the Risk, Crisis, and Societal Security research group. Together, we explored avenues to deepen and broaden our existing cooperation, laying the groundwork for future joint activities. From enhancing education at the PhD level to expanding our collaborative research endeavors, the possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to see where this partnership takes us. We have some excellent ideas in the pipeline!
Additionally, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve finalized the details for the upcoming Summer School, which will take place at Stellenbosch University this August. Stay tuned for more information – details will be coming your way soon!
As we reflect on Noelle’s visit, we’re filled with gratitude for the invaluable insights and inspiration she brought to our team. Her expertise and enthusiasm have energized us to continue pushing the boundaries of societal security research and education, and we’re more excited than ever about the future of our collaboration with Stellenbosch University.
Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey together!