On 2 September 2020, an executive delegation from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) toured the premises of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) in Heraklion, Crete to advance research collaboration in cybersecurity.

EU Agency for Cybersecurity Executive Director Juhan Lepassaar met with FORTH President Prof. Nektarios Tavernarakis and FORTH’s directors to further discuss oncooperation and other actions such as the co-organisation of workshops and the annual NIS Summer School.

Mr. Lepassaar toured the foundation’s facilities and was briefed on the activities of the Institute of Computer Science, in particular on the Institute’s work on System and Network Security, and Internet Security. He also visited the Precision Medicine & Genomics Unit, the Ancient DNA infrastructures, the Attosecond Laboratory and the Ambient Intelligence Infrastructures. FORTH’s directors and researchers also shared updates on their work in the field of coastal and marine research, as well as the study and treatment of phenomena and problems due to climate change.

Mr. Lepassaar said: “At the Agency, we are committed to advancing high-quality cybersecurity knowledge and competencies to meet today’s ever-growing demand. The state-of-the-art facilities of FORTH and their innovative R&D, have made them a key strategic partner. Through events, such as the NIS Summer School, and collaboration on research projects, we will be able to boost awareness and education on cybersecurity more effectively. It is a pleasure to be here today to meet with FORTH leadership and strengthen our cooperation.”

FORTH President Prof. Nektarios Tavernarakis stated: "The multi-annual and highly fruitful cooperation between FORTH and ENISA, contributes significantly to the strengthening of cybersecurity, at national and European level. FORTH supports and encourages close cooperation between ENISA and the Foundation's Research Groups, as the interdisciplinary nature of the Network and Information Security sector relates to the priorities of many FORTH Institutes. The significant expertise of the two organisations in technologies that fuel the 4th industrial revolution, such as those of Ambient Intelligence, Big Data Management and Analysis, Internet Security, Privacy, Blockchain and the Internet of Things, will continue to lead to the development of research and educational actions, with the goal of benefiting society."

Background

In order to enhance the cooperation between ENISA and FORTH, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by both parties on 24 September 2018. The Agency and FORTH jointly organise the annual ENISA-FORTH Network and Information Security (NIS) Summer School. The 7th annual event is scheduled for 24-28 May 2020 in Heraklion, Crete.

These actions strengthen the excellent cooperation between the two organisations, which started with the establishment of ENISA in Heraklion in 2004.

Further Information:

FORTH

NIS Summer School