Presentation
Are you a student or young researcher from France or the Netherlands passionate about cybersecurity? Do you want to collaborate on real-world challenges, engage with experts, and expand your international network?
The Young Talents Cybersecurity 2025 program offers a unique opportunity to participate in an innovative collaborative project, to receive guidance from experts across the cybersecurity ecosystem, including researchers, industry professionals, and policy specialists, and to present your work at major international conferences. The deadline for submitting your application is 26th of February 2025 at 12:00pm CET.
Context
France and the Netherlands have a longstanding tradition of collaboration in various sectors, with cybersecurity emerging as a pivotal area of mutual interest. Both nations recognize the escalating threats in the digital realm and the imperative to fortify their defenses through shared expertise and resources. As cyber risks evolve, so does the urgent need to develop a new generation of experts capable of addressing these complex challenges.
In April 2023, the two countries issued a joint declaration emphasizing their commitment to enhancing bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation, aligning with their national security strategies and evolving geopolitical landscapes. This declaration underscores a shared determination to bolster cybersecurity measures, drive technological innovation, and strengthen resilience in the face of emerging threats.
The national strategy is part of the France 2030 – Cybersecurity Acceleration Strategy, which aims to modernize and invigorate the cybersecurity sector. This approach is designed to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructures, stimulate innovation in strategic sectors, and better anticipate risks in an ever-changing geopolitical context. By investing heavily in digital transformation and consolidating partnerships with the private sector and academic institutions, France aims to position itself as a leader in the fight against cyber threats while enhancing its strategic autonomy.
The Dutch cybersecurity policy is based on two complementary axes. On one hand, the Netherlands Cybersecurity Strategy 2022-2028 outlines the priorities and actions to protect digital infrastructures and anticipate evolving threats. On the other hand, the National Technology Strategy guides technological development and innovation to address the challenges posed by digital transformation. Together, these strategies seek to strengthen the resilience of both public and private systems, encourage international cooperation, and promote a proactive approach to cyber threats, while paving the way for a safe and competitive digital future.
The Netherlands is home to Europe’s largest security cluster, The Hague Security Delta (HSD), a prime example of a successful public-private partnership that unites over 400 organizations—from companies and government bodies to research institutions—to foster innovation and collaboration with French counterparts.
In parallel, France reinforces its commitment to cybersecurity through initiatives such as the Campus Cyber, a prominent hub that brings together diverse stakeholders from the cybersecurity field. This location not only symbolizes France’s proactive approach to cyber defense but also serves as a critical meeting point for public and private sectors to share expertise and forge strong partnerships.
Both nations also implement key EU cybersecurity policies, including the NIS2 Directive, the Cyber Resilience Act, and the broader EU Cybersecurity Strategy, thereby enhancing collective cyber resilience and advancing European-wide cyber maturity.
However, as cyber threats increase in sophistication and scale, there is a growing recognition that technology alone is not enough—developing a skilled and engaged cybersecurity workforce is essential. The Young Talents Programme 2025 is designed as a springboard to support this effort by encouraging collaboration, fostering interest, and providing opportunities for the next generation of cybersecurity experts. By uniting talented students and young researchers from France and the Netherlands, the initiative aims to boost engagement, address emerging challenges, and forge connections between academia, industry, and policymakers. Through a challenge-based format, participants will tackle real-world cybersecurity issues, collaborate internationally, and gain exposure to leading experts, all while developing their ideas and skills within the European cybersecurity ecosystem. ecosystem. By fostering dialogue, hands-on engagement, and mentorship, it offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of digital security.
The Young Talents Programme
The Young Talents Programme 2025 is designed for students and early career researchers eager to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges while collaborating in an international and interdisciplinary environment. The digital world faces increasing threats, requiring innovative solutions in technology, policy, governance, and public awareness. The Young Talents Programme is designed to identify and empower today’s emerging cybersecurity talents—those who are already shaping, or will soon shape, the future of digital security through innovation, research, and cross-border collaboration.
The Challenge – Can You Secure the Future?
As a participant, you will engage in a hands-on, challenge-based experience that pushes you to think critically about modern cybersecurity threats. Your mission will revolve around key questions such as:
- How can we enhance cyber resilience at national, European and international levels?
- What are the best ways to detect, prevent, and mitigate cyber threats?
- How can public and private stakeholders collaborate to create a safer digital environment?
- What ethical, legal, and societal challenges arise from emerging cyber technologies?
These topics will serve as the foundation for your team challenge, which you will define and develop alongside your teammates and mentors. No predefined solutions—only open-ended problems that demand innovation!
A Three-Phase Programme
The Young Talents Programme is structured into three phases.
Phase 1: Kick-off & Forum InCyber (March 31 – April 3, 2025, Lille, France) brings together 12 participants (6 from France, 6 from the Netherlands) to form teams, attend one of Europe’s leading cybersecurity conferences, engage in networking sessions, and start defining their challenge.
Phase 2: Team Collaboration (April – September 2025, Remote) allows teams to organize their own working sessions over six months, with no continuous work expected—each team decides how to structure its collaboration, while organizers provide periodic check-ins for support.
Phase 3: Final Presentations & ONE Conference (September 30 – October 1, 2025, The Hague, Netherlands) concludes the programme with teams presenting their findings at the ONE Conference, followed by discussions with international experts.
Throughout the programme, participants receive expert mentorship, gaining hands-on experience in cybersecurity problem-solving, networking, and cross-border collaboration.
Two Major Cybersecurity Conferences
Forum InCyber
April 1 to 3, 2025 – Lille, France
The Forum InCyber is one of Europe’s largest cybersecurity events, bringing together researchers, businesses, and institutions to discuss the latest trends and innovations in the field.
As part of this program, selected Young Talents will receive free access to the three-day event, where they will:
- Attend keynotes, panel discussions, and networking sessions with industry leaders.
- Explore cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and innovations.
- Participate in structured but flexible working sessions to initiate their collaborative project and form their teams.
This first phase serves as an introduction, allowing participants to engage with the conference while laying the foundation for their joint research project.
ONE Conference
Septembre 30 and October 1, 2025 – The Hague, Netherlands
The ONE Conference is a premier European cybersecurity event, gathering experts from around the world to share best practices, research, and innovations.
During this event, Young Talents will play a key role by:
- Presenting the results of their project to a high-profile audience.
- Engaging in networking opportunities with researchers, decision-makers, and industry professionals.
- Strengthening their connections with Dutch cybersecurity peers and exploring potential future collaborations.
Preliminary programme
March 5, 2025 (10.00 – 12.00): Pitch session (online): Shortlisted candidates present their motivation and respond to questions.
March 19, 2025 (16.00 – 17.00): Online Kick-off: Introduction and global presentation of the YT Programme – Q&A
March 31, 2025: Travel to Lille & Kick-off meeting
- Morning: arrival of participants
- Afternoon: introduction to the program, team formation, and challenge briefing.
1-3 April, 2025: Forum InCyber (Lille, France)
Participants attend the conference, engage in networking sessions, and begin team discussions on cybersecurity challenges.
Late afternoon of the 3rd: Departure from Lille
April – September 2025: Team collaboration
Remote team work on cybersecurity challenges with scheduled virtual meetings and mentorship sessions. Each team is responsible for organizing its own work sessions. Organizers and coaches will schedule key check-ins to provide guidance and ensure steady progress.
Mid September 2025: Online meeting
September 29, 2025: Travel to The Hague & final preparation
- Morning: arrival of participants
- Afternoon: Fine-tuning pitches, coaching sessions, and final rehearsals.
September 30 – October 1, 2025: ONE Conference (The Hague, Netherlands)
Participants attend one of Europe’s leading cybersecurity events and present their work. They will:
- Engage in networking with cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and industry professionals.
- Present their final projects in a dedicated session, showcasing their solutions and insights.
October 2, 2025: Travel back home
Practical information
When? March 19 (Online), from March 31 to April 3, 2025, in Lille, France, followed by six months of remote work with scheduled check-ins. The program concludes mid September with an online meeting and then from September 29 to October 2, 2025, in The Hague, the Netherlands.
For whom? Master’s, PDEng, and PhD students, aged between 20 and 35 years old, with a good conversational level in English, are eligible to apply. International students studying in France or the Netherlands are also invited to apply.
Cybersecurity is a highly transversal field that draws on expertise from many scientific and technical areas. While it has its own specialized sectors, its challenges and solutions require a multidisciplinary approach. We are looking for students from various scientific and technical domains, including but not limited to:
- Data and computer sciences
- Engineering / Electronics / IoT
- AI
- Mathematics / Cryptography
- Digital forensics
- Global security, defense, cyber defence
- Cybercrime (criminology)
- Privacy, cybersecurity and data governance
- Cyber diplomacy
- Blockchain / Distributed ledger technologies
- Industrial cybersecurity
- Humanities and social sciences / Law
- Economics / Political science
Students from other academic disciplines who feel they could contribute to this challenge are also welcome to apply.
Language: The working sessions between Young Talents will be entirely in English.
Costs: The organizers will cover the costs of transportation (travel between the participants’ home and Lille and The Hague + public transport on-site) and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). They will also arrange accommodation (three nights in Lille and three nights in The Hague). You are responsible for the costs of any other expenses yourselves. The participation in the Young Talents event does not involve any initial expenses for the participants.
Participation: All 12 selected participants will attend both the online meetings and the physical programmes in Lille and The Hague. Participation in the full programme is mandatory. Any unjustified failure (absenteeism, inappropriate behavior) will lead to exclusion from further participation in the Young Talents event.
How to apply:
- Step 1: Fill in the application form. You will be asked to submit your CV (Pdf / jpeg / png) and 3 short texts answering the following questions :
- Describe any projects or research you have worked on related to cybersecurity. Specify the content and your role.
- In max 200 words, explain your interest in cybersecurity and why you want to be part of the Young Talents program. How can you contribute to a multidisciplinary team? Specify what role you would have in such a team.
- In max 200 words, share your perspective on the future of cybersecurity: What are the key challenges and innovations shaping this field?
- Step 2: Preselection – As soon as the deadline has passed, a first selection process will be made. You will receive an email with the decision.
- Step 3: If you are preselected we will ask you to participate in a short online meeting on March 5th, 2025 between 10am and 12pm. You will have the possibility to choose a timeslot of 5min out of a list. You will be asked to pitch in 3 minutes your motivation and interest in why you should participate in the Young Talents event on cybersecurity.
- Step 4: Final selection. You will receive via mail the final decision. If you are selected, you will receive more information about the next steps in order to prepare your participation.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 AT 12:00 pm CET.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Coralie Ostertag : coralie.ostertag@univ-lille.fr
Marnix Satter : marnix.satter@institutfrancais.nl
Partners
- Organisers: The Young Talents event is organized by the Embassy of France in the Netherlands, the Institut français NL, the Embassy of the Netherlands in France, the French-Dutch Network for research and higher education, and the University of Lille.
- Partners : The event is supported by key partners from the cybersecurity ecosystem, including the Forum InCyber, and the ONE Conference.
