CyberMACS Meets Cyberus in Lorient, France: A Spring School and CTF Ignites Cross-Programme Collaboration and Camaraderie
In a vibrant display of collaboration and community, students from two Erasmus Mundus programmes in cybersecurity—Cyberus and CyberMACS—came together this spring in France for a joint educational event hosted by Cyberus.
From April 7th to 11th, 2025, in Université Bretagne Sud, Lorient, France, the Cyberus Spring School successfully brought together students, researchers, and professionals from across Europe, creating a truly international platform for learning, innovation, and cross-border collaboration in the field of cybersecurity. Throughout this intensive and dynamic week, participants engaged in hands-on sessions covering cutting-edge topics in digital security. The program welcomed leading researchers and professionals to share insights from cloud computing, industrial cybersecurity, cybercrime, crisis management, ethics, and critical application sectors such as Energy, Health, Transport, Banking, and Digital Infrastructures.
A key element of this year’s Spring School was the strong collaboration and support between institutions, coordinators, and students. Notably, Prof. Dr. Vesna Dimitrova, the Local Academic Coordinator of UKIM in the CyberMACS Programme, and Prof. Dr. Ivan Chorbev, the Executive Board Member of the CyberMACS, actively participated in the event, offering academic guidance and supporting the students throughout the program. Their involvement underlined the importance of inter-university support and mentorship in shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
As part of the initiative, mixed teams comprising students from both programmes participated in an exciting Capture the Flag (CTF) competition. The event not only tested their technical skills but also fostered teamwork, knowledge exchange, and lasting connections across cohorts and institutions.
Beyond the thrill of the challenge, students had the opportunity to learn from one another, share their diverse perspectives, and enjoy a truly international academic experience. This joint activity reflects the strong synergy between the two programmes and highlights the value of cross-programme collaboration within the Erasmus Mundus community.
The Cyberus-CyberMACS encounter stands as a great example of how European cooperation in higher education can lead to innovative learning experiences—and meaningful friendships. The week emphasized the power of collaboration between students, supervisors, and institutions to build a resilient and skilled cybersecurity community. This initiative marked an essential step in preparing future cybersecurity experts, equipped not only with technical competencies but also with a strong sense of community and collaboration — crucial for addressing the complex challenges of our digital era.
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