Every scientific field is shaped by individuals whose curiosity drives innovation and whose dedication brings communities together. Prof. Sanjay Goel, Chair of the Steering Committee of the 17th EAI International Conference on Digital Forensics & Cyber Crime (ICDF2C), is one of those individuals.
With a career spanning engineering, cybersecurity, digital forensics, artificial intelligence and academia, Prof. Goel has witnessed the evolution of digital investigations firsthand. Since founding ICDF2C, he has also helped create a conference that values collaboration just as much as scientific excellence.
Ahead of ICDF2C 2026 in Reykjavík, Iceland, we spoke with Prof. Goel about the path that led him into cybersecurity, the philosophy behind ICDF2C, and why artificial intelligence is transforming the future of digital forensics.
Following Curiosity
Every career begins somewhere, and for Prof. Goel, it started long before cybersecurity entered the picture.
“I always liked understanding how things worked,” he recalls. “As a child, I would take machines apart just to see what was inside.”
That curiosity naturally led him to study mechanical engineering. During his undergraduate years, however, another passion emerged-computer science. Before long, the two disciplines became inseparable in his work.
“My early research combined engineering design with artificial intelligence,” he explains. “I was using simulations to design engine components, so AI became part of my research very early on.”
Cybersecurity followed for a similarly simple reason: curiosity.
“I enjoyed exploring how secure systems really were,” he says. “What began as a hobby-learning how systems could be compromised so I could understand their vulnerabilities-gradually became something I was very good at. Eventually, that hobby became my profession.”
Creating a Home for a Growing Research Community
When EAI invited Prof. Goel to organize a conference in the emerging field of digital forensics, he immediately recognized an opportunity.
“At the time, there was something missing,” he explains. “There wasn’t a dedicated place where researchers working specifically in digital forensics could come together.”
That vision led to the very first edition of ICDF2C in Albany.
The enthusiastic response from researchers and internationally recognized speakers confirmed that the field needed its own specialized venue. Since then, ICDF2C has grown into one of the leading conferences dedicated to digital forensics and cybercrime.
Yet, for Prof. Goel, scientific quality was never the conference’s only objective.
More Than Papers
“When I created ICDF2C,” he says, “my goal wasn’t simply to organize a conference where people presented papers.”
Instead, he wanted to build a community.
“I wanted researchers to meet, interact, exchange ideas, and build relationships.”
That philosophy continues to define ICDF2C today. While many conferences grow larger every year, ICDF2C has intentionally maintained an intimate atmosphere where participants can openly discuss emerging research, receive feedback, and form lasting collaborations.
“It’s still a closely connected community,” Prof. Goel says. “People come together, discuss ideas, and build relationships. That’s what I’m proudest of.”
The AI Revolution in Digital Forensics
As ICDF2C prepares for its 2026 edition in Reykjavík, one topic stands above all others-artificial intelligence.
According to Prof. Goel, AI is fundamentally changing how digital investigations are performed.
“Digital forensics is an extremely careful and time-consuming process,” he explains. “Artificial intelligence can help investigators process large amounts of data much more efficiently.”
Rather than replacing investigators, AI will support them by sorting evidence, identifying relevant information, narrowing investigative scope, and helping answer complex analytical questions.
Researchers, however, will remain responsible for validating every conclusion.
“AI assists the investigator,” he says. “Verification and validation will always remain essential.”
He also sees enormous potential in explainable AI, particularly when it comes to verifying digital evidence, identifying manipulated content, and establishing the provenance of images and other digital artefacts.
“The capabilities, efficiency, and structure of digital forensics will continue to improve,” he says.
“I believe AI will remain one of the defining themes of our field for years to come.”
Success Through Others
Despite decades of research accomplishments, Prof. Goel doesn’t hesitate when asked what has been the most rewarding part of his career.
“My students.”
Helping young researchers develop their skills, build successful careers, and eventually make their own contributions to science remains his greatest motivation.
“Seeing my students succeed has always been the most rewarding part of my journey.”
Advice for the Next Generation
Before concluding our conversation, we asked Prof. Goel what advice he would offer to researchers just beginning their academic careers.
His answer was simple but perhaps the most powerful message of the interview.
“The goal is not to impress other people, but to impress yourself.”
Research, he believes, is not about shortcuts or instant recognition; instead, it is a gradual process built on strong foundations, patience, and continuous learning.
“Be true to yourself,” he says. “Keep learning, keep improving, and give yourself time to grow.”
Looking Ahead
As digital forensics continues to evolve alongside artificial intelligence, ICDF2C remains committed to bringing together researchers who are not only advancing the field through their work but also strengthening it through collaboration.
For Prof. Sanjay Goel, that has always been the conference’s true purpose.
More about the conference …. HERE
