EAI – European Alliance for Innovation

Voices of EAI: Stefano Caputo on Why the Future of Connected Healthcare Starts with Collaboration

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 12:14:32 +0000

What began as a road safety project eventually led Stefano Caputo into the world of wireless communications, medical devices and an international research community he now helps lead.

Stefano Caputo didn’t set out to become a telecommunications researcher. He studied mechanical engineering, worked in industry, and initially had quite different plans for his career.

Today he’s an Assistant Professor at the University of Florence, researching how wearable and implantable medical devices communicate. He’s also the General Chair of EAI BODYNETS 2026, a conference he first helped organize seven years ago.

We caught up with Stefano ahead of this year’s event in Florence to talk about how he got here, the research he’s working on, and why he still considers meeting other researchers in person an essential part of his job.

A Career That Took an Unexpected Turn

It started with his master’s thesis.

While working on a road safety application, Stefano met researchers who introduced him to optical communication technologies. He spent six months studying optical systems in the Department of Physics, an experience that changed his plans.

Instead of continuing in mechanical engineering, he decided to pursue a PhD in telecommunications.

That decision eventually led him to Body area Networks a field concerned with how devices worn on or implanted inside the human body exchange information.

Much of Stefano’s research now focuses on alternatives to conventional radio-frequency communication. One example is Visible Light Communication (VLC), which uses light to transmit data.

As smartwatches, health-monitoring devices, and implantable technologies become more common, researchers need to find ways for these devices to communicate reliably. Stefano is exploring how optical and other communication methods could work alongside existing wireless technologies.

Interestingly, his mechanical engineering background still comes in handy, particularly when his research takes him into areas such as molecular communication.

It’s a career that has moved between several disciplines, and Stefano doesn’t seem particularly interested in staying within the boundaries of just one.

Seven Years of BODYNETS

Stefano first became involved with BODYNETS in the year 2019 serving as Web Chair when the conference was held in Florence.

Last year, he was a keynote speaker at the edition in Japan, where he presented his work on optical wireless communications for devices worn on or implanted in the body.

This December BODYNETS returns to Florence, this time with Stefano as General Chair.

He’s seen some changes since his first involvement. The core community is still there, but the research being presented has become more varied. Alongside medical researchers, the conference now attracts more specialists in computer science, electronics, communication technologies, and artificial intelligence.

Stefano would like to see that exchange continue beyond the conference itself. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of EAI Endorsed Transactions on Body Area Networks, a journal he hopes will become another meeting point for researchers in the field.

Some Connections Are Better Made in Person

When we asked Stefano about the value of research conferences, he brought up the years following the 2019 edition.

Like many academic events, BODYNETS moved online during the pandemic. Research continued, but Stefano felt that opportunities to build collaborations became more limited.

He gave us an example from his own experience. Researchers he first met at BODYNETS in Florence in 2019 later became collaborators on work involving alternative wireless communication technologies.

It’s the kind of connection that can begin with a conversation at a conference and turn into a research project years later.

Stefano estimates that he has worked with around 120 different co-authors throughout his career. He prefers working with other researchers to working alone, partly because each collaboration introduces him to different methods and subjects.

His advice to young researchers follows naturally from that experience:

“Attend conferences, meet people, and work with colleagues outside your immediate area of expertise. My own career changed direction thanks to the people I met while working on my master thesis.“

What to Expect from BODYNETS 2026

For this year’s conference Stefano has made security one of the main discussion topics.

With wearable and implantable devices increasingly used to collect medical information, he believes security needs much more attention. A connected medical device isn’t simply another piece of consumer technology. The consequences of unreliable or insecure communication can be far more serious.

The BODYNETS 2026 program will therefore include dedicated discussions on privacy, safety, trust and cybersecurity, bringing together researchers from different technical backgrounds.

We also asked Stefano about artificial intelligence in healthcare, particularly where he sees the biggest challenges.

“I expect AI to become increasingly relevant to medical monitoring. However, using algorithms to support monitoring and alerts is one thing, and developing AI systems that can make reliable medical diagnoses is quite another.” he explained.

Questions of reliability, ethics, and regulation make the second considerably more complicated.

These are precisely the kinds of discussions he wants BODYNETS to encourage, with researchers looking at the same problems from different perspectives.

Back to Florence

For Stefano, BODYNETS 2026 brings things back to where his involvement with the conference began.

In 2019 he was experiencing conference organization for the first time. Seven years later, he’s leading the event in his home city, with a wider research community and a program that reflects how much the field has changed.

And while much of his work is about finding better ways for devices to communicate, our conversation kept returning to the importance of people communicating with each other.

With around 120 co-authors, several changes in research direction, and seven years of involvement with BODYNETS, Stefano has plenty of experience to support that view.

The post Voices of EAI: Stefano Caputo on Why the Future of Connected Healthcare Starts with Collaboration appeared first on EAI - European Alliance for Innovation.

EAI at MCE South Europe 2026: Exploring New Destinations for Our Conferences

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:25:01 +0000

EAI Head of Conferences Stella Dao represented EAI at MCE South Europe 2026 in Valencia, Spain, joining conference organisers and event industry professionals from across Europe.

Hosted by Europe Congress, the event offered a packed programme of one-to-one meetings with representatives of convention bureaux, hotels, conference venues and other event service providers. For us, the focus was practical: getting to know potential host destinations, comparing venue options and making contacts with local teams who could support our future conferences.

At EAI, we take care of the venue selection and conference logistics so that organizing committees can focus on what matters most- developing strong technical programmes, bringing researchers together and creating opportunities for meaningful scientific exchange. Choosing where to host an international academic conference involves much more than finding a suitable meeting room. Travel connections, accommodation, local support and the overall experience for participants all play a part. Events like MCE give us a chance to discuss these details directly with the people who know each destination best.

Stella returned with new contacts and several options worth exploring as we continue planning our conference calendar.

Thank you to Europe Congress and everyone who met with us in Valencia. It was a pleasure to be part of this year’s event.

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Voices of EAI: Prof. Steven Furnell on Cybersecurity, People and Why There’s Still Hope for Us

admin — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:21:27 +0000

Cybersecurity has changed dramatically over the past three decades. The web arrived, phones
became smart, everything moved to the cloud, and now AI is reshaping the landscape once again. And yet, according to Steven Furnell, Professor of Cyber Security at the University of
Nottingham, some things haven’t changed nearly enough.

Steven joined us at EAI SecureComm 2026 as a keynote speaker, where his talk Protecting
the Human Endpoint explored an idea that has followed him throughout much of his career:
security isn’t only about technology. It is about the people who are expected to use it.

For this edition of Voices of EAI, we spoke with Steven about his journey through
cybersecurity, why we should stop simply blaming users, the importance of research
communities, and what decades of studying technology and human behavior have taught him.

From computer security to cybersecurity

Steven entered the field almost by accident.

After completing his undergraduate degree in computing, he came across a funded PhD
opportunity focused on computer and data security in healthcare. Security hadn’t been his
original plan, but it didn’t take long for the subject to draw him in.

His early research eventually led him to keystroke dynamics – authenticating people through the way they type. What interested him was not only whether the technology worked, but whether the security could operate without constantly getting in the user’s way.

That question has remained surprisingly relevant. In fact, when we asked Steven what had
surprised him most about cybersecurity’s evolution, his answer wasn’t how much had changed.
It was how much hadn’t.

Passwords are a perfect example. Their weaknesses were well understood when Steven began
his PhD, yet decades later, passwords such as “123456” continue to appear among the world’s
most commonly used each year. But Steven isn’t interested in simply blaming people. If systems continue allowing users to choose passwords we have known to be weak for decades, he argues, perhaps the question shouldn’t only be why are users still doing this?

It should also be: why are we still letting them?

Protecting the human endpoint

That thinking sits at the heart of Steven’s SecureComm keynote, Protecting the Human
Endpoint.

Every new generation of technology brings new possibilities and new vulnerabilities. But one
element remains consistent: the person using it.

“Every encounter we have with security has the potential to put us off or be negative or feel like a barrier”, Steven explained.

Security measures often ask people to do more, remember more, and interrupt whatever they were actually trying to accomplish. For Steven, that means usability cannot be an afterthought. The same applies to cybersecurity awareness. An organization can require employees to complete annual training and tick the compliance box, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anyone’s behavior has changed.

So, after studying humans and cybersecurity for all these years, we had to ask: is there still hope for us?

“Absolutely.”

Steven remains optimistic about people. Most aren’t actively working against security; they want to be protected. The challenge is making the secure choice reasonable and accessible rather than placing unnecessary barriers in their way.

And unless, as Steven joked, “the machines take over with all the AI stuff,” there are still plenty
of reasons for optimism.

Why research communities still matter

Technology may enable us to collaborate from almost anywhere, but Steven remains a firm
believer in meeting face-to-face.

Conferences such as EAI SecureComm, he says, create a space where new research can be
shared, challenged and ultimately become part of the wider knowledge of the field. Some ideas remain academic; others may eventually become the foundations of technologies and services we use every day.

But the value goes beyond presenting a paper. The conversations afterwards, the coffee breaks and the unexpected connections are often where new relationships and collaborations begin.

As Steven put it, an online conference can deliver the presentations and even provide a good delegate experience

“But it doesn’t deliver coffee.”

For someone who has seen conferences move online and back again, Steven believes that human connection remains difficult to replicate digitally. At the same time, he sees real value in what the pandemic accelerated:

“hybrid participation can open research communities to people who otherwise might never have been able to join them“.

Find something you actually enjoy

We end every Voices of EAI conversation with the same question: what advice would you
give to young researchers?

Steven’s answer was refreshingly simple: Find something you’re genuinely interested in. Don’t chase an area purely because it seems fashionable, because someone else tells you to, or because you think that’s where the money is. Find the intersection between what interests you and what you’re good at.

Steven readily admits that this wasn’t exactly the result of a carefully constructed career plan in his own case.

“I just fell into it and carried on doing it.”

But somewhere along the way, he found his space.

And that, he believes, matters. If you’re already bored by your chosen subject at the beginning, it probably isn’t something you should spend years pursuing

Think before you act

Before we let Steven go, we asked one final question: if you could patch one human behaviour the way we patch software, what would you fix?

His answer brought the conversation neatly back to where it started:

“Think before you act.”

Pause before clicking the suspicious link. Before choosing the weak password. Before ignoring the update. Not every cybersecurity problem requires another layer of complicated technology. Sometimes, a moment of thought can make all the difference.

And perhaps that explains why, after all these years, Steven remains fascinated by both technology and the people using it.

The technology will keep changing. New vulnerabilities will emerge, new research will respond, and research communities like SecureComm will continue bringing together the people working on what comes next.

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In Conversation with Associate Prof. Bo Chen

admin — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 05:40:00 +0000

Great research communities often begin with a simple idea: bringing the right people together.

For Bo Chen, Associate Professor of Computer Science at Michigan Technological University and a long-standing member of EAI, that idea became EAI SmartSP- the International Conference on Security and Privacy in Cyber-Physical Systems and Smart Vehicles.

In this edition of Voices of EAI, we spoke with Bo about his journey in cybersecurity, building SmartSP, and why the strongest research communities are those shaped by the people within them.

From cybersecurity research to SmartSP

Bo’s interest in cybersecurity began as a graduate student, when he saw how seemingly small vulnerabilities in network protocols could have a real impact on networks and ultimately on people’s lives.

That fascination grew into a career spanning applied cryptography, IoT, cyber-physical systems and AI security.

Today, Bo sees connectivity as one of cybersecurity’s greatest opportunities and challenges. Our devices and systems are increasingly connected, bringing enormous convenience while also creating new openings for attackers. AI adds another layer: it can help defenders detect and respond to attacks, but it can equally help attackers develop new tools.

As his own research moved towards cyber-physical systems, Bo also noticed something missing: researchers working on security and privacy in this area needed a dedicated place to connect and share their work.

“I thought, why not build this community and build this venue, so that people can have their work there?”

That idea became SmartSP.

“It’s driven by the community.”

Building SmartSP required collaboration from the start. Bo reached out to researchers already active in cyber-physical systems security, gradually bringing together the people and expertise needed to establish the conference.

And that collaborative beginning still defines how he believes SmartSP should grow.

“It’s driven by the community.”

For Bo, a strong research community needs to remain open welcoming new researchers, organizers and ideas rather than being controlled by one person or committee.

The goal is not simply to keep a conference running from year to year. It is to create something that can continue developing over the next ten or twenty years, with its members feeling that they genuinely belong.

They shouldn’t feel outside the community. They should feel that they are part of it.

Growing together with EAI

Bo’s journey with EAI has grown alongside SmartSP.

He describes EAI as providing the “backbone support” that allows researchers to focus on the scientific community itself.

Conference organization extends far beyond the program: finances, venues, publications, administration and countless practical details all require time. For academics already balancing research, teaching and students, that support makes a real difference.

Bo particularly highlighted the professionalism and responsiveness of EAI’s conference management team and the ability to communicate,make adjustments and solve issues together.

With the operational side supported by EAI, researchers have more space to focus on what matters most: the science, the program and the people around it.

Opening the door for the next generation

Community is also central to Bo’s work with young researchers.

He strongly believes cybersecurity needs to be experienced, not only studied. Through outreach, education and hackathons, students work with real problems sometimes using smart cars and robots to see vulnerabilities and attacks in action before they even have a strong programming background.

His advice to young researchers follows the same philosophy: find meaningful problems, learn from others, mentor the next generation and become part of the professional community.

Engaging with other researchers, he says exposes you to new ideas, helps increase the impact of your work and creates opportunities to collaborate.

Keep your eyes open, listen to other people and work with them.

And if Bo were starting his own career again today, would he still choose cybersecurity?

Definitely.

Cybersecurity, he points out, is now part of almost every area of computing: AI needs AI security, networks need network security, and software needs software security.

And for EAI SmartSP, that means continuing the journey that began with a need for a dedicated research venue: bringing people together, welcoming new ideas and building a community that its members can truly call their own. Find our more about the conference

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Voices of the EAI community: Curiosity, Community, and the Future of Digital Forensics-In Conversation with Prof. Sanjay Goel

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:07:51 +0000

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

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In Conversation with Prof. Weizhi Meng

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:02:49 +0000

General Chair of EAI SecureComm 2026

As part of our new Voices of the EAI Community series, we are delighted to introduce the people behind EAI conferences, journals, and research initiatives. Our first guest is Prof. Weizhi Meng, General Chair of SecureComm 2026 and Full Professor at Lancaster University. In this conversation, he reflects on his international academic journey, his long-standing involvement with EAI, the future of cybersecurity in the age of AI, and why strong research communities matter more than ever.

Behind every successful conference is a community of researchers who continue to exchange
ideas long after the closing session. For Prof. Weizhi Meng, General Chair of EAI SecureComm 2026 and Full Professor at Lancaster University, that sense of community has shaped an academic career spanning multiple countries, institutions, and research collaborations.

Having studied and worked across Asia and Europe, Prof. Meng has witnessed first-hand how
different research cultures approach scientific collaboration. From his early work in Asia to research positions in Denmark and now the United Kingdom, each step has broadened not only his research interests but also his understanding of how international communities drive scientific progress.

“The international experience allowed me to build collaborations with researchers from many different countries. It helped me understand different research cultures and how to evaluate ideas from different perspectives.”

A curiosity that became a career

When Prof. Meng first became interested in cybersecurity, the field looked very different from
today.

“As a student, I noticed that more and more systems were becoming connected, yet security
vulnerabilities were everywhere,” he recalls. “At that time, cybersecurity was still an emerging
topic, but I had the feeling it would become increasingly important.”

That instinct proved to be remarkably accurate.

Today, cybersecurity sits at the centre of digital transformation, from smart cities and connected devices to artificial intelligence and critical infrastructure. Throughout his career, Prof. Meng has continued to evolve alongside the field, expanding his research beyond intrusion detection into areas including IoT security, biometric authentication, blockchain technologies, and AI-driven security solutions.

His contributions have earned international recognition, including the IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) EMEA Outstanding Young Researcher Award, reflecting both the quality and impact of his research.

A journey with EAI

Prof. Meng’s relationship with EAI began more than a decade ago when he attended
SecureComm 2012 in Padua, Italy.

“It was my first EAI conference, and I had a very good experience,” he says.

Since then, his involvement has steadily grown-from author and committee member to
conference organiser, Editor-in-Chief of an EAI journal, and now General Chair of SecureComm
2026.

One milestone he remembers particularly fondly was founding EAI BlockTEA, a conference
series that continues to thrive today.

“It’s rewarding to see that the conference is still growing,” he says. “Even today I’m happy to
continue contributing to its development.”

Looking ahead to SecureComm 2026

This year’s SecureComm marks another important milestone as the conference comes to Lancaster University for the first time.

For Prof. Meng, maintaining the conference’s long-standing reputation is a top priority.

“SecureComm has built a strong reputation over many years,” he explains. “Our goal is to maintain the highest quality of accepted papers while adapting to new challenges, including therapid development of AI.”

With artificial intelligence becoming an increasingly common tool in scientific writing, ensuring research integrity has become more important than ever. The programme committee has therefore placed particular emphasis on maintaining rigorous peer review and publication standards.

Beyond the scientific programme, however, Prof. Meng hopes participants will remember something else.

“Lancaster offers a different conference experience,” he says. “It’s a beautiful university city close to the Lake District, providing a relaxed environment where researchers can focus on meaningful discussions, networking, and collaboration.”

Artificial intelligence: opportunity and responsibility

Few technologies are transforming cybersecurity as rapidly as artificial intelligence.

For Prof. Meng, AI is both an opportunity and a responsibility.

On one hand, AI tools have become valuable assistants, helping researchers improve writing quality, analyse ideas, and accelerate certain parts of the research process.

On the other hand, they also introduce new ethical challenges.

“As reviewers and conference organisers, we have to ensure that AI supports research rather than replaces genuine scientific contribution,” he explains. “Maintaining research quality and integrity is becoming increasingly important.”

Building communities that last

Throughout the conversation, one theme returned repeatedly: community.

For Prof. Meng, successful conferences are built not only on excellent papers, but on active researchers who continue returning, collaborating, and contributing year after year.

“A strong research community depends on active people who trust the event, contribute to it, and remain engaged,” he says. “It’s important that we continue finding ways to motivate researchers and help them feel part of the community.”

His advice for young researchers is equally straightforward.

Attend conferences whenever possible.

Meet people.

Ask questions.

Build collaborations.

“Meeting experts, attending keynote talks, discussing research ideas, and becoming involved in the community can shape your career in ways that publications alone cannot.”

As SecureComm 2026 approaches, Prof. Meng hopes attendees will leave Lancaster with more than new research insights.

He hopes they will leave with new ideas, new collaborators-and perhaps the beginning of a research community that will continue growing for years to come.

About SecureComm 2026

EAI SecureComm 2026 will take place 21–24 July 2026 at Lancaster University, United Kingdom, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to discuss the latest advances in cybersecurity, privacy, network security, and trustworthy computing.

Learn more about SecureComm 2026 →

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Connecting with the Life Sciences Community: EAI at Events Club Life Sciences Forum 2026

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 08:58:25 +0000

As part of EAI’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality conference experiences and fostering strong research communities, our Venue Manager, Stella Ly Dao, recently attended the Events Club Life Sciences Forum 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The forum brought together conference organizers, venue representatives, service providers, and industry experts from across Europe to discuss emerging trends, best practices, and new opportunities in scientific and professional events.For EAI, participation in events such as the Life Sciences Forum is an important part of ensuring that our conferences continue to evolve alongside the needs of researchers and academic communities worldwide. Beyond identifying potential venues and partners, the event provided valuable insights into attendee expectations, sustainability initiatives, hybrid event strategies, and innovative approaches to community engagement.

Throughout the forum, Stella met with venue representatives, event professionals, and industry partners, exploring opportunities that could enhance future EAI conferences and create even greater value for our participants.

“Attending industry forums allows us to stay connected to the latest developments in conference organization and venue management. It is an opportunity to exchange ideas, discover new possibilities, and ensure that EAI conferences continue to provide excellent experiences for our communities,” said Stella Dao.

At EAI, we believe that successful conferences are built not only through strong scientific programs but also through meaningful participant experiences. By actively engaging with the wider events industry, we continue to identify new ways to support researchers, foster collaboration, and strengthen the communities that gather around our conferences.We look forward to applying the insights gained at Events Club Life Sciences Forum 2026 to future EAI events and partnerships

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Dr. Muluken Temesgen Shares Insights on EAI ICAST’s Rising Impact and Reach

admin — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:13:35 +0000

Dr. Muluken Temesgen, General Co-Chair of EAI ICAST 2025, shares his insights on why the conference is attracting more submissions than ever. From fostering young researchers’ growth to boosting the global visibility of Ethiopian institutions, he reflects on the challenges and rewards of hosting an international scientific event in a developing country.

This year’s conference has already surpassed expectations in terms of submissions. What do you think motivated such strong interest from researchers?

The strong interest and higher number of full paper submissions to EAI ICAST 2025 can be attributed to several key factors.

Foremost, the consistent and enhanced communication efforts by the organizing committee, coupled with the technical support from the EAI team, have significantly improved the visibility, accessibility, and credibility of the conference. The growing academic impact of the event is another major driver, as the proceedings are published in three different Scopus-indexed book series of Springer (note: Depending on the scope of papers, they are either published in EAISICC or Green Energy and Technology. All registered papers published by Springer via SpringerLink Digital Library: ICAST proceedings as book chapters, with noticeable improvements in the speed and reliability of the publication process, making it highly attractive to researchers.

Different from many international conferences with relatively high registration costs, EAI ICAST offers globally competitive scientific quality conferences at an affordable rate, making it especially appealing to researchers from Africa and other resource-constrained regions. As one of the few reputable international scientific conferences accessible to local and regional researchers, it has emerged as a preferred platform not only for presenting scholarly work but also for achieving indexed publication as an essential requirement for many academic careers.

Read more:

How to Choose the Right Conference for Your Research Goals

The conference’s interactive nature and its reputation as a hub for academic exchange, networking, and potential research collaboration have particularly drawn interest from young researchers and postgraduate students. Together, these factors have elevated the visibility and prestige of EAI ICAST, resulting in a significant increase in high-quality submissions and broader international participation from year to year.

How do you see the increased participation will shape the future of ICAST conferences?

The increase in both total and international submissions highlights ICAST’s growing relevance as a global hub for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore emerging trends in science and technology. This momentum positions ICAST to become a leading platform for innovation, fostering high-quality research, cross-border collaboration, and context-driven solutions to local challenges, particularly in the Global South. Greater participation will help bridge the research gap between developed and developing countries, encouraging more inclusive, impactful, and problem-solving research. Looking ahead, the conference could evolve into multiple specialized events, co-hosted by different partners, creating broader opportunities for young researchers, technologists, and industries to engage and contribute meaningfully.

Organizing an international conference is never easy. What have been the biggest challenges for the organizing committee, and how did you overcome it?

Organizing an international conference is never easy, especially in a developing country with limited resources, logistical challenges, and funding constraints. One of our major hurdles has been securing quality submissions while managing the rigorous review of over 260 full papers, each evaluated by three reviewers. The lack of experience in hosting international conferences of this scale, coupled with limited financial support both from participants, many of whom are from developing countries, and from local industries has made funding a critical challenge. Key expenses, including hosting keynote speakers and covering printing and logistical costs, have largely burdened Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, placing additional strain on our institution.

Despite these obstacles, our organizing committee has consistently risen to the occasion, supported by the technical expertise of the EAI team. Over the past 13 years, we’ve built a strong foundation for research exchange in resource-limited settings and continue striving to establish Bahir Dar Institute of Technology as a hub for scientific discourse in Africa. Set against the backdrop of Lake Tana and Bahir Dar City with their rich ecological, cultural, and academic offerings, the conference will also continue promoting the area as a vibrant destination for learning, research, and conference tourism.

Read more:

Read an interview with Dr. Goleva about her motivation behind starting the EAI CSECS conference 20 years ago & more

Why do you think it is important for international conferences like ICAST to be hosted in developing countries?

Hosting annual international scientific conferences in low-resourced developing countries offers transformative benefits for institutions, researchers, and society at large. These conferences enhance the global visibility of local academic institutions often underrepresented on the international stage positioning them as credible contributors to global scientific discourse. They foster knowledge exchange between international experts and local researchers, enabling the development of context-specific innovations that address pressing regional challenges. For students and early-career researchers, such events provide invaluable exposure, real-time feedback, and networking opportunities that build confidence, improve communication skills, and inspire deeper engagement in research.

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Moreover, these conferences serve as vital platforms for fostering collaboration between academia, policy makers, and industry, creating a shared space for identifying practical solutions and initiating joint projects. The organizational process itself builds institutional capacity in areas such as event planning, peer review, and international communication. Hosting international conferences also stimulate local economies through conference tourism and promotes regional identity by showcasing the host country’s culture, academic environment, and innovation potential. Importantly, by including side events that engage policymakers, these conferences contribute to more informed, research-based policy development grounded in local realities rather than external models, ultimately advancing both scientific progress and national development agendas.

Do you have any recommendations for fellow organizers and committee members who are organizing academic conferences in developing countries?

Hosting an annual international scientific conference is a complex and resource-intensive endeavor, especially in developing countries. It requires detailed planning, strict timelines, effective communication, and coordination among multiple stakeholders including authors, reviewers, keynote speakers, funders, logistics teams, and communication experts. Challenges are amplified in developing countries by limited funding, lack of experience, venue constraints, and sociopolitical uncertainties, all of which can impact scheduling and execution. Importantly, organizing a conference is not a one-time event but a continuous process that requires preparing for future series while working on existing events. Moreover, the visibility of conferences in low resourced countries takes more time as trust will not be built easily. Hence building trust requires more time, consistent effort, and proactive promotion to expand its reach and attract quality submissions.

Despite these challenges, the long-term benefits are significant. For host institutions, international conferences increase visibility, foster global partnerships, and strengthen their reputation as centers of academic excellence. Organizing committees gain valuable skills in event management, peer review coordination, and international collaboration. Early-career researchers benefit from accessible platforms to share their work, build networks, and engage with leading scholars. Moreover, the local economy and industries benefit from increased activity in tourism, services, and innovation partnerships. At the national level, such conferences enhance scientific credibility, support policy engagement, and promote cultural and academic identity on the global stage.

Hence, organizing an annual international scientific conference is a powerful way to promote the visibility, credibility, and impact of an academic or research institution especially in developing countries. Based on our own experience over the past years, we strongly encourage fellow organizers and committee members to continue investing in such initiatives by building a clear vision and long-term commitment. As members of academic and research institutions, one of our core responsibilities is the dissemination of knowledge, and conferences offer an effective platform for that purpose. However, successfully hosting a recurring international conference requires thorough planning, clear goal setting, and resilience in the face of common challenges such as limited funding, logistical constraints, and institutional capacity. To ensure sustainability, organizers should prioritize building strong local and international partnerships, aligning conference themes with global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and leveraging digital tools to reduce costs and increase accessibility.

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It is also essential to diversify funding sources early on, actively engage local industries and institutions, and design the conference to deliver lasting academic and community impact. Most importantly, the host institution must fully commit to making the conference part of its strategic priorities, recognizing it as a vital instrument for academic growth, policy influence, and global engagement.

What has personally inspired you in working with the committee and community this year?

Being part of the organizing team for an international scientific conference (EAI ICAST) at Bahir Dar institute of Technology, with limited prior experience in hosting such events has been an incredibly inspiring journey for the last consecutive years. One of the most rewarding aspects has been witnessing a growing number of young and early-career researchers gain access to present and publish their work, mostly for the first time. This opportunity has motivated many to continue their academic journey and pursue further research and publish. New organizing team members have also gained valuable skills and confidence in leading international events, tracks, contributing to their professional development.

The increasing interest from institutions and researchers across Ethiopia and beyond has been another strong source of motivation. It’s particularly encouraging to see returning authors and institutions eagerly asking about the next call for papers, as well as testimonials from graduate students who cite their participation in the EAI ICAST, as a turning point in their academic careers. For many students from low-resourced regions, presenting at this conference has become a key milestone toward graduation and academic growth.

Today, with growing recognition from national bodies such as the Ministry of Education and universities, the EAI ICAST international conference has become a leading benchmark event for national institutions. Moreover, as the scope and visibility of the conference enhanced, we are now receiving considerable submissions from all over the world and have even been approached by other institutions interested in co-hosting future editions of EAI ICAST. The expanding scope, reach, and impact of the conference reaffirm the importance of continuing this work and investing in its long-term success. This progress has deeply inspired us, as a member of the organizing team, to remain committed and contribute even more actively to the continued growth of the conference.

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Finally, what message would you like to share with the participants and community of EAI ICAST?

The EAI ICAST (International Conference on Advancements of Science and Technology) is an annual scientific conference hosted by Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, in collaboration with the European Alliance for Innovation (EAI). It aims to advance science, technology, and innovation in developing regions, providing a peer-reviewed, internationally recognized platform for researchers, professionals, and students to present and publish their work in science, engineering, and technology. The conference has a significant and growing impact, particularly in developing countries and emerging research ecosystems.

EAI ICAST serves as a bridge between global scientific communities and researchers in developing regions, contributing to local innovation ecosystems, advancing SDG-related research, and increasing global visibility for emerging scholars. By hosting the conference in regions with limited access to global scientific events, such as Ethiopia, it nurtures local research capacity, fosters collaboration, and strengthens academic institutions.

Conference proceedings are published as book chapters in three Springer book series, indexed in Scopus, Google Scholar, and other databases, boosting visibility and citation potential for authors. We strongly encourage researchers, especially from low- and middle-income countries, to participate in these annual events, which offer a platform to share customized, innovative solutions relevant to regions like Africa. Additionally, we urge institutes and funders to support such conferences, as they play a vital role in strengthening local research capacity and fostering innovation ecosystems.

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Supporting conferences like EAI ICAST promotes knowledge exchange, connects local researchers with international experts, and fosters context-relevant solutions to pressing challenges. Sponsorship aligns research efforts with the SDGs advancing clean energy, technological intervention for sustainable agricultural transformation, and digital inclusion and creates opportunities for youth, startups, and academic institutions to engage in global scientific dialogue. Ultimately, such support accelerates inclusive development and bridges the global research gap.

The post Dr. Muluken Temesgen Shares Insights on EAI ICAST’s Rising Impact and Reach appeared first on EAI - European Alliance for Innovation.

Dr. Alexander Perez-Pons: Insights on Cybersecurity, AI, and ICDF2C 2025

admin — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:17:18 +0000

Dr. Alexander Perez-Pons, Associate Professor at Florida International University and EAI Fellow 2025, reflects on his role as General Chair of EAI ICDF2C 2025 and the growing impact of AI in digital forensics and cybersecurity.

What motivated you to take on the role of General Chair for EAI ICDF2C 2025?

It was an opportunity to provide my service as a researcher to lead the EAI ICDF2C 2025 which has such an international appeal in Miami, one of the most international cities.

As this is your first time serving as General Chair of an EAI conference, what aspects of leading the event have been most valuable or challenging for you?

The most valuable aspects are multifold, from the international participation, the quality of the papers submitted, and the networking opportunities. It was invaluable to have a very strong support team working on a multitude of tasks to the tremendous support from the EAI staff. The biggest challenge is logistics associated with managing such a large submission of paper and making sure of quality reviews and assessment of the submitted papers.

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ICDF2C brings together a broad community working in digital forensics and cybersecurity. How do you see 2025’s program contributing to ongoing discussions in the field?

The paper submission focused primarily on the application of AI throughout digital forensics and cybersecurity. The program contributions definitely enhanced the focus of the conference and made for an extremely synergetic experience for all participants expanding the domain knowledge.

How do you see AI transforming the landscape of digital forensics and cybersecurity, both in terms of new defensive capabilities and emerging risks?

The application of AI to digital forensics and cybersecurity is transformative as AI will enhance the ability to mitigate threats and streamline processes, but it also serves to develop new risks and threats in an accelerated manner. As AI is used to develop malicious activities, generating variations and novel attacks, we are going to require AI to detect and prevent their ability to cause harm.

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What opportunities do you believe EAI ICDF2C creates for early-career researchers and practitioners?

The conference is an excellent forum for early-career researchers as it provides high standards for paper submission and presentation expectations leading to great benefits to participants.

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Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at FIU, with research focused on cybersecurity, machine learning for malware and network analysis, and embedded systems. Dr. Pons has published in international journals and conferences, served as a guest editor for cybersecurity-focused special issues, and is a Senior Member of IEEE.

The post Dr. Alexander Perez-Pons: Insights on Cybersecurity, AI, and ICDF2C 2025 appeared first on EAI - European Alliance for Innovation.

EAI Expands Online Presence: Join Us on Bluesky

admin — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:00:57 +0000

As the research landscape evolves, staying connected with the community has never been more important. That is why EAI has just launched its official presence on Bluesky, a rapidly growing social platform popular among researchers, academics, and innovators worldwide.

Through our Bluesky profile, we will share all relevant updates, including calls for papers, conference registrations, journal announcements, and highlights from our blog articles and news. This new channel allows us to engage more directly with researchers, keep you informed in real time, and foster a closer connection with the global academic community.

We invite you to follow EAI on Bluesky and join us as we expand our presence and continue to support research, innovation, and collaboration across disciplines. Stay tuned for timely updates and insights from EAI – right where the community is active.

The post EAI Expands Online Presence: Join Us on Bluesky appeared first on EAI - European Alliance for Innovation.

EAI – European Alliance for Innovation

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Dr. Alexander Perez-Pons

EAI Expands Online Presence: Join Us on Bluesky