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

The post Voices of the EAI community: Curiosity, Community, and the Future of Digital Forensics In Conversation with Prof. Sanjay Goel appeared first on EAI - European Alliance for Innovation.

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 the rapid 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 →

The post In Conversation with Prof. Weizhi Meng appeared first on EAI - European Alliance for Innovation.

“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

The post Connecting with the Life Sciences Community: EAI at Events Club Life Sciences Forum 2026 appeared first on EAI - European Alliance for Innovation.

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.

Read more:

How EAI Supports Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Accessibility in Research

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.

Read more:

Planning a Conference? Achieve more with Full Sponsorship

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.

Read more:

Why You Should Attend an Academic Conference (Even Without Presenting)

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.

Read more:

How to Build a Meaningful Academic Network

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.

Muluken Temesgen Tigabu (PhD)

General Co-Chair & Program Chair of EAI ICAST 2025

Muluken Temesgen Tigabu is an Assistant Professor at Bahir Dar institute of Technology, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. His research focuses on renewable energy systems, including hydrokinetic and wind turbines, solar energy applications, and computational and experimental studies of fluid–structure interactions for sustainable energy technologies.

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

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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Plan Ahead: Key EAI Conferences to Attend in 2026 for ICT and Emerging Technologies

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.

Read more:

When AI Investigates AI: Best Paper Award for LLM-Assisted Digital Forensics at EAI ICDF2C 2025

Dr. Alexander Perez-Pons

Associate Professor, Florida International University, USA
EAI Fellow 2025

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.

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Maxim Chernyshev and his team received the Best Paper Award at EAI ICDF2C 2025 for their innovative use of large language models (LLMs) in digital forensics. Their research demonstrates how AI can assist investigations while addressing the challenges of compromised systems. In this article, he shares key insights, findings, and practical implications from the award-winning study.

What happens when the systems we build to enhance our own productivity become targets themselves? That question drove our team including Zubair Baig, Naeem Syed, Robin Doss, Malcolm Shore, and myself, to explore how large language models (LLMs) could enhance and streamline digital investigations of compromised LLM systems. Our work earned the Best Paper Award at EAI ICDF2C 2025, but more importantly, it opened conversations about the future of AI-assisted digital forensics.

The Double-Edged Sword of LLM Integration

LLMs are everywhere encompassing chatbots, advanced business automation workflows, and intelligent agents. While, according to Deloitte, 42% of organisations report productivity gains from adopting LLMs, these systems introduce novel vulnerabilities that are challenging to investigate using traditional tools. Prompt injection attacks, where malicious instructions manipulate LLM behaviour, represent a particularly insidious security threat. Unlike traditional attacks, these injections leave scattered evidence across distributed logs, making investigations incredibly complex. But the same LLM technology creating these challenges could help solve them.

The Double-Edged Sword of LLM Integration

We developed a framework that extends the established foundational digital forensic process model with four strategic LLM integration points: evidence discovery, pattern recognition, evidence analysis, and evidence presentation. To maintain forensic integrity, we introduced five validation controls including human oversight, forensic readiness, model selection, reproducibility, and interpretability. This framework seeks to address the fundamental challenge of using non-deterministic AI systems in contexts requiring scientific rigor such as digital forensics.

Our Approach: Teaching LLMs to Investigate Themselves

We evaluated 12 state-of-the-art LLMs across 1,046 simulated attack scenarios, testing whether they could reliably classify compromised agent tasks and reconstruct forensic timelines in a structured way. Our framework introduced confidence threshold-based analysis, which teaches the system to express uncertainty, and subsequently lets investigators calibrate between catching every potential incident versus minimising false alarms.

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We discovered that models like Claude 3.7 Sonnet achieved 86% accuracy in capturing critical forensic entities, while GPT-4o demonstrated remarkable consistency in generating executable code for timeline reconstruction. However, we also discovered significant trade-offs where higher confidence thresholds improved detection precision but substantially degraded recall, meaning that some attacks could be missed. This finding highlights why human oversight remains essential, whilst LLMs can accelerate analysis, investigators must still understand and manage these performance characteristics.

Why This Matters

Digital forensics faces mounting pressure through exponential data growth, increasingly sophisticated attacks, and massive case backlogs. LLM-assisted analysis isn’t about replacing human investigators, and it’s about giving them additional capabilities to process complex unstructured data, identify patterns, and generate reliable structured evidence representations automatically. Our framework bridges emerging AI capabilities with rigorous forensic principles, proposing specific integration points while acknowledging critical limitations around non-determinism and hallucinations inherent to LLMs.

Interested in cybersecurity and digital forensics? Explore EAI Endorsed Transactions on Security and Safety.

Why EAI ICDF2C 2025?

The conference struck the balance between cutting-edge research and practical application. Whether you’re investigating AI systems, developing new digital forensic tools, or exploring cybercrime trends, ICDF2C offers a diverse community to present and exchange interdisciplinary ideas. It was an opportunity to gain new perspectives, meet potential collaborators, and explore a few research questions I hadn’t considered before. Future editions of ICDF2C would be recommended for those seeking to explore topics at the intersection of digital forensics and emerging technologies in the future

Maxim Chernyshev

Deakin University, Australia

Maxim Chernyshev is a PhD candidate at Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Centre, Deakin University, specialising in AI-assisted digital forensics. His research develops frameworks for investigating security incidents in LLM-integrated applications and agentic systems, addressing the dual challenge of using large language models as both subjects of investigation and tools for forensic analysis. His work focuses on maintaining scientific rigor and evidential integrity when deploying AI capabilities in operational workflows.

The post When AI Investigates AI: Best Paper Award for LLM-Assisted Digital Forensics at EAI ICDF2C 2025 appeared first on EAI - European Alliance for Innovation.

As the academic community begins looking toward 2026, many researchers are reviewing the familiar EAI conferences they follow each year alongside other well-established events in our portfolio. These returning conferences continue to offer reliable venues for presenting new work, meeting collaborators, and keeping pace with developments across ICT and related fields.

To support early calendar planning for the coming year, we have brought together a diverse selection of EAI conferences scheduled for 2026 – well-known annual gatherings as well as other consistently active events that draw strong international participation.

14th EAI International Conference on Game Theory for Networks

EAI GameNets 2026 explores game-theoretic approaches to networked systems, addressing wireless and vehicular networks, resource management, congestion analysis, network security, transportation and social networks, and network economics.

March 26-27, 2026 | Evanston, IL, USA

Submission deadline: January 7, 2026

Explore GameNets

12th EAI International Conference on Smart Objects and
Technologies for Social Good

EAI GOODTECHS 2026 highlights emerging digital technologies for social good, including AI, Big Data, IoT, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and smart systems applied to healthcare, education, energy, agriculture, transportation, and inclusive, sustainable urban services.

April 16-17, 2026 | Dubrovnik, Croatia

Submission deadline: January 10, 2026

Explore GoodTechs

10th EAI International Conference on Design, Learning & Innovation

EAI DLI 2026 brings together research on digital learning, design, and innovation, featuring educational technologies, interaction design, gaming, human–computer interaction, communication, and social sciences to advance learning experiences across disciplines.

May 20-21, 2026 | Copenhagen, Denmark

Hybrid conference – join onsite or online

Submission closed

Explore DLI

13th EAI International Conference on Wireless Mobile Communication and Healthcare

EAI MobiHealth 2026 examines mobile and wireless health technologies, spanning mHealth and eHealth systems, IoT and 5G-enabled healthcare, edge computing, smart health infrastructures, and secure, ethical digital health solutions.

June 24-26, 2026 | Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Submission deadline: January 30, 2026

Explore MobiHealth

22nd EAI International Conference on Security and Privacy in
Communication Networks

EAI SecureComm 2026 focuses on cybersecurity and secure communications, covering network security, secure networking protocols, communication systems, interdisciplinary security challenges, and emerging research in academic, industry, and government contexts

July 21-24, 2026 | Lancaster, United Kingdom

Hybrid conference – join onsite or online

Submission closed

Explore SecureComm

17th EAI International Conference on Digital Forensics & Cyber Crime

EAI ICDF2C 2026 addresses emerging cyber threats and AI-driven security, focusing on cybersecurity in smart industry, fintech, and digital government, AI-human factor interactions, cyber forensics, and next-generation cyber analytics.

September 8-10, 2026 | Reykjavík, Iceland

Submission deadline: January 20, 2026

Explore ICDF2C

5th EAI International Conference on Blockchain Technology and Emerging Applications

EAI BlockTEA 2026 showcases blockchain technology and its applications, emphasizing emerging architectures, interoperability, regulatory developments, integration with frontier technologies, and transformative solutions across industries.

September 17-18, 2026 | Cyprus

Submission deadline: April 20, 2026

Explore BlockTEA

20th EAI International Conference on Pervasive Computing
Technologies for Healthcare

EAI PervasiveHealth 2026 presents research in intelligent and sustainable digital healthcare, covering pervasive computing, AI-driven health solutions, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and multidisciplinary approaches to public health and medical innovation.

October 15-17, 2026 | Beijing, China

Submission deadline: March 1, 2026

Explore PervasiveHealth

4th EAI International Conference on Security and Privacy in Cyber-Physical
Systems and Smart Vehicles

EAI SmartSP 2026 examines security and privacy in smart cyber-physical systems and vehicles, addressing IoT-enabled CPS, edge-fog-cloud computing, smart vehicles, and emerging solutions to protect interconnected systems and data.

November 5-6, 2026 | Detroit, MI, USA

Submission deadline: TBA

Explore SmartSP

22nd EAI International Conference on Collaborative Computing: Networking, Applications and Worksharing

EAI CollaborateCom 2026 explores collaborative computing and digital teamwork, focusing on distributed human–machine collaboration, multi-organisational platforms, networking, systems design, user interaction, and integration with domain-specific tools.

November 14-15, 2026 | Hong Kong SAR, China

Submission deadline: May 1, 2026

Explore CollaborateCom

23rd EAI International Conference on Mobile and Ubiquitous Systems: Computing, Networking and Services

EAI MobiQuitous 2026 focuses on mobile and ubiquitous computing, covering systems, applications, social networks, middleware, networking, sensing, data management, and services with emphasis on human–machine interaction and secure, pervasive computing environments.

November 16-18, 2026 | Beppu, Japan

Submission deadline: May 31, 2026

Explore MobiQuitous

The post Plan Ahead: Key EAI Conferences to Attend in 2026 for ICT and Emerging Technologies appeared first on EAI - European Alliance for Innovation.

Meet Fellows 2025

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How to Build a Meaningful Academic Network

The post EAI Fellows 2025: Celebrating Outstanding Contributions to Innovation and the EAI Community appeared first on EAI - European Alliance for Innovation.

EAI Endorsed Transactions on Intelligent Computing and Communication

Addressing the convergence of computation and communication, this journal focuses on AI, machine learning, cognitive computing, cloud and edge systems, and advanced network architectures. It covers 5G/6G networks, IoT, scalable communication solutions, and interdisciplinary applications of intelligent technologies.

Editor-in-Chief: Tao Chen  (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Finland)

EAI Endorsed Transactions on Intelligent Computing and Communication is seeking new editors. Nominate or self-nominate yourself to join the editorial board.

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How to Choose the Right Journal for Your Research

EAI Endorsed Transactions on Broadcasting Technologies

This journal explores the evolving landscape of media, content production and distribution across TV, IPTV, streaming platforms, gaming, and interactive media. Topics include AI in content creation, delivery networks, standards and regulations, personalization, social media, and immersive media technologies.

Editor-in-Chief: Jeremy Foss (Birmingham City University, UK)

EAI Endorsed Transactions on Intelligent Computing and Communication is seeking new editors. Nominate or self-nominate yourself to join the editorial board.

EAI Endorsed Transactions on Smart Business and Innovation

Published in partnership with Newton University (Czech Republic), this journal provides a platform for research on digital transformation in business, management, economics, and innovation. Key areas include smart leadership, sustainable business models, AI applications in business, finance and economic policy, marketing strategies, and cross-cultural management.

Editor-in-Chief: Dagmar Cagáňová (Newton University, Czech Republic)

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 Why Open Access Is the Smarter Choice for Researchers

EAI Endorsed Transactions on Transportation Systems and Ocean Engineering

Covering the intersection of transportation and maritime engineering, this journal examines smart mobility, coastal and port infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, marine hydrology, ocean energy, naval architecture, and AI-driven transportation management. It emphasizes both theoretical advances and practical applications.

Editors-in-Chief: Xuan Kien Dang (Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, Vietnam) and Zarko Koboevic (University of Dubrovnik, Croatia)

EAI Endorsed Transactions on Body Area Networks

Dedicated to body-centric sensing and communication systems, this title covers wearable and implantable technologies, signal processing, networking, and data security. It addresses applications in health, sports, entertainment, and assistive technologies, with an emphasis on AI-driven analysis and real-world deployments.

Editors-in-Chief: Stefano Caputo (University of Florence, Italy) and Lorenzo Mucchi (University of Florence, Italy)

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 Who Owns Our Knowledge? Promoting Open Access and Research Equity with EAI

The post Explore the New EAI Journals of 2025 appeared first on EAI - European Alliance for Innovation.