Dr. Sara King1, Mr. Peter Embleton2
1AARNet, Australia, 2University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
Biography:
Dr. Sara King is the Training and Engagement Lead for AARNet. She is focused on outreach within the research sector, developing communities of interest around training, outreach and skills development in eResearch. She is a Carpentries Trainer and is passionate about helping others develop the infrastructure and digital literacies required for working in a data-driven world, translating technology so it is accessible to everyone.
Peter Embleton – Peter has been at the University of the Sunshine Coast for more the 10 years, over that time he has held many positions within IT, most recently being Innovation Specialist with eResearch support being a part of this portfolio. Peter has keen interest in supporting researchers achieve their outcomes using technology.
Abstract:
As institutions enhance their cyber security posture, researchers' unique needs often remain under-addressed. Unlike office-based professionals, researchers face distinct challenges not easily mitigated by standard tools and protocols.
University support staff strive to assist but are frequently under-resourced, leading to "easy answers" such as locked-down desktops, restricted internet access, and extensive security reviews. This underscores the need for educating researchers in cybersecurity to foster informed, collaborative discussions with security professionals. Understanding and articulating specific risks can transform engagement from prescriptive to collaborative problem-solving.
Traditional training methods with fixed curricula fail to meet the dynamic needs of researchers, who require relevant, flexible, and time-efficient solutions. Generative AI offers a promising approach, providing personalized, adaptive learning experiences.
These initiatives aim to integrate researchers into cyber security conversations effectively, fostering an environment where security measures support rather than obstruct research. Join us to discover how these adaptive training methods bridge the gap between researchers and cyber security, enhancing both security and academic freedom.
This presentation explores innovative approaches developed by the University of the Sunshine Coast and AARNet to empower researchers.