The Warsaw University of Technology and the Adam Mickiewicz University are among 17 academic centres in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa that have received Google grants to support cybersecurity-related activities. In total, the digital giant will spend $17 million on the 'Google.org Cybersecurity Seminar' programme, with Polish universities sharing $1 million.

'Cybersecurity is a challenge that concerns us all. We are convinced that investing in education in this area is building a safer future for us and our country', Magdalena Kotlarczyk, Country Director Google Poland, said during the grant announcement ceremony.

Artur Kuliński, a cybersecurity expert at Google Cloud, explained in an interview with PAP why the company funds grants for academic centres: 'We live in times of growing cyber threats. On the other hand, the huge number of Google users and its role as a provider of online services make us feel strongly responsible for the security of our users and the Internet'.

The head of Google Poland reminded that according to EU estimates, there is a shortage of up to half a million specialists in online security worldwide. 'The world, Europe, Poland simply need more cybersecurity experts. If you choose this path, I can say with probability bordering on certainty: there will be no shortage of work in this area', she addressed the students present at the ceremony.

Professor Michał Banaszak, Vice-Rector for Digitization and Business Cooperation at Adam Mickiewicz University and Head of the School of Sciences at the university, told PAP that the grant would allow the university to organize courses for at least several dozen students. 'We will organize trainings that will teach new, safe behaviours in the digital world. We will also train students in new technologies, teach them how to use classic tools related to cryptography. We will also introduce elements of quantum computing', he announced.

He added that students and employees of the Faculty of Law at Adam Mickiewicz University will participate in the training courses.

The grant manager at the Warsaw University of Technology, Marek Porzeżyński. PhD, explained that the funds awarded to the university would benefit students of the faculties of Administration and Social Sciences, Management, and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.

'The agreement with Google assumes the training of 200 specialists. These people will then conduct training in the basics of cybersecurity in at least 250 social organizations, including primary and secondary schools', he explained.

Professor Michał Banaszak concluded: 'All these activities are simply intended to increase our security. And when we are safe, we will also be happy'.

The 17 universities that received Google grants were selected by the organization Virtual Routes - European Cyber Conflict Research Initiative, which cooperates with Google. (PAP)

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