Festival of Computing Next Generation Cyber: Showcasing Sheffield Hallam’s Emerging Cybersecurity Talent
Sheffield Hallam University was proud to host the Next Generation Cyber event for the second consecutive year, again as a flagship feature of the 2025 Festival of Computing. This impactful event brought together students, academics, and industry professionals in a vibrant celebration of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, demonstrating SHU’s ongoing commitment to developing the cybersecurity skills the future demands.
With around ninety attendees, the event buzzed with energy and interaction. The morning featured final-year undergraduate cybersecurity students presenting their innovative projects through in-depth poster displays, sparking thoughtful dialogue and critical feedback.
This year’s event was especially distinguished by a visit from the Minister for Cybersecurity, Abena Oppong-Asare MP, who engaged meaningfully with students, asked insightful questions, and showed a genuine interest in their work. In addition to viewing the student projects, the Minister also participated in a roundtable discussion, offering a fantastic opportunity to engage in dialogue around national cybersecurity priorities, sector investment, and the importance of widening access to cyber skills across our region. These issues are central to building an inclusive and resilient cyber workforce.
A series of expert presentations and panel discussions enriched the experience throughout the day. These sessions featured leading industry professionals and Sheffield Hallam alumni, whose success stories and insights into the cybersecurity landscape inspired and guided current students. Their contributions highlighted the real-world impact of SHU’s cyber education and the strength of its alumni network in shaping the industry.
The event finished on a high note with an awards celebration. Head of School Dharmendra Shadija presented the Best Poster Presentation Awards, recognising outstanding student work for its originality, technical depth, and relevance to current industry challenges. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our award-winning students: Billy Holbrook, Brayden Dodwell, Matty Mayes, Jaime Inskip, Danny Corbett, Benjamin Lynch, and Andy Durham, whose projects exemplify the future of cybersecurity: intelligent, innovative, and impactful. A sincere thank you to our inspiring speakers and fantastic panel members. Your insights into the evolving cyber landscape and graduate pathways were invaluable.
We also thank our partners and sponsors, whose support helped make this event a success: HSBC, BCS, YCSC, SECURE CEBER CONNECT, Yorkshire Water, Cyber Alchemy, NEBRC, JUMPSEC, AMTIVO, Bob’s Business, and WPP. Your collaboration underscores the vital role of industry-academic partnerships in addressing the cybersecurity skills gap.
The event sparked strong engagement on LinkedIn and social media, amplifying the visibility of our students, university, and partners and reaffirming our collective commitment to shaping the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.
