SERICS - CALL FOR RESEARCH PITCH

Overview

All researchers recruited by the SERICS Extended Partnership are invited to participate in the SERICS Research Pitch that will take place in the context of the Joint National Conference on Cybersecurity (ITASEC25). The SERICS Research Pitch session offers an opportunity for SERICS researchers to introduce themselves and their research ideas to the cybersecurity research and professional community, including academia, industry, research and governmental institutions. 

Proposed contributions will be evaluated by the selection committee taking into account the originality and significance of the research idea as well as the effectiveness of the presentation. Authors of selected pitches will be offered a two day training session on public speaking and individual coaching to prepare their pitch. 

Authors will be required to attend ITASEC25 and deliver a two-minute oral presentation of their pitch during the SERICS Research Pitch session.

The presented pitches will be evaluated by a jury composed of experts from academia, institutional entities, and industry. Prizes will be awarded to the top three pitches.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions must be in English and consist of a maximum of 4 slides (including a cover slide) in pdf format briefly describing yourself and the key elements of your pitch. The pdf file must include a link to a homemade video (up to 1 minute) presenting yourself. 

Submission form: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=itasec25 

A template example for the slides can be found https://tinyurl.com/39jhdhpn.

Competition Steps and Format

  1. Webinar on Public Speaking (December 17, 2024 – h. 2.00pm – 3.00 pm online): an introductory webinar on public speaking will be offered to all SERICS researchers.
  2. Submission (until Dec 19, 2024): Submit slides and a short video that highlights your research and your pitch ideas. It will be reviewed and shortlisted candidates will move on to the next step.
  3. Training Program (Jan-Feb 2025): A training program will be available for presenters:
    – In-person training session for all accepted contributions (mid Jan 2025, Genova),
    – Coaching on an individual basis (second half of Jan 2025, online), 
    – Pitch rehearsal (Feb 3, 2025, Bologna).
  4. Research Pitch Session (Feb 4, 2025, Bologna): The finalists will deliver a live presentation of their pitch to all registered participants in the conference. The jury will select the 3 winners
  5. Award Ceremony (Feb 5, 2025, Bologna): The winners will be publicly announced in a plenary session and awards given to the winners.

Opportunities

 
  • Introductory webinar on public speaking for all researchers
  • Training activities for all accepted contributions (in person 2-day workshop, coaching on an individual basis, pitch rehearsal)
  • Presentation of the pitch at ITASEC25
  • Three winners will be awarded prizes
  • Face to face meeting with industrial and institutional partners

Important Dates

  • Webinar: Dec 17, 2024 h. 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm (online)
  • Submission Deadline (EXTENDED): Dec 22, 2024
  • Notification of Acceptance: Jan 10, 2025
  • Training Program: mid-January, 2025

 SERICS Research Pitch Chairs