“In the near future, we want to increase our contribution to the Coalition”
“The cybersecurity research cluster at PXL, which I coordinate, aims to use applied research to deliver impactful results, in collaboration with both industry and the public sector,” says Gilissen. “Our primary focus is application security. This is still a blind spot in research in our country, but it’s also an area that many of our applied computer science students are working on.”
In short, the cluster is all about applicability. “We act as a bridge between the strategic fundamental research conducted at universities and the practical needs of industry. In doing so, we aim to support the local ecosystem with reliable, privacy-preserving applications,” Gilissen explains. A multidisciplinary approach within the research cluster—one of eleven research expertise centres embedded within the institution—is key to helping make the broader ecosystem more futureproof.
Testbeds and coalitions: A match made in cyber heaven
PXL essentially serves as a testbed for SMEs that lack R&D capacity but are eager to move forward. “As an educational institution, we can count on significant financial support, which we then channel toward the development of these companies,” Gilissen adds.
Membership in the Cyber Security Coalition amplifies the cluster’s reach and influence. “We’ve been a member for two years, and it’s clear that this has increased our visibility and helped spread our efforts more effectively across the ecosystem. That’s why we want to step up our involvement in the Coalition in the near future.”
This ambition also aligns with a broader goal: better integration of cybersecurity into the national educational offering. “Our academic landscape is already well-developed, with each institution playing its clearly defined role. As for us, I believe we need to work on embedding cybersecurity more deeply into our programmes,” Gilissen concludes. “Our goal is to make sure cybersecurity is not just taught in separate courses but woven into every relevant subject. That’s a long-term effort — and the added leverage we gain through our Coalition membership has proven to be a real asset.”
