Noroff recently had the privilege of hosting some of the world’s leading information security researchers, marking a significant milestone in our journey as a center of academic excellence.
This visit, which brought together esteemed experts from the Centre for Research in Information and Cyber Security (CRICS) at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in South Africa, was not just a meeting of minds but a testament to Noroff's strong position in the field of Information and Cyber Security research.
A Gathering of Top-Tier Researchers
The discussions were attended by all of Noroff University College's distinguished researchers in the field, including Prof. Johan van Niekerk, Prof. Barry Irwin, Dr. Piet Delport, and Dr. Rayne Reid. They were joined by their counterparts from NMU: Prof. Rossouw Von Solms, Prof. Kerry-Lynn Thomson, Prof. Lynn Futcher, and Mr. Vuyolwethu Mdunyelwa. Notably, these researchers are not only highly respected in their field but also rank among the top 1% of information security researchers worldwide, a recognition based on their substantial research impact.
To put this into perspective, there are 36,173 ranked researchers globally in the field of Information Security, according to scholarGPS. All five professors who participated in this collaborative event at Noroff are among the top 1% in the world, with Prof. Rossouw Von Solms holding the prestigious position as the most impactful researcher in the field.
The individual rankings are as follows:
- Prof. Rossouw Von Solms: 1st
- Prof. Johan van Niekerk: 55th
- Prof. Barry Irwin: 108th
- Prof. Kerry-Lynn Thomson: 147th
- Prof. Lynn Futcher: 354th
This remarkable concentration of top-tier talent underscores the strength and influence of the research being conducted at Noroff and NMU, as well as the collaborative potential between these institutions.
Insights on the Future of Information and Cyber Security
The visit also provided a platform for these experts to share their thoughts on the future of Information and Cyber Security. Prof. Rossouw Von Solms emphasized the exponential growth of the field as digitization, IoT, AI, and related technologies continue to permeate every aspect of life.
- The security aspect will just become increasingly important as the associated risks will increase, he noted, highlighting the critical role of cybersecurity as technology advances.
Prof. Kerry-Lynn Thomson, Director of CRICS, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that as technology becomes more interconnected, cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated.
- The field of cybersecurity will have to grow significantly to ensure that organizations and people become cyber resilient, she stated, underlining the need for cybersecurity to be central in the digital age.
Prof. Lynn Futcher and Mr. Vuyolwethu Mdunyelwa both stressed the importance of keeping pace with the rapidly evolving threat landscape. They emphasized the need for continuous research and the preparation of graduates who can tackle these emerging challenges.
A Hub for Academic Excellence
The visitors also expressed their admiration for Noroff’s facilities, curriculum, and staff. Prof. Rossouw Von Solms praised Noroff for its industry-relevant syllabi and strong ties with industry partners, which he described as "some of the most important building blocks to become, and stay, relevant in the offering of educational qualifications."
Prof. Kerry-Lynn Thomson was particularly impressed with the well-maintained facilities and cutting-edge technology available at the Noroff campus in Kristiansand. She envisioned the campus as a collaborative environment where students are provided with all the resources needed to succeed academically.
Prof. Lynn Futcher appreciated the opportunity to engage with Noroff academics and explore opportunities for future collaboration in both curriculum development and research. She commended the open learning spaces and advanced technology that cater to varied student learning preferences.
Mr. Vuyolwethu Mdunyelwa also highlighted Noroff's well-positioned resources and facilities, which he believes are perfectly suited to supporting both online and classroom-based education.
Strengthening Global Collaboration in Cybersecurity
This visit not only reinforced Noroff’s status as a leader in Information and Cyber Security education but also opened doors for future collaborations with one of the leading research centers in the world. The exchange of ideas, exploration of research opportunities, and mutual admiration between the two institutions set the stage for a promising future in cybersecurity research and education.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Noroff remains committed to staying at the forefront of this dynamic field, ensuring that our students and faculty are equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with cutting-edge knowledge and expertise.
