Project Manager Ana BAUM and Assistant Project Manager Emily RIDAL from Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia paid a visit to the Technical University of Moldova, marking a crucial moment for the establishment of the Cybersecurity Academy and the ongoing modernization of the curriculum in the field of Information Security at UTM.
This visit is an outcome of the ongoing dialogue initiated during the recent trip of UTM’s Vice-Rector for Digitalization, Dr. Dinu ȚURCANU, to Estonia, where he serves as the strategic coordinator of the Cybersecurity Academy. During the delegation, University of Tartu’s “Delta Centre” and Tallinn University of Technology served as sources of inspiration, providing successful models and best practices in the cybersecurity domain. Consequently, the possibility of a partnership between UTM and Estonian institutions for the strengthening of training capacities in Cybersecurity has been explored.
Built on a strong foundation in the field of information security, the newly established Cybersecurity Academy at UTM has received a $700,000 grant from Google. This funding is intended to facilitate the advancement of the academy into a national cybersecurity hub, providing essential support to enhance training, foster innovation, and promote best practices in the cybersecurity domain.
Ana BAUM and Emily RIDAL engaged in discussions with UTM’s Rector, Prof. Viorel BOSTAN; Vice-Rector for Digitalization, Dr. Dinu Țurcanu; Gabriela Ojog, Executive Director of the Moldovan Development Foundation, who is also the coordinator of the Google grant for the UTM Cybersecurity Academy; Michelle Iliev, Education & Workforce Team Lead for the Future Technologies project; Dr. Dumitru Ciorbă, Dean of the Faculty of Computers, Informatics, and Microelectronics; Dr. Lilia Sava, Dean of the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications, as well as faculty members, students/graduate students from the respective faculties. The aim of the meeting was to gather information in order to determine the support and consultation necessary in the ongoing process of modernizing the university curriculum in the field of Information Security.
The conversation focused on the exchange of ideas regarding the current curriculum and plans in the field of cybersecurity, both at UTM and in similar educational institutions in Estonia. The UTM Rector emphasized the importance of establishing the Cybersecurity Academy, highlighting the imperative need to adapt and implement relevant and up-to-date educational programs to meet the evolving demands of the job market.
Another essential aspect discussed was the qualification of teachers in the field of cybersecurity. The Vice-Rector for Digitalization underlined UTM’s commitment, within the Google grant, to invest in the professional improvement of teaching staff through training programs and international exchange of expertise. The Estonian representatives expressed their interest and enthusiasm for collaboration between the two countries in curriculum development and the exchange of experience in cybersecurity.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to sustain a continuous dialogue and cooperation, with a view to make meaningful contributions to the evolution and advancement of cybersecurity education in both Moldova and Estonia.
This visit marks a significant step in strengthening international collaboration in the field of cybersecurity education, fostering the exchange of experiences, active involvement in research processes, and the sharing of knowledge and best practices between universities in the two countries. Thus, a promising future is taking shape for cybersecurity education, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the digital challenges of the 21st century.
