Spokesperson Eike Kiltz has submitted the renewal proposal for the Cluster of Excellence CASA ‘Cybersecurity in the Age of Large-Scale Adversaries’ on behalf of Ruhr-Universität Bochum to the German Research Foundation (DFG) by the deadline.
In a possible second funding period (2026-2032), the focus will be on cybersecurity to protect the digital society and already successful research topics such as post-quantum cryptography or human-centred security will be enhanced with additional, contemporary research topics. The deadline for submission was August 22, 2024. The decision will be announced on May 22, 2025.
Research successes of the first funding period
CASA researchers have been working tirelessly to make CASA a place where outstanding talents are nurtured. The idea of achieving groundbreaking research results through a holistic approach and close interdisciplinary collaboration has been realized more than once. Some of the researchers have been honored with prestigious awards and distinctions such as the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, 8 ERC Grants, and 12 Best Paper Awards at major conferences in the field. A detailed list of the awardees can be found here.
Under the umbrella of CASA, new ideas have been developed that will shape cybersecurity in the long run: New quantum-secure encryption methods, soon to be deployed worldwide, originating from Bochum. Serious vulnerabilities in protocols have been identified and addressed by CASA researchers. New methods in the defense against backdoors in hardware elements have been developed, providing effective measures against surveillance. And through new insights in human-centered cybersecurity, users are increasingly becoming the focus (LINKS).
Successful Transfer into Industry
To effect sustainable change, collaborations with industry are crucial. Through close exchanges with partners such as Intel, Google, and Apple, research from the Excellence Cluster has found direct transfer into everyday technologies—making internet browsing, telephony, or online shopping safer. In addition to these scientific successes, CASA aims to contribute to raising awareness of cybersecurity issues. Through workshops, lectures, and public events, we have strengthened awareness of the importance of cybersecurity in society over the past 5 years and deepened understanding of the challenges in cyberspace.
Diversity and Teamwork
"We in the team are all proud that CASA is now internationally recognized for the excellent research taking place here," says CASA spokesperson Eike Kiltz, adding, "It has become known that we have a respectful and collegial atmosphere in Bochum—a good team culture. It shows: This also attracts outstanding young researchers."
Further RUB applications submitted
Another renewal application was submitted by the RUB's existing Cluster of Excellence ‘Ruhr Explores Solvation - RESOLV’. In addition to RESOLV and CASA, the University Alliance Ruhr has applied for two new Clusters of Excellence: The University of Duisburg-Essen submitted a proposal for the water research initiative REASONS, short for “River Ecosystems in the Anthroposcene – sustainable scientific SOlutioNS”; scientists from Bochum are also involved. The Technical University of Dortmund is co-applicant of the new initiative “Color Meets Flavor” from particle physics, in collaboration with the Universities of Bonn and Siegen.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed for all applicants from the University Alliance Ruhr,” says Rector Professor Martin Paul. “With the four applications, we have a promising starting position to be able to apply for a Consortium of Excellence in 2025.”
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