European Cybersecurity PhD Accelerator
About the program
PhD researchers working on cybersecurity-related topics often find themselves navigating disciplinary boundaries, limited peer networks, and few opportunities to engage with the wider policy and practitioner communities that shape the field.
The European Cybersecurity PhD Accelerator aims to address this challenge. Organised by Virtual Routes as part of the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars program, the initiative brings together a cohort of outstanding PhD researchers working on cybersecurity-related topics from across Europe and beyond.
The program is built around two objectives: helping early-career researchers strengthen their professional skills and supporting them in building lasting international networks.
The first edition of the program will begin on 1 September 2026.
- A strong peer network of PhD researchers working on cybersecurity across Europe
- Direct engagement with senior policy experts on research gaps and priorities
- Practical skills for sharing research with both academic and policy audiences
- Hands-on approaches to using large language models in research and data analysis
- Greater visibility and impact for your doctoral work beyond academia
Program Structure
Online Sessions
-
Publishing in leading journals
Practical sessions on getting peer-reviewed research published well
-
Translating research for policy
Writing effective policy memos, op-eds, and briefings for non-academic audiences
-
Career pathways
Reflections from senior researchers on careers in cybersecurity research and policy
In-Person Retreat
-
Research introductions
Short presentations of each participant's PhD work
-
Policy developments
Sessions on key developments in cybersecurity policy
-
LLMs and digital tools
Practical approaches to using large language models and digital tools for research and data analysis
-
Senior expert discussions
Conversations with senior policy experts on emerging research gaps and priorities
- Day 2 — 13 November
- Policy developments in cybersecurity
- Cohort dinner
- LLMs & digital tools for research
- Senior expert discussions: research gaps
- Program concludes
Who Should Apply
Cyber conflict, strategy & international security
Cybercrime, resilience & society
Computer science & technical cybersecurity
Law, policy & governance
Cohort
Meet the 22 PhD researchers accepted to the Accelerator through an initial round of invitations. A limited number of additional places is now available through an open call for applications.
Chiara Anfuso
Joel Sokoyebom Anyam
Parto Afshari
Anna Blechova
Joel Christoph
Karen De Vos
Callum Harvey
Max van der Horst
Katariina Hujanen
Elizabeth Wuraola Kolade
Key Dates
- Application deadline — submissions close at 23:59 CET
- Program begins — online sessions start
- Researcher retreat in Maastricht, Netherlands
Funding & Practical Arrangements
Virtual Routes covers
- Two nights of accommodation in Maastricht (11–13 November)
- Program-related costs during the retreat, including lunches and dinners
You cover
- International travel to and from the Netherlands
Secure Your Place
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 1 August 2026. Successful applicants will be contacted with program details.
The admission is intentionally selective and only outstanding PhD candidates working on cybersecurity-related topics will be admitted.
