The ISG are proud that one of the sixteen finalists for the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) UK-wide competition, recognising exceptional research contributions towards the development of a Connected Nation, is a recent PhD graduate from the Information Security Group.

The Connected Nation Pioneers competition 2018 is organised by EPSRC and was open to all second and third year UK postgraduate research students who could demonstrate their research fits under one of the four designated topics. The sixteen finalists were selected following a two stage process. Initial assessment focussed on whether their research fell within the remit of the call. A judging panel drawn from the competition's sponsors then selected the finalists after viewing short multimedia presentation videos produced by the candidates. 

We are delighted that Thyla van der Merwe, who recently graduated from ISG, has reached the final, and we wish her all the best for the next round. Professor Kenny Paterson, from ISG at Royal Holloway says "Getting to the final stages of this competition is already a fantastic achievement. It's a reflection of the outstanding quality and impact of Thyla's research."

The final assessment takes place at The Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham on Wednesday 17 October 2018, where finalists will showcase their work throughout the day. Category winners will then move on and battle it out to become the overall competition winner.

Further information can be found at the Connected Nation Pioneers page.