A team of researchers from the Information Security Group organised a recent workshop on Foundations and Applications of Lattice-based Cryptography hosted at ICMS, Edinburgh. The hybrid workshop attracted over 100 virtual and in-person attendees and a range of different activities were put on.

Participants at the ICMS workshop on Workshop on Foundations and Applications of Lattice-based Cryptography

Lattice-based cryptography is a thriving area of cryptographic research in the UK. Its worldwide importance as a branch of post-quantum cryptography is evidenced by the number of lattice-based proposals currently being considered for standardisation by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The goal of the workshop was to bring together lattice researchers in the UK and Europe and facilitate community building, especially among PhD students and ECRs.

Seven of the world’s leading cryptographers were invited to speak on topics from the very basics up to current open problems and ongoing research directions. Participants were also invited to give 5–10-minute lightning talks to introduce their work to the community. There was a hands-on lab session and a “research area mixer” designed to further promote collaborations among the participants.

The organising committee comprised lecturer Dr Rachel Player, and PhD students Erin Hales and Joe Rowell. Dr Player commented: “It was fantastic to welcome everyone to Edinburgh and to put on this great event. On behalf of all the co-organisers, we thank again our excellent speakers, and the ICMS team who were hugely helpful in taking care of the logistical aspects. Personally, I found this a hugely productive and valuable event, and I’m looking forward to seeing the collaborations that will arise from it.”

More information about the event can be found at: https://www.icms.org.uk/workshops/2022/foundations-and-applications-lattice-based-cryptography