Helsinki-Aalto Institute for Cybersecurity (HAIC) is a strategic initiative set up by Aalto University and the University of Helsinki in June 2016 to ensure excellence in cybersecurity research and education. During the last few years, Aalto University and the University of Helsinki have built up strong research groups and education programs in cybersecurity and privacy. Collectively these groups represent the best cybersecurity expertise in Finland and one of the best in Europe. Both universities also offer a number of cybersecurity courses in their curricula which are very popular with students.
The mission of HAIC is to develop into a world’s leading center for research and education in cybersecurity.
HAIC focusses on offering scholarships for talented master’s students choosing to specialize in cybersecurity. HAIC scholars are funded by donations from HAIC donors and supporters as well as financial aid from the universities. The total number and type of HAIC scholarships awarded yearly depends on the magnitude of donations received that year. Other HAIC interests are industry outreach to provide industry contacts for students and public outreach to raise public awareness of the importance of cybersecurity.
Aalto University and the University of Helsinki have built up strong research groups and education programs in cybersecurity and privacy. Collectively these groups represent the best cybersecurity expertise in Finland and one of the best in Europe. Both universities also offer a number of cybersecurity courses in their curricula which are very popular with students. Read more on Education page.
To ensure that high quality students major in cybersecurity, HAIC has set up a scholarship program for top incoming MSc students choosing to specialize in cybersecurity at Aalto University and University of Helsinki. HAIC scholars are funded by donations from HAIC donors and supporters as well as financial aid from the universities. The total number and type of HAIC scholarships awarded yearly depends on the magnitude of donations received that year. Read more on Scholarships page.
Aalto University and the University of Helsinki have built up strong research groups and education programs in cybersecurity and privacy. Collectively these groups represent the best cybersecurity expertise in Finland and one of the best in Europe. Read more on Research page.
The HAIC public outreach initiative aims to make cybersecurity more accessible to a broader audience. As part of this initiative, are organizing HAIC Talks, a series of public lectures on contemporary topics in cybersecurity. In the style of studia generalia, these lectures are free and open to everyone. No background knowledge in cybersecurity is required. Read more on HAIC Talks page.
HAIC welcomes the support of companies and organizations interested in working together with us towards ensuring excellence in cybersecurity education and training in Finland. The donations will go towards scholarships for master’s students in order to attract the best students worldwide to meet the acute and growing need for cybersecurity professionals. Read more on Donors and Supporters page.
To stay updated on the latest news and coming events, please see our News page.
Contact us
Tuomas Aura
Professor, Director of HAIC
Aalto University
tuomas.aura@aalto.fi
Valtteri Niemi
Professor, Deputy Director of HAIC
University of Helsinki
valtteri.niemi@cs.helsinki.fi
Lachlan Gunn
University Lecturer, Deputy Director of HAIC, Head of HAIC Public Outreach Program
Aalto University
lachlan.gunn@aalto.fi
Eija Kujanpää
Manager, International Relations
Aalto University
eija.kujanpaa@aalto.fi
Niina Idänheimo
Coordinator of HAIC
Aalto University
niina.idanheimo@aalto.fi
Former members of HAIC:
Director:
- Associate Professor Janne Lindqvist 2020-2023.
- Prof. N. Asokan was the founding director of HAIC. He led HAIC from 2016 to 2019.
Deputy Director and Head of Public Outreach Program:
- Dr. Mikko Kiviharju January-July 2024
- Dr. Mohit Sethi 2019-2023
- Dr. Andrew Paverd 2018-2019