Digital Trust and Security in the Era of Generative AI Forum

Digital Futures is a highly interdisciplinary network which operates across the whole range of the University’s digital research.The aim of Digital Futures is to present a coherent overview of our digital research activity to external stakeholders and bring together our research communities to explore new research areas and address strategic opportunities.We group our activity around themes that encapsulate our broad research capabilities and the challenges to which these can be applied. These themes do not operate as self-contained entities; however, there is considerable synergy and overlap between them, and many of our academics are involved in a number of capability and challenge themes.

Digital Futures

Join us for insights on cybersecurity and generative AI, exploring essential skills, current trends, and what’s working right now!

No.1 Circle Square

Digital Futures: Digital Trust & Security Events

Delivered through the University of Manchester's Centre for Digital Trust & Society, we are bringing together international experts from industry, the public sector, and academia to explore aspects of trust and security in our digital world.

<h3>Following on from the success of our Centre for Digital Trust and Society (CDTS) Forum series we are delighted to invite you to our upcoming Digital Trust and Security in the Era of Generative AI Forum, which will take place on 2nd July, from 9:30 – 16:30, followed by an optional drinks reception, at <a href="https://bruntwood.co.uk/our-locations/manchester/circle-square/" title="https://bruntwood.co.uk/our-locations/manchester/circle-square/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">No.1 Circle Square, Oxford Road, Manchester M1 7FS</a>.</h3>We will once again bring together key national and international partners across our 6 research clusters to explore current challenges and opportunities in the UK and beyond, and together co-creating an inclusive vision for the future. In addition, we have thought provoking panels and talks presented by experts in the field throughout the day, including the below:Keynote Presentation | <a href="https://www.gannapogrebna.com" title="https://www.gannapogrebna.com" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Prof Ganna Pogrebna</a>, Executive Director of the <a href="https://research.csu.edu.au/our-profile/research-centres/aicf" title="https://research.csu.edu.au/our-profile/research-centres/aicf" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute at Charles Sturt University</a>, AustraliaPanel 1 | Generative AI &amp; SecurityPanel 2 | Cyber/Digital Skills and Careers in CybersecurityPanel 3 | What Works in Cyber SecurityKeynote Title: The Cybersecurity Paradox: Trusting Machines to Manage Human ErrorsAs cyber threats become increasingly complex and dynamic, traditional risk analysis and security measures are proving insufficient to safeguard critical systems. This talk explores how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are fundamentally reshaping cybersecurity—enabling organisations to detect threats in real time, implement adaptive defence mechanisms, and anticipate risks before they escalate. Focusing on the strategic integration of human-machine teaming, the session will examine emerging technologies such as anomaly detection, adversarial AI, and intelligent incident response systems. It will also address critical challenges in deploying these tools at scale, including algorithmic bias, explainability, and data privacy. Grounded in behavioural data science and decision theory, the talk offers practical insights for building secure, resilient infrastructures in a world where digital interdependence is the new norm. This session is designed for cybersecurity practitioners, policy leaders, and researchers who are navigating the evolving landscape of AI-driven security and seeking sustainable pathways to digital trust.Keynote Speaker: <a href="https://www.gannapogrebna.com" title="https://www.gannapogrebna.com" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Prof Ganna Pogrebna</a>, Executive Director of the <a href="https://research.csu.edu.au/our-profile/research-centres/aicf" title="https://research.csu.edu.au/our-profile/research-centres/aicf" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute at Charles Sturt University</a>, AustraliaProfessor Ganna Pogrebna is an internationally recognized expert and pioneer in behavioural data science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI). She serves as the Executive Director of the AI and Cyber Futures Institute, the Lead for Behavioural Data Science at The Alan Turing Institute, and holds an Honorary Professorship at the University of Sydney. Originally trained as a decision theorist, Professor Pogrebna integrates insights from behavioural science, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity to model and better understand complex human-technology interactions. Her work has helped establish cybersecurity as a behavioural science, emphasizing the critical role of human behaviour and ethical decision-making in digital systems. Ganna is the 2024 Women in AI APAC winner in the Risk and Cybersecurity category, a finalist for AI Leader of the Year at the 2024 Australian AI Awards, and a finalist in the 2025 Australian Cybersecurity Awards. She is also a recipient of the UK TechWomen100 award for her contributions to ethical risk modelling and cybersecurity innovation. She has led research projects funded by defence and intelligence agencies in both the UK and Australia, as well as by large multinational corporations. With a track record of securing over $20 million in research funding, her current work focuses on secure AI, generative technologies, and data ethics—particularly in the context of critical infrastructure and consumer-facing technologies. Professor Pogrebna has published over 100 papers in top-tier journals and serves on several editorial boards. She contributes to Harvard Business Review on AI-related topics, curates the Behavioural Data Science Week blog on LinkedIn, and runs the YouTube channel Data Driven (@datadrivenchannel). She is also co-author of the book Navigating New Cyber Risks (now available as an audiobook on Audible) and the author of the Cyber Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale, which is used by companies worldwide.Panel Details<h4>Panel 1 - Generative AI and Security</h4>Confirmed Panellists and Chair:<ul><li>Prof Gaven smith, The University of Manchester (Chair)</li><li>Prof Ana Basiri, University of Glasgow</li><li>Prof Lucas Cordeiro, University of Manchester</li><li>Danny wood, Fuzzy Labs</li></ul>As the landscape of generative AI evolves, the implications for digital trust and security are significant and multi-faceted. This panel will explore the opportunities and threats that AI-powered technologies present in the context of cybersecurity, misinformation and national security. Topics include AI-enhanced cybersecurity, misinformation detection, governance and ethics, trust in AI systems and the future of AI (and GenAI) in digital trust and security. Attendees will gain insights into the intersection of generative AI, security and policy.Academic Leads: Prof Nadia Papmichail and Dr. Mustafa Mustafa<h4>Panel 2: Cyber Skills and Careers in Cybersecurity</h4>Confirmed Panellists:<ul><li>David C, National Cyber Security Centre</li><li>Dr Claudia Natanson MBE, UK Cyber Security Council</li><li>Sarah Clarke, Founder of Infospectives</li><li>Dr Charles Clarke, Co-Founder of CSE Connect</li><li>Daniel Card, Xservus</li></ul><blockquote>‘We’re very good at certifying people who are already in the industry…’ - Dr Claudia Natanson, UK Cyber Security Council</blockquote>Shakespeare might have observed today:A. Some are born to cyber… Such as those who have played with tech since childhood.B. Some achieve cyber [or rather know how]…through schools, colleges, universities, and industrial learning and training.C. And some have cyber thrust upon them… when a cyber incident [or event] occurs, or…on demand from customers or regulators for certification or other forms of assurance over cyber security…or just in their day-to-day experiences with connected technology.A. Looks after itself. We're getting better and better at b. However we have not considered that the requisite variety needed in the workforce to even approach cyber safety requires a whole workforce approach with c. It's not just the 'cyberists' or the 'cyber professionals' with a shower of post-nominals. Cyber is difficult. People like doing skills related activity as a move to bring the challenge under control because it's easy to understand, it's quick to give nice, reportable measurements like bums on seats and qualifications. But these the activities are generally limited to a subset of the [so-called] cyber workforce (unless it's a click-through cyber awareness package trying to dampen down a time when something shouldn't be clicked). We are failing miserably the people whom we expect to compensate for the absence of built-in security lacking of sociotechnical systems (and their component parts) rather than rallying them as the extension of the professionals who design, build, and defend our information systems. This panel will discuss how we get the human factors to compensate until balanced socio-technical security is the built-in norm.Academic Leads: Dr. Ines Henriques Cadby and Prof. Daniel Dresner<h4>Panel 3: What works in Cybersecurity</h4>Confirmed Panellists and Chair:<ul><li>Dr Ines Henriques-Cadby, The Unviersity of Manchester (Chair)</li><li>Chris Maddocks, North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU)</li><li>Richard Sinclair, National Lead Force Fraud Investigation</li><li>Prof Magda Osman, University of Cambridge</li><li>Prof John McAlaney, Bournemouth University</li></ul>Many guidelines provide individuals and organisations with advice on preventing cyber incidents and responding to them after they occur. However, the evidence base on what actually works for prevention and response remains limited. Similar initiatives aim to address other challenges arising from problematic uses of digital technologies, such as cyberbullying in schools, addiction to e-gambling sites, and academic plagiarism facilitated by AI tools. Yet, little is known about the effectiveness of these programmes in preventing these issues. This panel will bring together researchers who have conducted experimental and quasi-experimental studies (as well as evaluations of existing programmes and interventions) on digital trust and society, alongside policymakers and practitioners who bring practical insights into knowledge and practice gaps. The discussion will focus on what is currently known, what remains unknown, and the pressing need to strengthen the evidence base on ‘what works’ in prevention and response.Academic Lead: Dr. David Buil-GilSpecial PhD &amp; ECR (Early Career Researcher) Segments!This is for those who want to connect with fellow PhD students and ECRs, network with the cybersecurity industry, gain insight and maximise development opportunities. Throughout the day, parts of each activity will tailor towards PhD students and ECRs.What to expect:<ul><li>PhD Research Case Studies</li><li>Industry Engagement and Support</li><li>PhD &amp; ECR Corner</li><li>Each panel will direct a question to support the PhD/ECR community</li></ul>Business EngagementsBusiness stands will be available on the day to provide further insights and information on the day. Further details will be confirmed shortly.<a href="https://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/dts/" title="https://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/dts/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">The Centre for Digital Trust and Society</a> serves as a focal point for research across the University of Manchester, exploring aspects of trust and security in our digital world. We bring together international and national experts from industry, the public sector, and academia to create interdisciplinary synergies and foster collaboration and engagement. The Centre is part of <a href="https://www.digitalfutures.manchester.ac.uk/" title="https://www.digitalfutures.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Digital Futures</a>, a highly interdisciplinary network with 1700+ members that operates across the entire range of the University of Manchester's digital research.Connect with us:X: <a href="https://twitter.com/DigitalUoM" title="https://twitter.com/DigitalUoM" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">twitter.com/DigitalUoM</a>Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/digital-futures-at-the-university-of-manchester/" title="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/digital-futures-at-the-university-of-manchester/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">linkedin.com/showcase/digital-futures-at-the-university-of-manchester</a>Website: <a href="https://digitalfutures.manchester.ac.uk" title="https://digitalfutures.manchester.ac.uk" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">digitalfutures.manchester.ac.uk</a>Newsletter: <a href="https://www.tinyurl.com/digitalfuturesuom" title="https://www.tinyurl.com/digitalfuturesuom" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">tinyurl.com/digitalfuturesuom</a>