1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and describe your research area?
My name is Christian Carmine Esposito, and I am an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science of the University of Salerno.
My research focuses on cybersecurity, with particular emphasis on the design of hardware-based security solutions, blockchain technologies, advanced cryptographic techniques, and the exploration of the potential of quantum computing to enhance cybersecurity. Another area of my research concerns the legal and regulatory aspects of data protection and the responsible use of emerging technologies, with a particular focus on frameworks such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the AI Act.
2. How did the contact with the partners involved in the collaboration begin? What role did NEOLAiA play in this process?
My contact with the partners, for example with Professor Panagiota Chatzipetrou and Professor Harald Gjermundrod, was facilitated by my role as NEOLAiA delegate for the Department of Computer Science, which involves maintaining relations between the Department and the Alliance, as well as coordinating communications and activities with the partners involved.
3. What initiative or project emerged from this collaboration?
I can mention several initiatives, particularly within the framework of the Blended Intensive Programmes, which have promoted mobility and the exchange of expertise among the Alliance’s partner universities. For example, last year we participated as a partner in a BIP organized by Örebro University, and later we coordinated a BIP here at the University of Salerno. You can find more information about these programmes on the University’s dedicated webpages: Security-Aware Software Architecture (SASA) and Blockchain Application Development (BAD).
Thanks to the network developed through these initiatives, we also had the opportunity to connect with colleagues from the University of Stuttgart, further expanding our network beyond the Alliance.
Another particularly noteworthy achievement is a successful Erasmus+ Capacity Building proposal developed in collaboration with Örebro University, focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and aimed at fostering cooperation with Africa.
4. What was the main added value of working with colleagues from other universities within the Alliance?
The main added value of working with colleagues from the Alliance’s partner universities has been twofold. On the one hand, this collaboration has enabled us to expand and strengthen our European network, creating new opportunities for exchange and the development of joint initiatives.
On the other hand, NEOLAiA has provided the opportunity to learn about the organizational models and best practices adopted by other European universities, fostering a valuable exchange of experiences that has helped enhance our University’s internationalization strategies. In this respect, collaboration with the Alliance’s partners represents an important opportunity for both professional growth and mutual learning.
Moreover, thanks to NEOLAiA, I have also had the opportunity to get to know colleagues from the University of Salerno whom I had never had the chance to work with or meet before, further strengthening collaboration within my own institution.
5. What advice would you give to a researcher who has not yet taken advantage of the opportunities offered by NEOLAiA?
As a NEOLAiA delegate, I have a more direct view of the opportunities available, and I can see how the Alliance provides concrete opportunities to strengthen one’s position within the European context, especially for early-stage researchers, who often face greater challenges in building an international network.
A concrete example is the Open Research Hub, a tool that allows researchers to identify expertise and potential collaborations within the network. Thanks to this type of opportunity, it has been possible, for instance, to connect with the most suitable partner for developing a research proposal on blockchain technology.
I believe it is important to further strengthen the culture of internationalization within the University, as the value of these experiences is not always fully recognized. International collaboration can provide significant opportunities for scientific and professional growth, while also promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices among colleagues from different departments and universities.
Of course, it is also essential to continue improving communication and the dissemination of available opportunities through meetings, discussion forums, and dedicated information tools, in order to reach an increasing number of researchers. NEOLAiA brings these opportunities directly to the University: it is up to us to recognize their value and make the most of them.
