2026 Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute Graduate Student Conference

Advancing cybersecurity and privacy through graduate research.

The CPI Graduate Student Conference is a full-day, in-person event showcasing interdisciplinary graduate research at the intersection of cybersecurity and privacy. Hosted by the University of Waterloo Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute in partnership with Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, the conference brings together graduate students from across the country whose work spans technical, human, and societal dimensions of security and privacy.

Designed as a collaborative academic forum, the conference offers graduate researchers from across Canada the opportunity to present their work, receive constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful dialogue with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. Through paper sessions, a poster presentation, networking breaks, and an industry keynote, participants will explore current challenges and emerging ideas shaping the future of cybersecurity and privacy research.

Graduate research topics may include:

• Security and privacy in data science

• Human and societal aspects of security and privacy

• Cryptography and quantum-safe communication

• Network security

• Software, hardware, and systems security

The day concludes with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding graduate research contributions.

Agenda

• 8 a.m. —Registration & breakfast      
• 9 a.m. —Welcome address and industry keynote
• 10 a.m. — Session 1
• 11 a.m. — Networking break     
• 11:15 a.m. —Session 2
• 12:00 p.m. — Poster session & lunch     
• 1:45 p.m. —Session 3
• 2:30 p.m. —Networking break
• 3:00 p.m. —Session 4   
• 3:45 p.m. — Awards ceremony
• 4:00 p.m. —Closing remarks     

Registration closes on March 10, 2026.