Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP)
Mitko Slaninkoski shares his experience from a cyber security seminar in Romania during his doctoral studies.
Connecting Research and Security: My Experience at the AI Seminar in Cluj
From May 4th to 8th, I had the privilege of attending an international seminar focused on “Cyber Security Strategy in the Era of AI,” hosted at the prestigious Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. This training program served a crucial role in my doctoral thesis, which explores the ongoing digitalization process in my country, Macedonia. Because we are in an era of almost total technological integration and are rapidly reshaping public administration and infrastructure, we must first learn to understand artificial intelligence and robust security, and then apply this knowledge in my doctoral studies.
This seminar provides a strong academic environment, which is a solid foundation for me to grow as a person and professional. The School of Advanced Social Studies (SASS) actively empowers students through international mobility opportunities, helping them scale their scientific outreach.
Sharing Practical Experiences and Insights
This type of seminar offered a dynamic platform where participants could share practical experiences, debate differing perspectives, and hear a wide range of expert opinions. At the same time, there is an opportunity to conduct a qualitative analysis with the professors, with only one purpose: to improve your academic work. This means that engaging with excellent professors and peers from various backgrounds provided me with fresh insights into how modern states can balance the rapid adoption of digital tools with the pressing need to secure administrative data and public services.
Academic Networking and Dissertation Guidance
One of my trip highlights was the networking opportunity. While I was fortunate to meet a diverse group of talented students, researchers, and professionals, it was an exceptional honor to meet Professor Ioana Vaisu. I was very happy for the time she gave me for a brief conversation, during which I was free to discuss complex ideas surrounding digital governance and security strategies, which offered inspiration and invaluable direction that I will undoubtedly integrate into my dissertation chapters during my doctoral studies.
I’m very pleased to say that, except for the academic part, I have the opportunity to spend time in Cluj-Napoca, which is a wonderful experience in itself. I was really impressed by the visible cleanness of the streets and public spaces, alongside the peaceful rhythm of daily life despite its large student population. The city perfectly blends rich academic tradition with a forward-looking, energetic environment, making it the ideal setting for an international gathering of minds. Finally, the knowledge gained, the distinct perspectives encountered, and the meaningful academic connections made during these five days have profoundly enriched both my doctoral journey and my perspective on regional digital transformation.
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