CyAD 2026: Cybersecurity Across Disciplines Summit

This session explores the UK’s Cyber Leaders’ Challenge, a long-running national competition supported by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and industry, that develops the next generation of cybersecurity professionals through realistic, scenario-based learning. Now in its ninth year, the initiative brings together multidisciplinary student teams from higher education institutions to tackle simulated cyber incidents, including scenarios such as critical infrastructure incidents, requiring technical analysis, strategic decision-making, and stakeholder communication.
The session highlights the competition’s inclusive ethos, which values diverse academic backgrounds and demonstrates how non-technical disciplines such as law, politics, and policy are equally vital to effective cyber resilience.

By fostering collaboration across sectors and disciplines, the Cyber Leaders’ Challenge provides a compelling model for cyber education and workforce development, helping students build networks, gain real-world insight, and transition into cyber careers while offering employers early access to emerging talent.