HR4RS stamp
Raul Garcia Hemonnet
The Rey Juan Carlos University is participating in the 2024 edition of the Internet Awards with three proposals: 'Voices of the Future', 'URJC Cybersecurity League' and 'DOMINOES-Digital Resilience against disinformation'. The first two compete in the 'Digital Transformation' category, while the third competes in the 'Digital Citizenship' category.
The voice of experts for uncertain times
The Guide 'Voices of the Future', which the URJC presents through its Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit (UCC+i) (Vice-rectorate for Research, Innovation and Transfer), aims to disseminate science with the help of URJC experts in different subjects and thus, offering citizens rigorous and precise scientific information.
As Carmen García Galera, director of the UCC+i, points out, “The 'Voices of the Future' expert guide that we present to these awards is a fundamental tool against misinformation. In a pioneering and digital way, we make available to journalists and communicators the possibility of accessing top researchers, taking into account the immediacy that information demands today. They are researchers who work on very diverse topics, but who, in an objective and very informative way, will know how to explain complex topics in a simple way to journalists, and, through them, to society."
Looking ahead to the contest, García Galera points out, “we like to be optimistic, but on this occasion, it is a convinced optimism, since we believe in the candidacy we present. Formally, it fits perfectly with current usability standards, and in terms of its content, we are already seeing its results in an increase in the presence of our researchers in different media.”
Computer security from the university
The next proposal from the URJC for these Internet Awards has to do with the protection of computer systems and the training of future professionals in the sector. 'The Cybersecurity League' It is promoted through the Vice-Rectorate of Digital Transformation and Education and Artificial Intelligence. Through this initiative, students have “the possibility of detecting vulnerabilities in computer systems, without incurring any legal program. This bug bounty program develops cybersecurity skills by providing training in professional skills, such as ethical hackers. Among the participating companies, Palo Alto Networks, an American multinational cybersecurity company, stands out,” the Vice-Rector's Office points out.
This 'Cybersecurity League' was previously called 'Bug Bounty'. In the last edition of this contest, its manager, José Antonio Rubio, commented that “students are offered an activity that provides them a lot on a professional level, since they gain experience.” practice and the winners certainly have a very interesting label to add to their resume. These are profiles that are in high demand by companies, making it difficult for them to find them. Therefore, perhaps value is also added to the business environment, by offering actions aimed at highly in-demand professional profiles.”
Through the league, functions that are not so easy to acquire are formed. The professionals demanded by the sector and companies are trained. The Rey Juan Carlos University is a pioneer in Spain with this format.
Protect yourself and act against misinformation
The third proposal of the URJC to participate in the contest has to do with the fight against misinformation, open knowledge and the reuse of data for citizens.
This is the project 'DOMINOES-Digital Resilience against misinformation', a comprehensive project developed by the Ciberimaginario research group, which presents more than 70 open educational resources available to anyone who wants to know and use them. Within this project, a MOOC has also been developed with the participation of people from 18 countries. DOMINOES works as a digital content kit against disinformation that contains examples, practices and playful simulations that help understand this phenomenon, its operation, impact and strategies to combat it.
As Manuel Gertrudix, professor at FCCOM and principal researcher at Ciberimaginario, points out, “the proposal highlights all the material prepared. To promote a more informed and committed digital citizenry against misinformation. We have certain expectations, facing the contest, because we see the project as very well rounded, and that it fits very well in the category. We have presented it outside of Spain and the feedback is always good. One of the things we have put the most effort into has been to guarantee the sustainability of the content and give it international visibility.
Three ambitious, innovative and interesting proposals that allow the URJC to present a candidacy for guarantees in the 2024 edition of the Internet Awards. You can now vote on the contest website, which is part of the initiatives to celebrate Internet Day 2024. The awards will be presented on May 16 at the Ateneo de Madrid.