CIISec is proud to offer a prestigious suite of Fred Piper Awards – a series of academically focused categories that reflect the breadth and depth of our academic engagement.
The awards are named in honour of the late Professor Fred Piper – a pioneering figure in cryptography and cyber security education, whose lifelong contribution helped shape the UK cyber landscape and inspired countless students and professionals across the sector.
The Fred Piper Awards celebrate excellence across multiple academic pathways, recognising not only individual achievement but also the vital role that education plays in strengthening the future of cyber security. The Fred Piper Student of the Year Award, is our highest academic honour.
For 2025 the Fred Piper Awards will feature the following categories:
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CyberEPQ Student of the Year
The judging will be looking for a strong track record of academic achievement; the content and innovative nature of the student project or dissertation, as well as the quality of research. Judges will also look for evidence of positive contribution to the school cyber community; and a proactive approach to further self development. -
CyberEPQ Supervisor of the Year
Supervisors are encouraged to self-nominate for this award. Candidates should make it clear to the judges how they support students through the CyberEPQ, how they promote cyber education within their school along with detail of any additional activities in place to support that promotion.
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Fred Piper Student of the Year
This award will go to a student currently undertaking a course of study at one of CIISec’s Academic Partner institutions, who has been nominated by their lecturer. The nomination should address the strength of the student’s academic record; provide details of their dissertation, and whether it is topical, innovative, or offers real world application and benefits. A strong nomination will also highlight the student’s involvement in the wider university community. - Academic Partner of the Year Award
CIISec will select the winner of this award. The winning institution will be one that has worked collaboratively with CIISec to promote membership and cyber education, has been involved with our wider activities, and has engaged students effectively.
How to Get Involved
All eligible schools or universities have been contacted with instructions on how to nominate students via a standardised nomination form. This ensures all submissions are consistent for our judging panel.
Completed nomination forms should be submitted to development@ciisec.org by the following deadlines:
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CyberEPQ Awards – 31 July
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Fred Piper Student of the Year Award – 30 August
After the closing date, our judging panels will review all nominations and create a shortlist for each award. The shortlist will be posted here, and all award winners will be celebrated at CIISec Live on 25 November.
