Summer School on Cyber-Crime & Cyber-Security (3CS) - 3rd Edition

Summer School on Cyber-Crime & Cyber-Security (3CS) – 3rd Edition

The Summer School on Cyber-Crime & Cyber-Security (3CS) is organized by the REACT Initiative (Research Excellence Against Child Trafficking) which is established under the Center for Human Rights and Migration of the Romanian-American University, with financial support and expertise provided by the Netherlands National Police. In collaboration with the Center for Research in Artificial Intelligence (CRAI), this Intensive Blended Program explores the intersection of law, human rights, security, technology, and AI. For 2025, 3CS emphasizes fighting organized crime, AI, and human trafficking, a global challenge increasingly facilitated by cyber-criminals exploiting more and more new technologies.

The Summer School will take place at the Romanian-American University between 5^th and 13^th of July 2025.

This Summer School is a program designed in alignment with the ERASMUS+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) framework and participants are eligible for funding through ERASMUS+ Mobility.

3CS offers international students participating in this summer school a unique environment to explore cutting-edge issues at the crossroads of technology and law as a pioneering program for those passionate about addressing global challenges in the digital age. Throughout the program, students will delve into the mechanisms behind cybercrime and cybersecurity, focusing on fighting (state-backed) organized crime. These issues are examined within the broader context of digital transformation, highlighting how cybercriminals exploit advanced technologies like cryptocurrency, AI and digital platforms. Students will engage with real-world scenarios, uncovering the complexities of digital evidence collection, cyber-forensics, and crypto investigations.

To enrich the learning experience, the program integrates lectures by professional experts, practical activities, and collaborative projects. Students will explore the role of global legal frameworks, ethical dilemmas surrounding digital platforms, and strategies to protect vulnerable persons from technology-enabled exploitation. The interdisciplinary nature of 3CS encourages participants to think critically about innovative solutions to these pressing issues. They better understand how state-backed organized crime poses a significant threat to national and international security.

Furthermore, 3CS offers a unique opportunity for international students to gain an in-depth understanding of the complexities of transnational organised crime groups. As part of the program, students have the opportunity to participate in an insightful one-day field trip to the Danube Delta, a sensitive entry point to the Schengen Area. This trip will provide practical exposure to the region’s challenges in fighting organized crime, further enhancing the learning experience.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE:

seminars: daily sessions led by experts in law enforcement, legal research, cybersecurity, or AI.
workshops: practical activities on using cyber-security tools, AI applications, data analysis, and investigative techniques to tackle potential organised crime groups/human trafficking cases
discussions: engage at a multidisciplinary group level to discuss current challenges and solutions
networking: opportunities to connect with peers, lecturers, and stakeholders committed to fighting cyber organized crime and human trafficking
projects: team-based projects where participants will apply their learning to propose and develop a solution to a specific challenge related to human trafficking, cyber-crime, and AI
field and cultural activity: weekend cultural visits in Bucharest and field trip to Danube Delta.

Who can participate?

The 9-day Summer School in Bucharest is open to students in law, law enforcement, political science, computer science, security studies, economics, humanities, and other related fields. While prior knowledge is not required, students should complete the online readings beforehand. The interdisciplinary program encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a deeper understanding of transnational organized crime and human trafficking. English-speaking students can apply by May 30, 2025. Upon a well-justified request, the deadline may be extended until June 15.

Credits offered: 3 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System)

Accommodation on-campus hostel options include a 4-star double room at €60/night or a 3-star standard triple room at €45/night. The hostel is located 100 meters from the venue. Nearby, there are multiple meal options, including a cafeteria inside the hostel and three other restaurants/cafeterias within a 5-minute walk.

Funds for EU/EEA students may be eligible through Erasmus+ Mobility programs. Students should consult their Erasmus+ Department to confirm eligibility and develop bilateral agreements. Participants could receive €70/day for transportation, accommodation, and food in Romania, totaling €630 for a 9-day stay (plus 2 travel days).

There is NO PARTICIPATION FEE. However, each participant must confirm their attendance by securing a seat and submitting a payment of €100 within 5 days of acceptance. This amount is non-refundable and will be allocated to partially cover the travel expenses of the field trip to the Danube Delta.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

Registration should be done as soon as possible and before 15th of June 2025, by filling in the online form HERE.

More information about the current 3CS edition, along with the official Agenda, is available here.

Summer School coordinators:

Silvia Tăbușcă, Ph.D. – Director, Center for Human Rights and Migration (CDOM), [email protected]
Andrei Luchici, PhD – Director, Center for Research in Artificial Intelligence (CRAI), [email protected]