ADAPT was honoured to host Professor David Hickton, former U.S. Attorney and Founding Director of PittCyber at the University of Pittsburgh, for an engaging and insightful two-week visit. As Honorary Professor in the School ofComputer Science and Statistics at Trinity College Dublin, Professor Hickton participated in a packed schedule of events, sharing his expertise on cybersecurity, disinformation, and AI regulation with a diverse range of audiences, including industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and students.
One of the highlights of his visit was the public lecture, “The Disruptive Danger of Disinformation in the Age of AI,” held in the Swift Lecture Theatre on 5 March. In this compelling talk, Professor Hickton explored how disinformation is weaponised in the digital age and the pressing need for global cooperation in tackling its spread. His insights resonated widely and contributed to a broader discourse on AI governance and the future of trustworthy information ecosystems.
In addition to his public lecture, Professor Hickton played a key role in multiple high-profile discussions, including an industry breakfast event on Navigating Transatlantic AI and Privacy Regulations. This event provided a critical forum for industry stakeholders to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by evolving AI and privacy regulations in the US and EU.
At UCD, he addressed ADAPT’s Law and Tech Working Group in a well-attended lunchtime talk titled “The Russian Hacking Signature,” co-hosted by the MSc in Cybersecurity, MSc in Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigation, and the Centre for Cyber Resilience Education. His analysis of cyber threats and geopolitical implications offered students and faculty a unique legal and technical perspective on international cybercrime.
Reflecting on the impact of the visit, Professor John Kelleher of ADAPT stated: “David Hickton’s presence has been invaluable in shaping conversations at the intersection of AI, law, and cybersecurity. His expertise and global perspective have enriched our research community, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration.”
Professor Hickton will return to ADAPT in May to further deepen these discussions and engage with new initiatives. For those interested in collaboration, please contact Olivia Waters at [email protected].
