Adelaide University and Cisco have signed an agreement to collaborate on artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity research and education, including the creation of a Cisco Research Chair in AI Cybersecurity.
The university said the partnership is intended to benefit students, researchers and industry through AI cybersecurity research, education and training. The agreement follows Adelaide University’s commitment to the Cisco-led National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN) Charter, aimed at strengthening industry-academic collaboration aligned to national priorities.
Under the arrangement, Adelaide University said it will embed insights and knowledge in networking technologies, data and cybersecurity into its degree programs and professional-development education offerings.
The partnership also includes a commitment to provide PhD and Masters of Research scholarships, which the university said would support Australia’s sovereign capability in AI and cybersecurity.
In addition, the parties said they would explore co-developing a Cisco Cyber Range, described as a security simulation intended to help security teams build skills to identify and protect against cyber threats. They will also explore a “sovereign AI Cloud” initiative to provide access to sovereign AI infrastructure for industry and universities.
Adelaide University Vice Chancellor Professor Nicola Phillips said the agreement builds on an existing relationship with Cisco and is intended to support research in AI cybersecurity and align study and research with national priorities.
Cisco Australia and New Zealand Vice President and General Manager Stefan Leitl said the university was selected as a partner to establish the research chair because of its research presence in AI and links to the defence sector. He said the partnership reflected a shared focus on digital resilience and economic outcomes.
Image: Chuck Robbins, Cisco CEO and Chairman; Adelaide University Vice Chancellor Nicola Phillips; Stefan Leitl, VP Cisco ANZ.
