Celebrating Excellence in Cybersecurity: Professor Willy Susilo Honored at the 2024 NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science and Engineering
On October 31, 2024, the spotlight shone brightly on Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo, a luminary in the fields of cryptography and cybersecurity, as he was honored with the prestigious award for Excellence in Engineering or Information and Communication Technology. This accolade was part of the 2024 NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science and Engineering, a ceremony that took place at Government House, celebrating the remarkable contributions of the state’s brightest minds.
A Leader in Cybersecurity
Professor Susilo, who serves as the Head of the University of Wollongong’s (UOW) School of Computing and Information Technology and the Institute of Cybersecurity and Cryptology (iC2), has dedicated nearly three decades to advancing research in cybersecurity, cryptology, and information security. His work has not only garnered significant attention but has also led to substantial financial backing, with over $200 million in government and industry research funding and an impressive 23 grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC).
The Significance of the NSW Premier’s Prizes
The NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering are designed to recognize and reward excellence in scientific and engineering endeavors. These awards highlight the groundbreaking work of researchers whose contributions have generated significant economic, environmental, health, social, or technological benefits for New South Wales. The ceremony, presided over by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, the Governor-General of NSW, brought together some of the state’s most esteemed scientists and researchers, creating an atmosphere of celebration and recognition.
A Moment of Pride
Upon receiving the award, Professor Susilo expressed his gratitude and pride. “I am deeply honored to accept this prestigious award,” he stated. “This accolade not only acknowledges my individual contributions and the collective efforts of my dedicated team in the field of cybersecurity and cryptology research, but it also underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity and cryptology research in practical applications.” His words reflect the essence of the award, which aims to raise community awareness about the vital role scientists and engineers play in our daily lives.
A Journey of Innovation
Professor Susilo’s journey in cybersecurity and cryptology has been marked by innovation and dedication. Last year, he was awarded a $3 million ARC Laureate Fellowship, aimed at developing new cryptography solutions to enhance cloud computing security. His prolific output includes over 700 high-impact publications, an h-index of 86, and more than 27,000 citations. His research has not only solved long-standing challenges but has also been cited in 65 international patents lodged by major corporations, including Microsoft, IBM, Samsung, Nokia, and Panasonic.
Acknowledgment from UOW Leadership
Senior Professor Eileen McLaughlin, UOW’s Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Sustainable Futures), congratulated Professor Susilo on his remarkable achievement. “Professor Susilo’s research is at the forefront of cybersecurity and cryptology, at a time when the world is grappling with the implications of technology across every aspect of our lives. His work is urgent and vital,” she remarked. Her acknowledgment underscores the importance of Professor Susilo’s contributions to the field and the broader implications of his research in today’s digital landscape.
Conclusion
Professor Willy Susilo’s recognition at the 2024 NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science and Engineering is not just a personal achievement; it is a celebration of the collective efforts of researchers dedicated to advancing knowledge and technology. As cybersecurity continues to evolve and become increasingly critical in our interconnected world, Professor Susilo’s work serves as a beacon of innovation and excellence. His journey inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers, reminding us all of the profound impact that dedicated research can have on society.