2025-06-23

Looking Back: A Family Festival and Hands-On Research

Experience research up close, participate, be amazed, and enjoy – many curious visitors and residents of St. Ingbert accepted CISPA’s invitation to the big event "CISPA loves IGB" on Saturday at the Alte Schmelz site in St. Ingbert. With high summer temperatures, the historic industrial grounds were transformed into a vibrant meeting place for science and the public.

Science understandable...

At the heart of the event was CISPA’s vision: a secure digital future for all. At numerous interactive stations and in direct conversations with our researchers, guests gained insights into current research topics – from security in outer space to very personal digital challenges in everyday life.

... and tangible

Visitors could experience firsthand how much computing power it takes to crack a password at the popular "password rowing machine." And those curious about digital safety in daily life could learn, for example, how to protect their credit cards from contactless data theft. Numerous interactive stations and two escape rooms from the CISPA Cysec Lab were also a magnet for children and young people.

CISPA showcases itself as an employer of choice

Another crowd favorite was the CISPA Job Fair, where visitors explored a variety of entry points, training programs, and career paths at our research center – from recent graduates to those seeking opportunities in world-class cybersecurity research.

Strong Voices for a Strong Location

The importance of CISPA for the region and far beyond became clear during the grand opening ceremony. St. Ingbert’s Lord Mayor, Prof. Dr. Ulli Meyer, emphasized in his speech: “Cybersecurity is crucial for two reasons: First, because secure IT ensures our freedom in this country. Second, because the question of how we can operate IT systems securely and with trust is a key issue worldwide. As mayor, I am especially proud that the global elite in this field is not in China, not in the USA, but in Germany, in Saarland, and right here in St. Ingbert, conducting cutting-edge research.”

Meyer also highlighted the dedication of CISPA CEO Prof. Dr. Michael Backes, who, despite many obstacles, has built a globally recognized center – “a once-in-a-century opportunity for Saarland and for our St. Ingbert.” The city, Meyer said, will support the planned steps for the new CISPA building “with enthusiasm, expertise, and full commitment.”

Growth with a European Perspective

CISPA CEO and Founding Director Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Backes also offered a look into the future in his address: “We initially aimed to grow to 1,000 people – but given the global situation, our excellent evaluation, and the new political framework, I am very confident that our target size will be significantly above 1,000. We are already in talks.”

Backes also announced an upcoming highlight: the “European CISPA Contest,” which will take place next year in several European countries – especially Germany, France, Austria, Sweden, and Spain. “The national winners of this hacker contest will compete in the grand finale in St. Ingbert. The top participants will then have the opportunity to come to CISPA for a research stay,” Backes explained.

International Recognition

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Otmar D. Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association, praised the center’s outstanding achievements. Referring to CISPA’s years-long top position in the fields of computer security and cryptography in international CS rankings – the leading ranking of the world’s most renowned research institutions in this field – he stated: “I am always deeply impressed by the objective international rankings in which CISPA is ranked number one, ahead of Carnegie Mellon, ETH, or Stanford; that is truly a phenomenal achievement.”

Wiestler identified the unique talent pool CISPA has built as the key to its success: “CISPA has become a magnet for international talent – a center that attracts creative scientists from all over the world and is led by a visionary director.”

Knowledge Meets Entertainment

In addition to insights into the world of cybersecurity, the event also offered plenty of fun and entertainment. “The Mouse” and “The Elephant”, beloved stars of German children’s television, brought joy to young audiences on the outdoor stage. Older kids and teens dove into digital adventures with virtual reality games and an eSports tournament featuring professional gamers from SV Elversberg.

Musical highlights were provided by the St. Ingbert Mining Band, performing well-known classics under bright sunshine and in great spirits.

Strong Partnerships and Clear Perspectives

The City of St. Ingbert also joined the event as a strong partner of CISPA, presenting among other things the Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve and its diverse recreational offerings – a shining example of how urban life, nature, and future technologies can go hand in hand.

During the official opening ceremony, St. Ingbert’s Mayor Ulli Meyer, CISPA CEO Prof. Dr. Michael Backes, and Helmholtz Association President Prof. Dr. Otmar D. Wiestler emphasized the growing importance of the location. The planned new CISPA building in St. Ingbert is set to further this success story, creating space for cutting-edge research on a global level, deeply rooted in the Saarland.

A Celebration of Connection

With “CISPA loves IGB,” CISPA once again showed that excellent research doesn’t exist in an ivory tower – it takes place at the heart of society. The overwhelming response and countless personal conversations reaffirmed our mission to continue creating spaces for dialogue, inspiration, and shared learning – for a secure digital future that connects us all.