The Cyber CNI Chair enters Phase IV !
The Cyber CNI Chair, led by IMT Atlantique in partnership with Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis, dedicated to the cybersecurity of critical infrastructures, is entering its Phase IV (2025-2028), which was officially announced during the latest edition of European Cyber Week. With the renewed support of its industrial partners, the chair is continuing its mission: to bring academic research and operational needs closer together, strengthen digital resilience, and contribute to French digital sovereignty.
The Mines-Télécom Foundation recently published a joint interview with Norbert Chassang (AIRBUS, Chair President), Marc-Oliver Pahl (IMT Atlantique, Chair Director), and Véronique Stephan (IMT Atlantique, Director of Development and Corporate Relations). This interview highlights the challenges, successes, and ambitions of the Chair for this new phase.
An integrated scientific and operational approach
The chair covers a broad spectrum of cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, combining scientific innovation and industrial relevance. Its work focuses in particular on:
- Fundamental research: artificial intelligence, digital twins, quantum computing.
- Prevention and detection: securing software chains and honeynets to anticipate attacks.
- Defense and the human factor: distributed systems, redesigned interfaces, and combating disinformation.
This unique combination makes it possible to develop concrete solutions for critical infrastructure while training the talent of tomorrow.
A decade of fruitful cooperation
Since its creation in 2016, the chair has grown stronger despite initial challenges. It has become a national benchmark in cybersecurity thanks to:
- close collaboration between academics and industry,
- the ability to work on sensitive topics while innovating,
- and the development of a culture of trust and experimentation.
The chair perfectly illustrates how long-term collaboration between academia and industry can generate concrete impact and scientific excellence.
Phase IV ambitions
With this new phase, the chair aims to :
• Continue the excellent research and outreach we already have today
• Find 2-3 additional strategic industrial partners
• Recruit excellent students
• Create new and fruitful collaborations.
To learn more
Check out the joint interview published by the Fondation Mines-Télécom, in which Norbert Chassang, Marc-Oliver Pahl, and Véronique Stephan share their vision, achievements, and outlook for the Cyber CNI Chair.
Read the full interview →
- The Cyber CNI Chair enters Phase IV ! - January 16, 2026
- La Chaire Cyber CNI entre dans sa Phase IV! - January 16, 2026
- Marc-Oliver Pahl chairs Dr Majed Jaber’s thesis defence at the University of Strasbourg - January 13, 2026
