PQ-REACT team presentation: Discover National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” (Greece)

We are excited to present the inner core of the PQ-REACT project

Twelve organisations are shaping the project’s team, striving to design, develop, and validate a framework for a faster and smoother transition from classical to post-quantum cryptography, including R&D Centers, Scientific Organizations, Universities, SMEs, Marketing Agencies and Defense Institutions!

Get on board, and let’s discover the PQ-REACT team!

 

The National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” stands as the preeminent research institution in Greece. Tracing its roots back to its establishment in July 1961 as a hub for nuclear research, Demokritos has evolved into a sprawling, interdisciplinary research center boasting a dedicated team of approximately 180 esteemed Researchers holding tenured and tenure-track positions, complemented by over 500 Research Personnel engaged in various projects supported primarily by grants from State Funds, the European Union, and Private Industries. Notably, the center has adeptly managed numerous FP6/FP7/H2020 projects centered around 5G, virtualization, and cloud technologies. In fact, the NCSRD proudly houses its own cutting-edge experimental 5G infrastructure in collaboration with Vodafone, alongside the innovative ahead GOLD innovation space (i-Space) and an incubator designed to foster the growth of start-ups and SMEs within the Lefkippos Technology Park.

Demokritos’s role in the PQ-REACT project

Within the project, the Center assumes a dual role, serving as the Project Coordinator and the Work Package Leader. As the Project Coordinator, the Center assumes the pivotal task of overseeing the administrative management of the project, acting as the primary liaison with the European Commission. This role involves coordinating communication channels among project partners, ensuring smooth progress and high-quality execution of tasks, and furnishing the European Commission with comprehensive technical, managerial, and financial information. Furthermore, the Project Coordinator presides over General Assembly meetings, working closely with other project Managers to represent the project’s interests in relevant European bodies, working groups, and similar initiatives. Administrative responsibilities of the Project Coordination encompass supervising the overall project progression, organizing General Assembly meetings and meticulously following up on their outcomes, managing Consortium Agreement coordination, monitoring the distribution of European Commission payments to partners, preparing reports, cost statements, and project documentation required by the European Commission, orchestrating European Commission review meetings, overseeing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and knowledge management, and representing the consortium at various events.

Simultaneously, in its capacity as a Work Package Leader, the Center spearheads the coordination of tasks falling within the purview of the designated Work Package, diligently monitoring the performance and progress of the Work Package in alignment with the project plan. It also ensures seamless information flow to other Work Package Leaders and provides comprehensive reports to the Board on the Work Package’s advancements.

Being a member of the PQ-REACT team is exciting, but let’s see what Demokritos is saying about it!

In the PQ-REACT project, two key activities that evoke excitement and anticipation revolve around the integration of Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs)/Blockchain with PQC capabilities and the execution of open-call mini-projects. The application of DLTs/Blockchain, particularly within the context of network operations and service agreements at NCSRD’s Network Operations Centre, represents a groundbreaking approach to enhancing transaction security and ensuring efficient monitoring of Service Level Agreements (SLAs). The fusion of PQC capabilities with blockchain technology promises to fortify the reliability and integrity of transactions, fostering a more secure and transparent network infrastructure. Additionally, the execution of the open call mini projects promises to uncover novel PQC mechanisms and evaluate innovative pilots and applications. This endeavour will contribute to the advancement of PQC technologies and offer a platform for fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among diverse stakeholders, further enriching the project’s impact and promoting the adoption of resilient cybersecurity solutions.

And of course, the positive impact to expect by being a member of the team!

Through the PQ-REACT project, our primary aim is to catalyze a transformative shift in the cybersecurity landscape, particularly in the face of the emerging challenges posed by quantum computing. We aspire to foster strengthened European cybersecurity capacities, bolstering the continent’s digital sovereignty and global leadership in this crucial domain. By promoting the adoption of quantum-resistant encryption mechanisms and facilitating the seamless migration from classical to post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, we envision the creation of more resilient digital infrastructures and systems. Our project also seeks to ensure enhanced software, hardware, and supply chain security, thereby contributing to a more secure and trustworthy digital ecosystem. Furthermore, by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and skills development, we hope to empower individuals and communities, fostering a more inclusive and technologically adept society. Through our comprehensive dissemination and exploitation plans, we aim to facilitate the widespread adoption of our solutions, ultimately contributing to the advancement of secure and resilient digital infrastructures globally.

Discover Demokritos:

Website

Facebook

X

YouTube 

LinkedIn

Want to learn more about PQ-REACT?