Our highlights of the past year

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg

2025

YEAR IN REVIEW

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg

A message from the Director

Connecting globally, innovating locally ​

Innovation thrives in an international context, but sovereign technology matters more than ever. This balance defines SnT. Our research fuels innovation while building the expertise and capabilities needed for long-term autonomy in key technologies. In 2025, we strengthened this approach by pairing an international outlook with local impact, contributing to Luxembourg’s national strategies on AI, data, and quantum.

 

The impact was clear. We launched 63 new projects worth €42.6 million, including 14 EU initiatives, and secured €2 million from the Directorate of Defence for the Cyber Hub. We also began our first partnership with a European institution, the European Stability Mechanism.

 

We strengthened our global footprint by welcoming Google’s new Centre of Excellence in AI and cybersecurity, signing an MoU with Berkeley University, and representing Luxembourg at the World Expo in Japan. 

 

Our team spans over 60 countries, bringing diverse perspectives that drive innovation. This international talent also serves local needs—nearly 40% of our doctoral graduates stay in Luxembourg, helping meet growing demand for deep-tech expertise.

 

As Luxembourg seeks to harness AI, prepare for quantum, and attract deep-tech talent, we will be there, powering innovation.

 

Yves Le Traon, Director of SnT

A year of trustworthy

Artificial

Intelligence

In 2025, SnT pushed forward trustworthy AI, applying research excellence to challenges in cybersecurity, finance, space, and autonomy.

AI excels at language, but numbers remain a challenge. Maxime Cordy discusses how better handling of tabular data could transform finance.

Using AI and a dual-camera system, SnT researchers are improving how satellites autonomously rendezvous in space, enhancing safety and debris removal.

Quantum computers could soon challenge today’s cybersecurity. During a dedicated session, we brought together experts to discuss how trust and digital security can be preserved in the quantum era.

The next tech revolution might begin where science began: back to basics. Speakers from across government, research, and industry explored how quantum communication could help protect Luxembourg’s digital sovereignty.

A measured leap in

Quantum

Quantum moved from theory to practice at SnT, with outreach sessions and a landmark cross-border QKD link with Belgium.

Research highlights of 2025

FINTECH

Using AI to spot security weaknesses in banking systems before attackers do

Using AI to spot security weaknesses in banking systems before attackers do

Using AI to spot security weaknesses in banking systems before attackers do

CYBERSECURITY

Using AI to spot security weaknesses in banking systems before attackers do

Using AI to spot security weaknesses in banking systems before attackers do

Using AI to spot security weaknesses in banking systems before attackers do

SPACE SYSTEMS

Using AI to spot security weaknesses in banking systems before attackers do

Using AI to spot security weaknesses in banking systems before attackers do

Using AI to spot security weaknesses in banking systems before attackers do

AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS

Years of close collaboration with IEE lead to the market launch of the world’s first radar-based child detection system for cars, helping to save lives.

Using AI to spot security weaknesses in banking systems before attackers do

Using AI to spot security weaknesses in banking systems before attackers do

Building impact together

Our research turns scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions by working closely with industry on complex, real-life challenges. 

 

This fuels a dynamic innovation ecosystem that empowers talent, supports entrepreneurship, and drives lasting societal impact.

In our first partnership with a European institution, we joined forces with the European Stability Mechanism to apply AI to bond issuance and market intelligence, supporting euro area stability.

In a new partnership with Google, we will host a Centre of Excellence and a Chair in Sovereign AI, boosting research in cybersecurity, trustworthy AI, and digital sovereignty in Luxembourg.

Partners
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PhD candidates on industrial projects
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Spin-offs
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In 2025, new partnerships took off with...

What does it take to go from researcher to company leader? One SnT spin-off founder shares how stepping away from coding became key to building a successful data-driven business.

Deploying AI doesn’t have to be complex or costly. Mats Brorsson is working on a new approach that helps companies choose the right models and hardware from the start.

Innovation

takes shape

We expanded our venture programme with support from FNR and Entrepreneurs in Residence, opening stronger pathways from research ideas to companies.

 

Events shaping the conversation

Our 70+ events created spaces to learn, debate, and connect throughout the year. Bringing together diverse audiences, we turned research topics into shared conversations and new collaborations.

Partnership Day 2025: Powering AI Innovation

On 7 May 2025, we welcomed partners from industry and public institutions to share and discuss our latest research breakthroughs. The focus was on Artificial Intelligence.

The FutureFinTech Federated Conference

Held on 13-14 March 2025 at the Novotel Kirchberg, this event  brought together experts and innovators from across the spectrum of financial technology.

Our community of excellence

In 2025, we highlighted the people behind our research, sharing stories that celebrate diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Alongside this, we actively supported initiatives and partnerships that advance gender balance in science and technology.

Scientific
awards that
speak for themselves

Our researchers won over 30 prestigious awards this past year

 

 

In the media

Throughout the year, our researchers brought their work into the public conversation. Across print, broadcast, and digital media, they shared insights on emerging technologies, explained complex challenges, and highlighted how research can make a real-world difference in over 200 features. 

High-tech education

in action

In 2025, we prepared the next generation of experts in cybersecurity, space, and digital technologies to make an impact. Through hands-on Master’s programmes and close industry collaboration, students moved from theory to practice—and towards entrepreneurship.

Master's programmes
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2025 Master's graduates
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PhD candidates on industrial projects
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2025 PhD graduates
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We brought together around 40 Master  students for a two-day cybersecurity hackathon

 

  • Teams created engaging cybersecurity awareness games for teenagers

  • Winning concepts move into Luxembourgish high schools in 2026

  • Delivered with national cybersecurity partners BEE Secure, NC3, and LTS

Working with Google to develop talent in

Cybersecurity

From campus to community

We believe great research should be shared, not siloed. This year, SnT met people where they are—from school fairs and classrooms to public lectures and on-campus internships—sparking curiosity and inspiring young minds to explore high-tech careers.

  • Chercheurs à l’école
  • Science Festival
  • Engineering Trainee Days
  • Unicareers
  • University Public Lectures
  • Asteroid Day
  • Quantum Breakfast
  • and more!

Facts and figures

SnT consumed income 2024 (in kEUR)
SnT expenses 2024 (in kEUR)
SnT expenses 2024 (in kEUR) (Copy)
SnT consumed income 2024 (in kEUR) (Copy)

Projects and Activities