Sociotechnical modelling of resilient arctic communities

With the support of the UK-Iceland Arctic Science Partnerships Scheme 2024-25 bursary scheme, this project established a collaboration  between Icelandic and UK researchers in resilient sociotechnical  software systems engineering.  In answer to calls made by The Icelandic National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022-2037, The Open University and University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands) explored ways to employ cross-disciplinary sociotechnical engineering approaches to address issues impacting cybersecurity in Iceland.

In two workshops, the partner institutions brought together an international, multi-disciplinary group of researchers in cybersecurity,  software engineering, and the social sciences.

The first workshop was held on the 1-2 October 2024 at the University of Iceland and had a focus on cybersecurity culture within Icelandic society. The second workshop was held in Milton Keynes, UK on 25-26 March 2025 and emphasised modelling socio-technical resilience.

The events prompted thought-provoking discussion and a varied set of research presentations and activities across four days. Researchers from the partner institutions were able to interact with colleagues from universities and research institutes (Clemson University, South Carolina U.S.A.; University of Cork, Ireland; Aalto University, Finland; Lancaster University, UK; The Alan Turing Institute, UK) and governmental and inter-governmental agencies (Electronic Communications Office of Iceland, Icelandic Meteorological office, NATO CCDCOE). In addition, representatives were included from public and private critical industry organisations in the UK (MASS, The National Air Traffic Services) and Iceland (Defend Iceland).