A student from Bury St Edmunds has earned a spot on the European Space Agency's prestigious cyber security training programme.

Lewis Heap, who studies at the University of Brighton, was selected along with 29 other students from across 22 European countries.

The advanced training, taking place in Belgium, will focus on equipping the next generation of cyber security experts with skills to protect space communication systems.

Born and raised in Bury St Edmunds 28-year-old Mr Heap will have the opportunity to enhance his skills in identifying and managing threats and risks within the space sector.

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The program offers practical experience in securing space communication systems, including an introduction to security engineering and operational risk management.

Mr Heap said: “This will be a major boost to my computing and cyber security journey. Throughout my degree programme, I have gained useful experience with some of the technology to be used in this training.

"Their application within space is rather new to me, but that’s what makes the course so exciting.

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"It’s such an interesting area of study and I cannot wait to get started."

The training is specifically designed for undergraduate and master's students focusing on computer science and IT-related degrees.

Mr Heap, currently in his final year of BSc computer science with cyber security, attributes his selection to his studies at the university’s School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering.

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He said: “The course is very well structured to give us the opportunity to study equal parts of computer science alongside cyber security.

"I feel that cyber security has a huge role to play in all aspects of our daily lives as technologies grow and progress, and having the opportunity to be involved in the field will always be exciting."

Upon completion of the programme, participants will deliver a final presentation and receive certificates of participation along with a course transcript for potential credit at their respective universities.