There have been two academic initiatives lately that will certainly be of interest to anyone considering advanced studies in cyber-investigations, cyber-security and web technology whether the interest is from a technical or policy perspective.

In the West Simon Fraser University has partnered with POLCYB and the Provincial Government of British Columbia to form The International Cybercrime Research Centre. According to the press release “It will investigate online crime trends and help to develop new tools to counter cybercrime.”

In Montreal, Concordia University is hosting the National Cyber Forensics Training Alliance of Canada. It’s a joint effort between the Competition Bureau, Concordia, Bell Canada, Rogers Communications and Microsoft.

Dr. Louise Dandurand, Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies, at Concordia University stated in its press release that “There is a recognized need for industry, academia, and law enforcement to work together and share information about cyber incidents in a neutral venue to identify and mitigate threats”

This is a clear recognition of the need to review new ways of tackling crimes that relate to the Internet. The convergence of technology, policy and traditional methodology is not only topical but necessary. I am very much looking forward to the reading the research that is produced by these two institutions.