The 2026 OCRI Call For Proposals

 

The OCRI 2026 Symposium Planning Committee is seeking timely, topical and thought-provoking presentations for the 8th annual OCRI Symposium. The Symposium is an opportunity to bring together cybersecurity experts to promote collaboration and highlight innovative approaches from industry, government and academia. This year's theme, Advancing Intelligence-Driven Cybersecurity Together, honors our OCRI ecosystem as we collectively work together to advance our mission of education and workforce and economic development while sharing presentations about emerging technologies and future challenges. 

OCRI is particularly interested in the following proposal topics. However, if your proposal doesn't exactly fit one of these areas, we still encourage you to submit — simply select the most closely aligned area of focus. 

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Proposal Area of Focus

AI/ML & LLMs/LMMs in Cybersecurity Research and Education
Explores how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and large language and multimodal models (LLMs/LMMs) are transforming cybersecurity research and instructional practices. Focuses on practical applications, research advancements, and integrating these technologies into academic and training environments.
 

Advancing Cyber Research Ecosystems
Examines strategies for building collaborative, sustainable cybersecurity research ecosystems across academia, government, and industry. Emphasize resource alignment, shared infrastructure, and measurable impact across regional and national initiatives.
 

Cybersecurity Research in Critical & Emerging Technologies
Focuses on securing next-generation systems such as autonomous vehicles, smart manufacturing, and Internet of Things/Operational Technology (IoT/OT) environments. Highlights research that addresses vulnerabilities and builds resilience in critical and rapidly evolving technologies.

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Integrating AI into Cybersecurity Education
Addresses how AI tools and concepts can be embedded into cybersecurity curricula and training programs. Covers instructional design, hands-on labs, and preparing students to operate in AI-enabled security environments. Distinct from research applications, this track centers on classroom and lab implementation.
 

Strengthening the Cyber & AI Talent Pipeline
Explores methods to recruit, develop, and retain talent across cyber and AI domains. Includes pathways from K–12 through higher education, certifications, and workforce reskilling and upskilling initiatives.
 

Advancing Curriculum Quality and Alignment
Focuses on aligning cybersecurity and AI curricula with industry standards, frameworks, and workforce needs. Emphasize continuous improvement, accreditation, and measurable learning outcomes.
 

Enhancing Cyber Instruction Through Statewide Resources
Highlights the use of shared cyber ranges (simulated network environments), consortiums, and statewide partnerships to improve instruction. Focuses on scalability, access, and maximizing impact through coordinated resources.

 

Secure & Responsible AI in Government Cybersecurity
Explores the ethical, legal, and operational use of AI within government cybersecurity environments. Topics include risk and compliance, data governance, security‑enforcing rules, and practical guidance for everyday AI use in public‑sector workflows.
 

Strengthening Ohio’s Cyber Infrastructure
Focuses on innovative approaches to protecting critical infrastructure and implementing the State of Ohio Comprehensive Cybersecurity Plan, with an emphasis on improving cybersecurity practices across state and local entities over the next two years. Examines collaboration models and investment strategies that support statewide cyber initiatives, while highlighting how local government agencies have begun planning and implementing strategies aligned with the Plan.
 

Cyber Workforce Development, AI Literacy & Statewide Collaboration
Examines the strategies to build the skills, capacity, and partnerships needed to secure Ohio’s digital ecosystem. This includes training programs for local governments, small businesses, critical infrastructure, shared resources, and examples of coordinated efforts that improve cybersecurity readiness across the state.

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Operating & Measuring AI in the Security Operations Center (SOC): Copilots, Agents, and Governance
Explores the deployment of AI tools such as copilots and autonomous agents within SOC environments. Focuses on performance measurement, quality assurance, and implementing safety and governance controls.
 

AI for Identity Verification, Fraud Detection, and Deepfake Defense
Examines how AI is used to detect and prevent identity fraud, deepfakes, and other forms of digital deception. Highlights emerging techniques for trust verification and secure authentication.
 

Using AI for Enterprise Cybersecurity Governance
Focuses on applying AI to enhance cybersecurity governance, risk management, and compliance across organizations. Emphasizes decision-making frameworks, policy enforcement, and enterprise-wide visibility.
 

Trusted AI for Resilience in Airports, Transportation & OT: Explainable Detection and Safe Automation
Explores the use of explainable and trustworthy AI to secure transportation systems and operational technology environments. Emphasizes resilience, safety, and human oversight in automated decision-making systems.

 

All proposals must be submitted by Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Questions? Contact us at ocri@ucmail.uc.edu.​​​

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