International Forensics Summer School (IFOSS) - Sicily, IT 13-19 July 2025

Forensic Horizons: Investigating Truth in the Digital and AI Era 

Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Forensics, Cybersecurity, and AI-Driven Investigations

The fourth edition of IFOSS will aim to provide both an objective and clear overview and an in-depth analysis of the state-of-the-art research as well as the professional best practices in Forensics and related fields. The courses will be delivered by world renowned experts, from either academia, law enforcement and industry, and will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of real Forensics problems. Leading scientists from the different fields involved will introduce the topics. A typical course is broad enough to provide a general introduction to the chosen topic, whilst one can learn the most relevant contributions in depthThe school will aim to provide a stimulating opportunity for professionals and young researchers, as well as Ph.D. students.

After the big success of the first two editions with about 75 attendees from all over the world,

also this year we will focus on Digital Forensics and Law with specific emphasis on the AI revolution.

In the following the related recap videos:

IFOSS 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a35Wjkygx0&ab_channel=IFOSS

IFOSS 2023: https://youtu.be/lfRZ8LyfYYs?si=MJ_7g3BORdZH-sNo

IFOSS 2024: https://youtu.be/525Krq0ZGF4?si=1a6VlSdO1PWr9VJt

The underlying theme of the current edition is:

 Forensic Horizons: Investigating Truth in the Digital and AI Era Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Forensics, Cybersecurity, and AI-Driven Investigations

Why Attend?

• Esteemed Experts: Gain insights from luminaries who will enrich your understanding with their profound knowledge and experience.

• Diverse Perspectives: Join a global cohort of around 75 like-minded professionals, researchers, and academicians, fostering an environment ripe for learning and networking.

• A Blend of Theory and Practice: Engage in comprehensive sessions that balance academic rigor with practical applications in forensic science.

LIST OF SPEAKERS (almost confirmed)

Fernando-Perez Gonzalez, University of Vigo, ES

Didier Meuwly - University of Twente, NL

Jacopo Della Torre - University of Genova, IT

Luisa Verdoliva - University of Naples, IT

Fabio Bruno, Interpol, Singapore

Gianluca Foresti, University of Udine, IT

Stefano Mele - ICT Authority, San Marino
Marcello Albergoni - ACN, IT

..others coming soon.

DIRECTORS

Sebastiano Battiato - University of Catania, Italy

Donatella Curtotti -  University of Foggia, Italy

Giovanni Ziccardi, University of Milan, Italy

PhD FORUM

A special session is organized for participants who intend to take advantage of the audience for presenting their current research/tool in the covered areas. A Special Issue to follow up on the themes covered in the School will be published in some indexed high-impact journals (to be announced early). Applicants are particularly encouraged to submit their original research to the SI (the usual refereeing procedure applies to guarantee the highest scientific standards).

APPLICATION

The school will be open to about 75 qualified, motivated and pre-selected candidates. Ph. D. students, post-docs, young researchers (both academic and industrial), senior researchers (both academic and industrial) or academic/industrial professionals are encouraged to apply at: www.ifoss.it

The expected school fee will be in the order of 550 euros for Master and Phd students granted by academia, € 600 for other academic positions and € 700 for industrial. Reduced Fee will be reserved to LEAs, private lawyers and practitioners 400 Euros. The fee will include all course materials, coffee breaks, bus service from Catania Airport to School Location and return, WiFi Internet Connection, a guided tour, a social dinner and all the events scheduled in the programme.

A certain number of scholarships will be available soon depending on sponsorship income.

Applications to attend IFOSS 2025 should be received before 04/05/2025.

Applicants will receive notification of acceptance by mid of May.

Late registration can be done with an extra payment of € 100.

ACCOMODATIONS

IFOSS participants will be hosted at Hotel Village Baia Samuele (school location) at very special rates. There are no other accommodation options. IFOSS 2025 participants must make reservations for accommodation, using the accommodation reservation form (available soon) to be sent directly to Baia Samuele reception.

After a certain date there is no guarantee for reservations in Hotel Village Baia Samuele. More information will be announced as soon as possible on the web site. Depending on chosens settings (Single, Double or Triple Room) the overall cost enclosing Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner should span in the range (650-1000 euros) in the period 13(in) to 19 (out) July 2025.

LOCATION 

IFOSS 2025 will be hosted by Hotel Village Baia Samuele in Punta Sampieri - Scicli (Ragusa), Sicily from 13-19 July 2025.

Sicily is one of the most beautiful islands of the Mediterranean. The island is very rich in archeological sites from various Ancient Civilizations. The sea, weather, food and the wine are excellent. In particular Punta Sampieri - Scicli (RG) is located in the south east of Sicily in a late Baroque area called Val di Noto. The Val di Noto area is included in the Unesco World Heritage List and includes eight nearby towns: Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli. The location of the school rises in the middle of an ample bay delimited on the west from Sampieri and on the east from a cliff, on which is found an ancient furnace, rare example of industrial archaeology. The Hotel Village Baia Samuele stretches in a gentle slant to the beach: 120 thousand square meters delimited from rows of secular cypresses. An ultramodern village with an original architecture, pleasant design and all the comforts you can imagine. The frame of plants and flowers, typical of this angle of Sicily, in front of the island of Malta, completes this gilded dream of the Mediterranean.

MORE INFORMATION

Website: www.ifoss.it

 info@ifoss.it