Research Focus International Cybersecurity
The research focus “International Cybersecurity” is located at the Institute for Security Policy and Peace Research at the University of Hamburg, where it is part of a network of one of Europe’s leading hubs on all topics relating to arms control and emerging technologies.
The research focus aims to identify viable strategies for German and European foreign policy to foster peace and security in cyberspace. It focuses on the strengthening of multilateral instruments and partnerships with an eye on both technological and political developments. The team researches how escalations in cyberspace can be avoided or conflict regulated. In doing so, different political and technical approaches are brought together in interdisciplinary work at the intersection of political and computer science. It aims towards high-profile, peer-reviewed publications. Additionally, the ICS team contributes to decision-making and policy debates by publishing reports and commentaries, interacting with decision-makers, and reaching out to the media.
The research focus is funded by the Federal Foreign Office until the end of 2026.
Our Team
Meet our experts from the ICS program.
Dr. Matthias Schulze
Dr. Matthias Schulze is the head of the research focus “International Cybersecurity” at the IFSH. Before he joined IFSH in October 2023, he was the deputy head of the Security Research Group at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), as well as the principal investigator in the European Repository of Cyber Incidents project.
Dr. Mateusz Łabuz
Dr. Mateusz Łabuz is a researcher at the research focus “International Cybersecurity” at the IFSH. Before joining the ICS, he was a career diplomat at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and graduated from the Diplomatic Academy. He continues his work as a lecturer on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and disinformation at the University of the National Education Commission and the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Cracow.
Lena-Sophie Drews
Lena-Sophie Drews is a researcher in the field of international cybersecurity at the IFSH. Previously, she worked at the Digital Society Institute at the European School of Management and Technology in Berlin, supported the Parliamentary Committee on Digital Affairs, and worked in the Digital Public Services sector at Fraunhofer FOKUS. She holds a master’s degree in political science with a focus on “World Politics”.
Florian Erdle
Florian Erdle is a research assistant in the research focus International Cybersecurity at the IFSH.
He is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Bologna.
He also studies economics with a focus on econometrics at the University of Hagen.
Previously, he worked as a student research assistant in the European Repository of Cyber Incidents project, interned with SIPRI and in the German Bundestag, and is a conflict researcher at the HIIK.
The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH) researches the conditions for peace and security in Germany, Europe, and beyond. We examine challenges to the constitution and maintenance of peace, study the causes of crises and escalatory dynamics, and analyze foreign and security policy processes at the national and international level. The IFSH conducts its research autonomously and independently. Established by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, we work closely with the University of Hamburg as well as with institutions in the Hamburg metropolitan area and academic institutions at home and abroad.
As a research institution with a consultancy mandate, we impart our expertise and research findings to politics and society. The IFSH advises the federal government, members of expert panels in the Bundestag, and international organizations. We also pursue dialogue with the general public and regularly take part in public events and discussions.
Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy
at the University of Hamburg (IFSH)
Beim Schlump 83
20144 Hamburg
Germany
ICS Alumni & Former Team Members
Dr. Jantje Silomon
Dr. Jantje Silomon joined IFSH in 2019 and she was a Senior Researcher in the ICS Research focus between 2021 and mid-2024. She has a background in computer science. Jantje established and curated the “Jan’s Cyber Hotch Potch” newsletter between May 2021 and May 2024. She now works in the private sector.
Dr. Mischa Hansel
Dr. Mischa Hansel led the International Cybersecurity Research focus from its inception in 2021 until mid-2023. His efforts helped to lift the project from the ground, getting it started and making it well-connected in the German and international cyber-security sphere. He currently holds a professorship at the Berlin School for Economics and Law.
Lena Pollmann
Lena Pollmann served as the Project Coordinator from 2021 until end-2024. Her efforts helped to build the ICS Research Focus from the ground up. She was responsible for 3rd party funding, day-to-day coordination tasks and organization of the flagship conference Shaping Cybersecurity. She now works in the private sector.
Former Student Assistants
Isabelle Stürzer, Emilia Neuber, Fabiola Schwarz, Kathrin Moog.
