ABOUT SSIGIL
Welcome to the Trusted Internet Summer School on Internet Governance and International Law!
This week-long event (July 8-12, 2024) is a collaborative endeavor with the Global Internet Governance Academic Network hosted by the University of Lodz at the Faculty of Law and Administration premises, as part of a research project supported by the Internet Society Foundation.
Our inaugural edition focuses on the theme "Satellite Internet: Trust and Data Governance”, as part of an ISOC Foundation project under the same name.
Throughout the week, we will engage with a group of 20 carefuly selected fellows and five instructors, including leading researchers, civil society activists, technical community members, and governmental representatives, in interactive discussions on international law, Internet governance, and new trusted infrastructures, with a special emphasis on Low Earth Orbit satellites. Our program covers a spectrum of vital themes, including research methodologies in international law and Internet governance, norms and principles in cyberspace, digital sovereignty, critical internet infrastructures protection, data governance, cybersecurity, cybercrime, DNS abuse, human and fundamental rights, intermediary liability, jurisdiction, fragmentation, and internet governance aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and bridging the digital divide as per the WSIS Agenda +20.
This summer school brings together an excellent lineup of keynote speakers, setting the tone for each day of discussions. Each brings a wealth of expertise and experience to deepen our understanding of the complexities and challenges at the intersection of international law, internet governance, and trusted internet infrastructures.
Join us for an engaging experience in the academic capital of Poland and contribute to shaping the future of a trusted internet.
AGENDA
- THEME 1: RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES for INTERNET GOVERNANCE and INTERNATIONAL LAW
- THEME 2: PRESENT YOUR RESEARCH
10.00-11.30: Welcome and tour de table, group photo opportunity
11.30-12.00: icebreaker coffee
12.00-13.30 Opening keynote: International Law and Low Earth Orbit Satellites: A cost - benefit approach to commercial satellites; Historical reflections & an econometric model of LEOs as infrastructure
Dr Jonathan Liebenau, Associate Professor (Reader) of Technology Management, Department of Management, London School of Economics
13.30-15.30: lunch break
15.30-17.00: Flash session: introduce your research
19.00-21.00: dinner
- THEME 1: DATA AND PRIVACY
- THEME 2: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
- THEME 3: INTERMEDIARY LIABILITY
10.00-11.30: Opening keynote: Data Governance in Satellite Communications – Applying International Law in Cyberspace – Dr Roxana Radu, Associate Professor, Digital Technologies and Public Policy, Blavatnik School of Governance; Hugh Price Fellow, Jesus College, University of Oxford; Chair of the Global Internet Governance Academic Network (GigaNet).
11.30-12.00: coffee break
12.00-13.30:WORKSHOP: participant presentations on Data Governance in Satellite Communications (speakers to be announced)
13.30-15.30: lunch break
15.30-17.00: Roundtable case study: data governance, personal data protection and the Brussels effect for satellite communications
17.30-19.00: sightseeing (optional)
19.00-21.00: dinner
- SUBTHEME 1: DIGITAL SOVEREIGNTY
- SUBTHEME 2: RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR IN CYBERSPACE
- SUBTHEME 3: CYBERDIPLOMACY
10.00-11.30: Opening keynote: Low Earth Orbit Satellites, International Law and Internet Governance – Dr Berna Akcali Gur, PhD (UK), LLM (USA), LLB (Turkey), Avukat (Istanbul Bar); Convenor of Outer Space Law, Centre for Commercial Law Studies, Queen Mary University of London, Dr Joanna Kulesza, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Lodz
11.30-12.00: coffee break
12.00-13.30:WORKSHOP: participant presentations on norms and principles of international law in cyberspace (speakers to be announced)
13.30-15.30: lunch break
15.30-17.00: Roundtable case study: Digital sovereignty and technological autonomy in international law
19.00-21.00: dinner
- SUBTHEME 1: CYBERSECURITY
- SUBTHEME 2: CYBERCRIME
- SUBTHEME 3: JURISDICTION
- SUBTHEME 4: DNS ABUSE
10.00-11.30: Opening keynote: Cybersecurity and Internet Governance – Dr Dmitry Epstein, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication & Journalism, Federmann School of Public Policy & Governance, Hebrew University of Jerusalem; affiliate at the Federmann Cyber Security Research Center - Cyber Law Program.
11.30-12.00: coffee break
12.00-13.30:WORKSHOP: participant presentations on Cybersecurity, Internet Governance and International Law (speakers to be announced)
13.30-15.30: lunch break
15.30-17.00: Roundtable case study: International cybersecurity scenarios and responsible state behaviour in cyberspace
17.30-19.00: sightseeing (optional)
19.00-21.00: dinner
- SUBTHEME 1: WSIS AGENDA +20
- SUBTHEME 2: SUSTAINABLE ACCESS
- SUBTHEME 3: DIGITAL DIVIDE
- SUBTHEME 4: INFRASTRUCTURES
10.00-11.30: Opening keynote: Internet Governance and International Law – Gabriella Schittek, Stakeholder Engagement Director, Nordic & Central Europe, ICANN
11.30-12.00: coffee break
12.00-13.30:WORKSHOP: participant presentations on Internet Governance and International Law (speakers to be announced)
13.30-15.30: lunch break
15.30-17.00: Roundtable case study: SDGs and LEO connectivity - way forward?
19.00-21.00: Fairwell dinner
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
We welcome submissions from various stakeholders eager to engage in a dialogue about the new frontier of Internet governance and international law surrounding Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. We invite researchers, civil society activists, members of the technical community, and governmental representatives to apply, as we embark on an exploration of the intricate landscape of LEO satellites and their implications on data governance and trust in the internet ecosystem.
Submit Your Application
To secure your fellowship with the Trusted Internet Summer School on Internet Governance and International Law (SSIGIL) and spend a week in Lodz, all* expenses paid by the Internet Society Foundation, please send an email to ssigil@wpia.uni.lodz.pl by April 28th, including the following:
Abstract (up to 500 words): Clearly outline your proposed presentation related to the theme of Low Earth Orbit Satellites and Data Transfers, Internet governance and international law. Themes for submissions include but are not limited to:
- International law and Internet governance research methodologies
- International law norms and principles in cyberspace
- Responsible state behaviour in cyberspace
- Digital sovereignty and technological autonomy
- Critical internet infrastructures in international law
- Data governance, cybersecurity, cybercrime and DNS Abuse
- Personal data, privacy and human rights
- Intermediary liability, freedom of expression, jurisdiction, and Internet fragmentation
- Internet governance and Sustainable Develoment Goals, including Internet access
- WSIS +20 and bridging the digital divide
Motivation for participation: In your application share your motivation for participating in the Trusted Internet Summer School. This should include your professional or research background and how it relates to LEO governance and in particular your expected outcomes (see below).
Expectations as to the outcomes: Detail your expectations regarding the outcomes of your participation: What topics do you wish to discuss? How are you going to contribute to the discussion? What policy or research questions are you seeking answers to? How would these support your current work or future research? What do you expect to take away? Would you be interested in contributing to a post-event publication?
You will be expected to give a 30 mins presentation during the workshop starting a conversation on the theme of your interest.
Professional publication opportunity: Participants will have the opportunity to submit peer-reviewed papers for consideration in an edited volume of a prestigious periodical, slated for publication in early 2025. However, participation in this initiative will depend on individual willingness to contribute. We encourage attendees to consider sharing their insights to enhance scholarly discourse.
Travel expenses reimbursement policy: To ensure equitable participation, travel expenses support or reimbursement will be offered on an individual basis to participants who request assistance in covering the costs, contingent upon the budget of SSIGIL. Applicants are kindly requested to specify in their application the estimated costs of their travels and indicate whether partial or full reimbursement would be needed. This information will assist us in making fair and informed decisions regarding travel support allocation.
ORGANISERS
TIMELINE
The summer school will be held in Lodz, Poland from 8 to 12 July 2024, focusing on the theme "Low Earth Orbit Satellites and Data Transfers: Ensuring a Trusted Internet."
Important Dates:
- Deadline for Abstract Submissions: April 28th, 2024
- Notification to Authors: May 14th, 2024
- Programme Publication: June 1st, 2024
Programme Committee will assess the applications on their merit and complementarity with event themes. We reserve the right to reach out only to selected speakers.
VENUE
The conference is hosted at the University of Lodz, Faculty of Law and Administration at Kopcinskiego Street 8/12 in Lodz, Poland.
Air travel: Lodz Airport offers direct flights from i.e. Dublin, Brussels, Milan, and London.
Traveling from Warsaw: When arriving at Warsaw Okęcie airport consider a train ride to Lodz - the train schedule is here. A direct trip from Warsaw takes approx. 2 hours. The best way to arrive in Lodz from Warsaw by train is to take the train from Warsaw West Railway Station (Warszawa Zachodnia) to Lodz Fabryczna. The rate for train tickets, depending on the train selected might range from ca. 40 PLN to 70 PLN (ca. 8.62 EUR – 15 EUR). You can buy tickets directly on the train, online, or at the train station.
Getting around Lodz: Once in Lodz, you might consider a taxi or public transport. To plan your trip you can use this service. To travel around Łódź, you need to purchase tickets at the ticket machines, which are available at most public transportation stops and larger junctions. You can also buy tickets from ticket machines on board of buses and trams. Price list for single use tickets in Łódź: 20 minutes: 4,00 PLN; 40 minutes: 5,00 PLN; one day ticket: 16,00 PLN. The ticket has to be validated on board of the bus/tram. Official Lodz city website offers more useful tips.
PARTICIPATION AND FEES
We are delighted to announce that there are no participation fees associated with this event. Generously sponsored by the Internet Society Foundation, all costs, including registration and attendance, are fully covered. Certificates of successful completion of the programme are available upon prior request, submitted together with the application.
Limited Availability
In the spirit of fostering meaningful engagement and dialogue, we are limiting participation to a select group of 20 individuals. Selection will be based solely on the merits of submissions received, ensuring a diverse and enriching cohort of participants.