The public has declared the launch of the world’s first Ethical Hacking degree as Abertay University’s top change maker.
More than 600 people voted in the Abertay’s Firsts poll, launched as part of an innovative project delving in to the institute’s 130-year history.
The ground-breaking cyber security degree, which launched in 2006, claimed the top spot with 22% of the vote.
The course equips students with the skills to analyse and secure computer systems and networks in response to the threat of computer crime.
It has since become internationally renowned, with several graduates currently working for the Government Communications Headquarters.
The university highlighted 25 of its most significant individuals and innovations to celebrate 25 years since Abertay gained university status in 1994.
Several former students were recognised in the contest as Stem ambassador Rebecca Wade came second in the shortlist, followed by philanthropist Abul Kalam Chowdhury, who founded Dundee’s first mosque in 1969.
Helen McMorris placed fourth for her innovative research which helped tackle wildlife crime and raptor persecution.
Britain’s first female maritime engineer Victoria Drummond also placed in the top five.
Professor Gregor White, Dean of Abertay’s School of Design and Informatics, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Ethical Hacking has been named the top change-maker in Abertay’s history.
“It’s particularly pleasing since this vote took not only Abertay’s 25-year history as a university into account, but also its prior history as a technology institute.”
The shortlist for Abertay 25: Dundee’s Change-makers – Our Contribution to Technology and Industry, was chosen by 250 pupils from local secondary schools, helped by research work by the university.
The university was founded in 1888 as Dundee Technical Institute then known as an “industrial university”.
Abertay Public Engagement Officer Hope Busak added: “Throughout its history, Abertay has been a very forward thinking university and Ethical Hacking is a perfect example of that.
“The degree has gone from strength to strength since it launched, and has become one of the leading cyber security courses in the UK.”
