“The opportunity to participate in the Eurocrypt 2024 in Zürich was an invaluable experience, made possible by the generous CROSSING Female Student Mentoring and Networking Program. I gained insights into a variety of cryptographic topics and cutting-edge research directly from the brilliant people conducting it.

I applied during my fourth semester as a Computer Science Bachelor’s student at TU Darmstadt. Early in my studies I attended courses on cryptography, which sparked my lasting interest. Cryptography is both highly complex and of practical significance – a rare combination. While I continue to learn a lot during the courses at university, I was interested in state-of-the-art research and considering whether I might want to work in academia myself. When I saw the poster advertising the CROSSING Female Student Mentoring and Networking Program at university, I decided to apply.

The program supports talented women who might consider a career in cryptographic research by enabling the attendance of an international conference and providing the support of an experienced mentor. I attended the Eurocrypt in May 2024 in Zürich and was supported by Elena Micheli, a researcher and PhD student at the Applied Cryptography Group at TU Darmstadt. Elena and I met a month before the conference in her office, where she answered all my questions regarding organizational details as well as the Eurocrypt program and gave me hints on the talks I should not miss as well as the presentations to avoid without prior knowledge. In May, I traveled to Zürich by train and met with Elena at the conference where she introduced me to her team as well as researchers from other universities. Throughout the four days, I attended as many paper sessions and talks as I could. Although I did not comprehend the research in depth in the majority of presentations, I learned a lot about the broad variety of topics, their relevance and relations, and the current discussions and trends. Recordings of all talks are available on YouTube: Eurocrypt 2024 Program. The invited talks might be a good starting point for other students and non-cryptographers as they are aimed at a more diverse audience and, hence, assume less prior knowledge.

Aside from the cryptography-specific insights, the most memorable impression was the kindness and openness of everyone I met at the conference. They all took the time to explain their research in great detail and discuss it with me. I also attended a meeting specifically for queer people in cryptography as well as a group aiming to make Eurocrypt more sustainable – both decades ahead of other disciplines. Also available on YouTube is the recording of the rump session on the conference’s last evening, which gives a small insight into the creativity and smart humour of the people at Eurocrypt. The event’s clear winner was the cryptographic re-interpretation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 winner “The Code” by Nemo, which you should not miss: The Code at Eurocrypt 2024.

The CROSSING Female Student Mentoring and Networking Program offered me inspiration and guidance. I gained invaluable insights into scientific research in general and current cryptographic discussions in particular, which encouraged me to pursue a career in cryptography myself. I am highly thankful for the opportunity. If you are also a student interested in crytography – what are you waiting for? Applications are open all year.” — G.S.