Courses for Decision Makers
Foundations of ICT and Digital Trust
To be able to understand fundamental data protection challenges, interpret the technical implications of privacy, understand current digital trends such as artificial intelligence and blockchains, and communicate properly with technical experts who develop and maintain digital systems, it is crucial for professionals to have a core understanding of notions and concepts from computer science and information security.
Intended for professionals who see information and communication technologies (ICT) as an opportunity to better engage with beneficiaries and clients, this 5-day course will give you and your organization the ability to take more leadership responsibilities in digital innovation, instead of merely moderating between IT stakeholders.
New digital technologies have tremendous potential and are evolving fantastically fast. For NGO’s of all sizes, whether they work on a local or an international level, it is essential to be aware of the fundamentals in order to embrace present and future challenges.
The «Fundamentals of ICT» course, organized by the Center for Digital Trust in partnership with Fondation Lombard Odier, offers first class insights in this field. During a week of intensive training orchestrated by highly qualified researchers, focused on the technical as well as the ethical dimension, participants will dive deep into IT opportunities and security issues.
Carine Fluckiger, Communications manager, Centre social protestant Geneva
I can wholeheartedly recommend the “Foundation of ICT for Decision-makers” course of EPFL’ Center for Digital Trust (C4DT). In order for organisations to remain relevant and make the right strategic decisions, today’s senior managers must develop a sound understanding of the fast evolving digital technologies that shape the world. The power of these technologies represent a huge potential but also pitfalls that are not always sufficiently understood by the “business” managers.
The one week course provides a fascinating insight into the relevant areas of ICT including machine learning, cybersecurity, data privacy and blockchain. A diverse group of professors and senior researchers, all passionate by their respective field, excel at sharing their knowledge in a way that is accessible to professionals from other domains. They raise the tough questions we must all ask ourselves when moving forward. The course is a must for senior leaders who want to shape not be shaped by the technologies their organisations use.
Balthasar Staehelin, Director of Digital Transformation and Data, ICRC
I had the opportunity to participate in the first edition of the course Foundation of ICT for Decisions Makers co-organized by FLO and C4DT. It was a fantastic experience!
The course provided me with tools and knowledge that would facilitate making informed decisions when it comes to ICT. The level of the presenters and the material were excellent. The format, content and flow of the course is well thought. The right balance between presentations, theory and practical examples. By the end of the course I took with me invaluable learnings that will add value to my job. A course to not be missed. Fully recommended!
Maria Barbara Leon, Chief Operating Officer, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
The FICT course offered a concentrated and tailored window into the world of blockchain, machine learning, AI and beyond, and most importantly, how these interact with the world of philanthropy and communications.
If you or your organisation are discussing these topics and how they could be useful, this course is a great starting point. It exposed me to new and already existing ideas from the fast moving technology world, and provided the open space to reflect, debate and learn.
Thomas Marsden, Donor Communications, WWF International
I found the FICT very engaging with some great speakers who were very open and eager to share their knowledge. Despite it being online only, I found the course very engaging, as there was a good balance between theory and practical exercises, as well as a wide spectrum of subjects; from the basics of computing and networks to deep dives into Machine Learning and cybersecurity.
Whilst some of these subjects were familiar to me, the course added extra layers of knowledge and depth, as well as filling in knowledge gaps for new subjects. In general, the course was an eye-opener in many ways, reminding us that we often don’t spend enough time assessing the powerful platforms and tools we use in our daily work, which if we are not careful, can also be important vulnerabilities that we need to be aware of. Therefore, continuous education and awareness of the incredible opportunities, challenges and vulnerabilities of ICT is paramount.
Charles Andrew Revkin, Senior Digital Strategy Manager, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
Advanced Courses
The advanced courses elaborate over the modules and topics included in the Foundations of ICT course and provide a deeper and richer dive into each of those topics.
The first advanced course is currently under development and more information will be available soon. Stay tuned!