1. Scientific Contributions

(a) Relevance and Contribution to Knowledge Generation
Assoc. Prof. Mario Vega-Barbas has made significant contributions to telecommunications engineering and cybersecurity, with a particular emphasis on user-centred security in socio-health contexts as part of interactive systems in intelligent environments. His work on cyber situational awareness, IoT security, and user-centric privacy solutions has been published in high-impact journals (Q1 and D1), conferences, and book chapters. By focusing on human factors and secure interactions within healthcare and other sensitive domains, he has advanced the state of the art in digital identity management, AI-driven cybersecurity frameworks, and privacy-preserving solutions tailored to diverse user needs.

(b) Generation of Ideas, Hypotheses, and Results
Through a human-centric research approach, Dr. Vega-Barbas has proposed novel methodologies for adaptive risk management, intelligent authentication, and intrusion detection systems, specifically designed for socio-health contexts. His frameworks for privacy-preserving cybersecurity in IoT ecosystems emphasize usability, patient safety, and secure collaboration in smart environments. These efforts have led to impactful applications in telemedicine, digital identity, and cyber-resilience strategies where end-user empowerment and trust are paramount.

(c) Communication Strategies
He disseminates his research via peer-reviewed journals (Sensors, IEEE Access, Future Generation Computer Systems, etc.), international conferences, and book chapters. Additionally, he has participated in EU-funded projects and collaborated with industry partners, government institutions, and academic networks. This holistic communication strategy prioritizes the transfer of user-centred cybersecurity principles to real-world environments?especially in healthcare and other high-impact sectors?ensuring visibility, applicability, and improved patient and user experience.

(d) Obtained FundingDr. Vega-Barbas has secured substantial funding from the European Union (H2020), EIT, the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, CDTI, and private entities. Among the notable projects are RAYUELA, which focuses on empowering and educating young people (children and teenagers) about the benefits, risks, and threats linked to internet use?thus preventing and mitigating cybercriminal behaviour?and SMARTDIABETES, a data-driven digital ecosystem that enhances diabetes care through patient self-management, remote monitoring, and a value-based healthcare model. Both projects embody Dr. Vega-Barbass commitment to user-centred security and privacy, integrating human factors and innovative technologies to address real-world needs. His leadership as Principal Investigator (PI) and Researcher in these and other competitive grants demonstrates his capacity to drive interdisciplinary research that balances technological innovation with societal impact.

(e) Acquired Scientific and Technical Skills
Throughout his career, Dr. Vega-Barbas has developed expertise in AI-driven cybersecurity, digital identity management, IoT security, and human-centric secure interactions. His hands-on experience spans machine learning, secure software architectures, IoT security frameworks, and privacy-preserving AI. These skills are particularly relevant to socio-health applications, where technology must be accessible, safe, and trustworthy for diverse user groups.

(f) Scientific Responsibilities Held
Dr. Vega-Barbas has acted as Principal Investigator (PI), co-director of doctoral theses, and coordinator of multidisciplinary research teams, guiding work in cybersecurity innovation, privacy engineering, and AI for secure digital identities. By integrating user-centered design principles into these initiatives, he has reinforced his capacity for research leadership in smart socio-health contexts and beyond.

(g) International Collaborations and Leadership
He has established strong collaborations with the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Karolinska Institutet, and various EU and international research groups and universities. Through these partnerships, he has contributed to interdisciplinary projects that integrate cybersecurity, AI, and human factors?especially relevant to telemedicine and healthcare?thereby strengthening global knowledge transfer and fostering technological advancements that prioritize end-user well-being and trust.

2. Contributions to Society

(a) Technological Development and Innovation Activities
Dr. Vega-Barbas has developed privacy-preserving IoT systems and cybersecurity frameworks for digital identity protection that are specifically tailored to healthcare, critical infrastructures, and smart cities. His AI-based risk assessment models incorporate user behaviour analysis and accessibility considerations, enabling safer digital interactions in socio-health contexts.

(b) Science Communication and Outreach Activities
He actively promotes cybersecurity awareness by participating in scientific dissemination events, public outreach programs, and user education initiatives. Through his involvement in EIT Health and other European cybersecurity projects, he fosters knowledge transfer to industry, academia, policymakers, and healthcare professionals, advocating for secure, user-centred solutions.

(c) Collaboration with Industry, Private Sector, and Public Institutions
Dr. Vega-Barbas collaborates with industry partners (Telefónica, Thales, NEC, etc.), government bodies, and EU agencies to translate user-centred research findings into real-world applications. His work supports policy recommendations and standardization efforts in cybersecurity and privacy, emphasizing healthcare-specific challenges such as telemedicine, patient data protection, and user acceptance of secure solutions.

3. Contributions to Training Young Researchers

(a) Contribution to Career Development
Through the supervision of doctoral, masters, and undergraduate research projects, Dr. Vega-Barbas fosters the development of early-career researchers in user-focused cybersecurity, AI-driven risk management, and digital identity protection. By instilling human-centric design principles, he prepares the next generation of experts to tackle socio-health security challenges.

(b) Contribution to Research Team Formation
As an active member of InnoTep and multiple EU research consortia, he has co-led interdisciplinary teams, creating a collaborative ecosystem that merges cybersecurity, privacy engineering, AI, and user experience. This approach equips junior researchers with the skills needed to address holistic security issues in smart socio-health environments.

(c) Contribution to Startups, Editorial Activities, and Research Evaluation
He has contributed to technology transfer, startup mentoring, and research project evaluations, ensuring innovation aligned with user needs remains a priority. Additionally, he serves as a reviewer for high-impact journals and international conferences, shaping future research directions in cybersecurity and human-centric intelligent environments.

4. Other Relevant Contributions

Dr. Vega-Barbas has played a pivotal role in integrating AI and privacy technologies into user-centred digital identity systems, informing European policies and standards for secure socio-health environments. His continued efforts bridge academic research, technological innovation, and real-world security challenges, focusing on empowering end users through safe and accessible solutions in intelligent spaces.