In our increasingly digital society, much of what we do depends on systems we do not see but constantly rely on. These infrastructures shape our everyday decisions: which services we trust, how we exchange goods, how securely our data is handled, and how and which information reaches us. When such systems are reliable and transparent, they empower citizens, strengthen democracy and our trust in our institutions; when they fail, the consequences ripple far beyond technology.
That is why the integrity, transparency, and accessibility of our digital infrastructure are at the core of my work in blockchains and cybersecurity. Yet innovation alone is not enough. Whether we speak about the integrity of critical data, the transparency of decision-making, or the security of global digital systems, the central question remains: can society trust the technologies it depends on? Meeting this challenge requires not only scientific advancements but also a willingness to share knowledge openly and responsibly.
Communicating science is therefore not an accessory to research; it is an ethical responsibility. When we make research accessible, we lower barriers to participation. Citizens, policymakers, and institutions can make informed choices about the digital tools that shape our lives. This matters especially in fields like cybersecurity, where a lack of knowledge can have real societal consequences.
After all, science at its core is more than a profession: it is a shared commitment to building a world that is more understandable, more secure, and ultimately more human.
The computer scientist Georgia Avarikioti focusses on distributed systems, scalability and interoperability of blockchain protocols, and the analysis of cryptoeconomic incentives. Zeta–as she is commonly known–holds a PhD from ETH Zürich, completed postdoctoral fellowships at ISTA/Columbia University, is an Assistant Professor at TU Wien and the Hedy Lamarr Awardee 2025. This prize, named after the Austrian Hollywood actress and inventor, is presented annually by the City of Vienna and highlights the outstanding achievements of women in computer science.