Solange Ghernaouti honored

The HEC Lausanne's first woman professor, Solange Ghernaouti leaves UNIL after 37 years of teaching, research and student support. Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur, gold medalist for progress, member of the Swiss Academy of Technical Sciences, she has made her name and that of her institution known on five continents.

An expert frequently consulted by the media on issues associated with cybersecurity and the fight against cybercrime, she is the author of numerous scientific and popular works, as well as the novel "Off" co-written with Philippe Monnin (Slatkine 2023). Her book at Savoir suisse "La Cybercriminalité, les nouvelles armes de pouvoir" (EPFL Press, 2017) won the Cyber Book Prize from the International Cybersecurity Forum.

A pioneer and leader in the transdisciplinary approach of cyber security, she is concerned about “the consequences of the complex risks and environmental costs engendered by the digitization of society, hyperconnectivity and the artificialization of reality brought about by neo-liberal digital capitalism”. She also denounces the myths of free access and technological solutionism. “By losing control of our data, delegating our decision-making to artificial intelligence systems over which we have no control, and becoming dependent on foreign hegemonic players, we are allowing the latter to condition our present and define our future”. What about the surveillance of individuals and freedoms? “There is no longer any need to demonstrate that the digital economy is also one of surveillance, and that AI possesses a power of prescription and coercion that impacts our freedoms”, she underlines.

In an enlightening interview on the Swiss Forum for International Politics, she also notes the failure of risk anticipation, with shock phrases such as “the invisible hand of algorithms has replaced that of the market”. She also points to a relay of these myths by society, including in teaching and research, and thus opens up a vast debate that is not only technological, economic and geopolitical, but also philosophical and existential.

Dean of HEC Lausanne (UNIL), Prof. Marianne Schmid Mast, adds: "Solange Ghernaouti has been a pioneer, not only as the first female professor at HEC Lausanne but also as a prominent voice in the field of cybersecurity and the fight against cybercrime. We wish to thank her and congratulate her on an exceptional career, her invaluable contributions, and her impact on both the academic community and society.".

Lecture by honorary professor Solange Ghernaouti

Her honorary lecture is entitled “Crimes et châtiments à l'heure de l'intelligence artificielle” and will be followed by a discussion with journalist Myret Zaki. Honorary Vice-Rector Jacques Besson will open the event, to which the public is cordially invited.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 6:00 pm - Bâtiment Internef 273.

This event is open to the public and will be in French.