Training School

PROACT

June 2-5, 2025

Chania, Crete, Greece





Register now





The PROACT Training School 2025 is a specialized event focused on enhancing the security of cryptographic implementations against physical attacks. As part of the broader PROACT project, the school aims to equip participants with the latest advancements in secure algorithm design, circuit protection, and side-channel evaluation techniques.

This edition will take place from June 2-5, 2025, in Chania, Crete, building upon the success of the previous training school in Croatia. The event brings together leading experts, researchers, and students to explore cutting-edge solutions for securing hardware cryptographic implementations, particularly in the era of post-quantum cryptography and AI-driven security analysis.

Key Topics Covered:

  • ✔ Physical security and cryptographic implementations
  • ✔ Machine learning for side-channel analysis
  • ✔ Post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) implementations and attacks
  • ✔ Leakage simulator design for side-channel evaluation
  • ✔ Algorithm design for resistance to physical attacks
  • ✔ Circuit design and design automation for secure hardware

The training school will feature a combination of lectures, hands-on tutorials, and interactive discussions, allowing participants to gain practical insights into the latest research trends and methodologies.

Join us in Chania for this unique event, where innovation meets inspiration in one of Greece's most beautiful destinations! Registration is free.

Chania old town street
VENUE & TRAVEL

The venue is located in the heart of Chania, in a walking distance from the the Old Town and Venetian harbor.

Samaria Hotel,

69 Kidonias Street, Chania, Crete, Greece

Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean, offering a stunning blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient ruins and charming Venetian harbors to breathtaking beaches and dramatic mountain landscapes, the island is a paradise for explorers. Its rich gastronomic culture, vibrant traditions, and welcoming atmosphere make it a destination that captivates visitors time and time again.

The Prefecture of Chania, located on the western side of Crete, is dominated by the majestic White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and the famous Samariá Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe. The city itself has preserved its unique charm, with a picturesque Old Town full of Venetian mansions and historic churches. Strolling through its maze-like alleys, visitors can experience the city's fascinating history through its architecture, museums, and lively streets. Just beyond the city, Chania's coastline boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Greece, from the pink sands of Elafonisi to the turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon. Whether you're admiring the scenic harbor, relaxing by the sea, or indulging in local delicacies, Chania is the perfect destination to combine professional gatherings with unforgettable experiences.

Get Directions

Getting to Chania

Chania has an International Airport named “I. Daskalogiannis” (IATA: CHQ). The Airport has regular daily domestic connections to/from Athens and Thessaloniki, that are often used as connecting flights from and to major European and worldwide gateway cities.

From April to early November there are also many charter flights from across Europe in addition to the low-cost airlines.

The Chania Airport is located near Souda Bay on the peninsula of Akrotiri, 14 km away from the venue (15-20 min driving).

Travelers should be aware that the Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (IATA: HER) located at Heraklion, the other major city in Crete is 150 km away from the city of Chania (approx. three-hours' drive away).

From/to airport to/from Venue

Bus routes connect Chania Airport with the city center via the Chania Airport - Chania line. You can find updated fare information and timetables on this page. The central bus station in Chania is conveniently located next to the venue.

Taxi are available at the airport, with fares to the city center ranging from €25-30. Since the venue is centrally located, the fare should be similar.

Car rental services are also available at the airport. However, as the venue is in the city center, parking may be limited.

WHERE TO STAY

Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. Finding a hotel in Chania during summer might be tricky, so we recommend booking early. The venue is located in the heart of the city, making any city hotel or BnB a convenient choice. Participants of the PROACT school can benefit from a special rate at the following hotels.

Samaria Hotel

69 Kidonias Street, Chania, Crete

Venue of the event

+30 28210 38600

reservations@samariahotel.gr

Book now
Arkadi Hotel
€125/Night

1866 Square, Chania, Crete

140 meters to event location

+30 28210 90181

reservations@arkadi-hotel.gr

You must send an e-mail with subject: PROACT Training School

Miss Marrone City Hotel
€116/Night

Ionias 8, Chania, Crete

210 meters to event location

+30 28210 88890

info@missmarronecityhotel.gr

You must send an e-mail with subject: SOPROACT

Below you'll find the program for PROACT training school 2025. We'll keep this page regularly updated with all new speakers and sessions, so be sure to keep checking in!

08:00 - 09:00

Registration

  • At: Samaria hotel


09:00 - 10:30

Hypothesis testing for leakage assessment in side channel analysis


10:30 - 11:00

Coffee break

  • At: Samaria Conference Hall , 1st floor


11:00 - 12:30

Hypothesis testing for leakage assessment in side channel analysis


12:30 - 13:30

Lunch

  • At: Samaria a-la-carte restaurant


13:30 - 15:00

Title TBA


15:00 - 15:30

Coffee break

  • At: Samaria Conference Hall , 1st floor


15:30 - 17:00

Student Session TBA

  • TBA


19:00 - 22:00

Welcome Reception

  • At: TBA


08:50 - 09:00

Welcome

  • At: Samaria Conference Room , 1st floor


09:00 - 10:30

Embedded Security: Challenges and Opportunities when Migrating to Post-Quantum Cryptography


10:30 - 11:00

Coffee break

  • At: Samaria Conference Room , 1st floor


11:00 - 12:30

Side-Channel and Fault Attacks on ML-KEM and ML-DSA


12:30 - 13:30

Lunch

  • At: Samaria a-la-carte restaurant


13:30 - 15:00

Accelerating Cryptography with Open-Source SoCs


15:00 - 15:30

Coffee break

  • At: Samaria Conference Hall , 1st floor


15:30 - 17:00

Accelerating Cryptography with Open-Source SoCs


09:00 - 09:45

Title TBA


09:45 - 10:30

Title TBA


10:30 - 11:00

Coffee break

  • At: Samaria Conference Hall , 1st floor


11:00 - 12:30

Automated Verification of Physical Security Properties


12:30 - 13:30

Lunch

  • At: Samaria a-la-carte restaurant


Afternoon

Social Event TBA

  • At: TBA


09:00 - 10:30

Title TBA


10:30 - 11:00

Coffee break

  • At: Samaria Conference Hall , 1st floor


11:00 - 12:30

Title TBA


Organizers & Partners

The PROACT school is jointly organized by the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), Leiden University and Digital Security (DiS) group, Radboud University (The Netherlands).

The PROACT project is funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).