The idea for the SABSA Founders Bursary was born out of discussions at COSAC 2019, The SABSA World Congress, with a view to giving back to the industry, generating opportunities for new entrants into Information Security and building greater gender diversity in what is currently a heavily male dominated discipline.

The SABSA Founders Bursary has been created to honour and carry forward the work of the three founders and authors of SABSA: John Sherwood, Andy Clark, and David Lynas.

The intent was to create a bursary funded by donations from individuals and corporate sponsors to provide these opportunities through awarding a place at COSAC or on a SABSA course. 

At the end of COSAC 19, to get us started, we received two donations: One which enables us to provide a future place at COSAC; and one which enables us to provide the opportunity to attend A SABSA Training event.

A small committee was formed to manage the processes of gathering donations and awarding bursaries to recipients ….. and the COVID happened and the concepts of a residential conference or face to face training pushed our ideas back.

Now as we approach the launch of COSAC 2022, in person and on location at the Killashee House Hotel, Naas, Ireland the prospect of awarding a SABSA Founders Bursary is becoming a reality.

The Bursary will be officially launched following the announcement of the COSAC 2022 schedule in a few weeks and will provide guidance on both how to apply for a bursary and how to donate to this worthy cause.

Michael Hirschfeld

Chairman, The SABSA Founders Bursary