Call for papers
QA&TEST Safety and Cybersecurity 2026 (Embedded Systems Cybersecurity)
QA&TEST Safety & Cybersecurity is the annual international conference organized by Software Quality Systems (SQS), dedicated to exploring how safety and cybersecurity must be addressed in an integrated and consistent way throughout the entire product and system development lifecycle.
In today’s world, no system can truly be safe unless it is also cybersecure. As systems become increasingly connected, intelligent, and complex, new challenges arise that demand innovative technologies, methods, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
It is in this context that QA&TEST Safety & Cybersecurity was born : to provide an industry-driven, technically grounded platform where professionals can share knowledge, experience, and practical solutions to ensure the development of safe and cybersecure systems.
The 2026 edition, our sixth, will take place in Madrid on April 16–17, 2026.
Call for papers
Deadline of the call for papers: February 15, 2026
Who should submit
We invite professionals, researchers, engineers, and consultants with experience in embedded systems cybersecurity and critical systems to submit technical proposals, case studies, applied approaches, and innovative methodologies related to cybersecurity and functional safety (safety) across the entire lifecycle of embedded systems.
This includes professionals working on:
- Integration of cybersecurity and functional safety in embedded systems.
- Secure development and DevSecOps practices for resource-constrained systems (combined hardware/software environments).
- Risk and threat assessment specific to embedded environments (threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, etc.).
- Design and testing of secure embedded components, including connected devices (IoT/IIoT), automotive, industrial, or medical systems.
- Advanced techniques to protect firmware and hardware against physical and logical attacks.
Topics of Interest
Proposals are welcome on, but not limited to, the following areas:
Cybersecurity for embedded and critical systems
- Threat modeling and vulnerability management in embedded platforms.
- Secure development best practices (SDLC) for microcontrollers and resource-constrained systems.
- Firmware protection strategies and integrity mechanisms.
- Security assessment and automated testing in embedded environments.
Methodologies, standards, and practical case studies
- Application of relevant standards (e.g., ISO/SAE 21434, IEC 61508, ISO 26262, IEC 62304, IEC 62443) to embedded systems and to the intersection of safety and security.
- Real-world case studies and lessons learned in securing embedded products.
Integration with safety and complex systems
- Ensuring cybersecurity without compromising functional safety requirements in embedded systems.
- Management of combined safety + cybersecurity risks in real-time devices.
Emerging technologies and challenges
- Cybersecurity challenges in IoT/IIoT, automotive, medical devices, drones, industrial systems, and other complex embedded platforms.
How to submit a proposal
To submit a proposal to the call for papers for QA&TEST Safety and Cybersecurity, follow these steps:
Submission Requirements
Session duration: 45 minutes
Abstract: Maximum 500 words, including title, objectives, relevance to the community, and key takeaways.
Practical relevance: Proposals with an applied focus and tangible industrial value will be especially appreciated.
Presentation video (optional)
A 3–5 minute video is highly recommended for first-time speakers, briefly explaining the proposal and its unique value.
Submit your proposal
Please click on the link below and fill in the form. Make sure to include necessary information such as the proposal title, the abstract you have prepared, your name and contact details, as well as any other requirements specified in the submission instructions.
Deadline
Remember that the call for papers will close on February 15, 2026.
Make sure to submit your proposal before that date to be considered for evaluation.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance and originality of the topic.
- Technical depth and contribution to real-world solutions.
- Clarity and practical applicability of the presentation.
Authors will be notified of acceptance approximately two weeks after the Call for Papers closes.
Speaker Benefits
As a confirmed speaker, you will receive:
- Full access to the conference (both days).
- Discounted registration for colleagues attending with you.
- Financial support to help cover travel and accommodation in Madrid.
This Call for Papers places special emphasis on proposals exploring embedded systems cybersecurity and its integration with functional safety (safety), covering technical methodologies, real-world case studies, and innovative tools that help the community secure increasingly connected and critical products.
