Axel Legay started his career in the academic field, specialising in formal verification, testing and cyber security. As a pioneer in statistical model checking (SMC), he greatly influenced industrial verification practices. He has brought together Walloon researchers and economic stakeholders in Cyberwal.
When Legay was named Cyber Security Researcher of the Year at Belgium’s Cyber Security Awards in December, the jury cited his pioneering research, including advanced AI algorithms for malware detection. Reflecting on the honour, Legay states: “For me, CoronaAlert will always be my most important achievement, because it united people across regions, disciplines and institutions. It taught me that genuine progress arises when we collaborate, listen and trust one another, which requires different kinds of intelligence.”
Belgium is increasingly being recognised for its cyber security efforts. How would you describe its current position in cyber security research?
“Belgium is among the leading players in Europe. We have made significant progress, thanks to strong digital foundations and a willingness to adapt. Although we face complex administrative structures across regions, we are aligning priorities and moving towards a more integrated approach. That’s why we need to maintain political momentum as well as continue our investments in research and training programmes to produce skilled cyber security professionals.”
What are the biggest priorities for Belgian cyber security research right now?
“In my opinion: cross-regional collaboration, strengthening public-private partnerships, and enhancing education at every level. We need more structured, long-term investments to ensure that universities, businesses and governmental agencies work together efficiently. Bridging technical and legal aspects—ensuring that engineers understand regulations and policymakers grasp technology—is likewise crucial.”
Why is cooperation between academia and the private sector so important?
“It ensures practical, impactful results. For example, when we worked with Cisco on malware detection, they provided real-world data and deep industry insight, while the university brought cutting-edge machine learning algorithms. By combining high-level academic research (low Technology Readiness Level) with immediate industrial needs (high TRL), we created a valuable feedback loop that accelerated innovation on both sides.”
Which threats do you foresee in the future? And how can we cope with them?
“The threats are both technical and human. Critical infrastructures (including hospitals, energy grids and transportation networks) are increasingly interconnected and vulnerable. As digital devices proliferate — from smart homes to connected cars — the attack surface grows. Educating citizens, professionals and policymakers is essential. Cyber threats aren’t just technical challenges; they also stem from a lack of awareness and digital literacy.”
Do you see Belgium becoming a top European cyber security leader?
“Yes, absolutely. We are on track, and I believe Belgium can be in Europe’s top five for cyber security. By building an ecosystem that includes strong research, innovative companies, supportive public agencies and well-educated citizens, we can create a robust defence against evolving cyber threats.”