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The Institute for Security and Technology Announces the Winners of the Second Annual Cyber Policy Awards™ Presented by Microsoft

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The annual gathering honors and celebrates those who drove significant progress within the cyber policy community

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Second Annual Cyber Policy Awards™ Presented by Microsoft last night awarded seven individuals, groups, and organizations with the prestigious Cyber Policy Award of Merit. The event celebrated excellence in cybersecurity policy and leadership and honored outstanding contributions in categories such as public policy, diplomacy, research, and journalism.

Hosted by the Institute for Security and Technology in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the awards gala brought together 240 cybersecurity community leaders across the public sector, industry, academia, and civil society. Following a community-wide nomination process, an independent panel of eight judges narrowed the pool down to 24 finalists and selected winners in each category. 

“We gathered as a community to mark and celebrate the accomplishments of 2024 while also looking forward to the cybersecurity challenges before us,” said organizing committee chairman and IST Chief Trust Officer Steve Kelly. “The seven award recipients and their work embody the ingredients of our more secure future, from safer technology products to better international security cooperation.”

Congratulations to the following individuals and organizations:

Domestic Policy Impact: Lauren Zabierek, Jack Cable, and Bob Lord for making Secure by Design (SbD) a reality while at CISA, alongside Jim Richberg and Taylor Roberts on behalf of the IT Sector Coordinating Council’s SbD subcommittee for their efforts in advancing the private sector pledge.International Policy Impact: Dr. Adam Segal for influencing the United States’ strategy on international cyberspace and digital policy.International Partnership: The International Counter Ransomware Initiative leadership for shaping the collective international response to ransomware: Jamila Ade (NGA), Amb. Regine Grienberger and Amb. Maria Adebahr (DEU), Patrick Boucher (CAN), Hamish Hansford (AUS), David Koh (SGP), Monika Korolioviene (LTU), Anne Neuberger (USA), and Chloe Squires (GBR).Ecosystem Champion: J. Michael Daniel for his tireless efforts in building bridges to secure the future.Research Impact: NIST’s Cryptographic Technology Group for research leading to post-quantum cryptographic standards: Dr. Dustin Moody, Dr. Angela Robinson, Andrew Regenscheid, Dr. Lily Chen, Ray Perlner, Dr. Daniel Tone-Smith, Dr. David Cooper, Hamilton Silberg, Noah Waller, Dr. Carl Miller, Dr. Yi-Kai Liu, Quynh Dang, and Dr. Gorjan Alagic. Excellence in Journalism: The Wall Street Journal’s Sarah Krouse, Dustin Volz, Aruna Viswanatha, Robert McMillan, and Drew FitzGerald for reporting on the ‘Salt Typhoon’ cyberespionage campaign.Lifetime Achievement: Leonard Bailey for being an indispensable resource for the cyber community; a leader in driving collaboration among law enforcement, cybersecurity, and the intelligence communities; and a source of exceptional knowledge, judgement, selflessness, calm, and humor throughout his three decades of public service at the Justice Department.

“Congratulations to the individuals and organizations honored with Cyber Policy Awards for their exceptional contributions,” said Amy Hogan-Burney, VP of Customer Security and Trust at Microsoft. “Their dedication to tackling complex cyber policy challenges has improved our collective security. We are proud to recognize those who are shaping a safer, more resilient digital future for everyone.”

“It is our privilege to honor this year’s winners, whose critical work comes at a pivotal moment for the global cybersecurity community. As digital connectivity accelerates and threat actors become increasingly sophisticated, advancing smart and risk-based cyber policy is more vital than ever,” said Vincent Voci, vice president of cyber policy and operations, Cyber, Space, and National Security Division, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “These leaders are proof that policy is an essential safeguard in the collective effort to protect governments, critical infrastructure, and the global economy.”

For additional information on the Cyber Policy Awards or to learn more about this year’s recipients, please go to www.cyberpolicyawards.org.

About The Institute for Security and Technology

The Institute for Security and Technology (IST) is a 501(c)(3) critical action think tank that unites technology and policy leaders to create actionable solutions to emerging security challenges. IST stands at the forefront of convening policymakers, technology experts, and industry leaders to identify and translate discourse into impactful action. We take collaborative action to advance national security and global stability through technology built on trust, guiding businesses and governments with hands-on expertise, in-depth analysis, and a global network. Since its foundation in 2019, IST has launched more than 10 initiatives addressing challenges such as ransomware, the resilience of lifeline critical infrastructure, trust and safety, and more. To learn more, visit https://securityandtechnology.org/

About Microsoft
Microsoft is a global technology leader that empowers individuals and organizations to achieve more through innovation and digital transformation. At Microsoft, we harness the power of technology to drive positive change and create a safer, more inclusive digital world. We collaborate with governments, industries, and communities to develop innovative solutions to emerging security challenges, ensuring that our technology is built on trust. Through extensive research, hands-on expertise, and a commitment to transparency, Microsoft addresses critical issues such as cybersecurity, privacy, and digital safety. Since its inception, Microsoft has launched numerous initiatives and partnerships to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure, promote digital trust, and foster a secure online ecosystem. To learn more, visit https://microsoft.com.

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations.

They all share one thing: They count on the U.S. Chamber to be their voice in Washington, across the country, and around the world. For more than 100 years, we have advocated for pro-business policies that help businesses create jobs and grow our economy.

Media Contact:
Sophia Mauro
Director for Strategic Communications
sophia@securityandtechnology.org

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SOURCE Institute for Security and Technology

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Visier Debuts Talent Agents, Closing the Gap Between HR Programs and Business Impact

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New AI agents turn Visier insights and plans into guided action for every manager, fixing the #1 reason HR programs fail: manager follow-through

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Visier today announced Talent Agents at HR Tech 2026. Built on the Visier Workforce Intelligence Platform, these new AI agents guides every manager to the next right action in their organization’s HR programs in real time, and give talent leaders evidence of what each program actually changed for the business.

Talent management devotes a great deal of money and effort into HR programs every year, and many still can’t show the ROI or outcomes. New Visier research* found:

62% of HR leaders name manager follow-through as the single biggest reason programs fail77% of enterprises run HR programs on spreadsheets or a patchwork of tools, and are three times less likely to measure results while a program is underway.

Visier Talent Agents are built to close these gaps, helping talent management tackle its most critical challenges as organizations plan, grow and retain their talent. They leverage the latest in AI developments to pair best-in-class program frameworks with personalized, in-workflow guidance delivered to whoever needs to act next, and a closed-loop system for continuous learning and improvement based on every program’s goals.

“Good program design has never been enough. What HR has lacked is a GPS for every manager, so the moment someone drifts off track, they’re guided back before the program goes sideways,” said Dave Weisbeck, Chief Strategy Officer at Visier. “That’s what Talent Agents deliver, along with proof of what the program actually changed for the business.” 

“The space between HR program design and the actual business result is exactly where most HR investment gets lost,” said Madeline Laurano, founder of Aptitude Research. “Guidance that activates the manager at the moment they need to act, with proof of what changed afterward, is the piece of talent management that’s been missing and what Visier is solving for.”

Unlike HCM suites that teams would spend a year customizing, or point solutions that only see one piece of the picture, or even an internal-built tool that puts employee data at risk, Visier’s Talent Agents are built to run programs end-to-end and prove impact, not just track activity.

The agents reach every stakeholder in a program at the moment they need to act, not just when someone remembers to ask. They’re built to match how an organization actually operates, and the outcome of every action it recommends feeds back into the AI learning engine, so guidance gets sharper with each cycle. Because guidance runs on Visier’s proprietary Workforce AI rather than routing every follow-up through a person, organizations can scale their programs without being constrained by HRBP headcount.

The agents are built on Visier’s Workforce Intelligence Platform, so every program comes with the context, governance, and security an enterprise expects, backed by over 16 years of experience solving HR’s toughest problems.

Talent Agents are Visier’s answer to what the company calls the “activate” layer of Workforce AI, building on the platform’s existing strength in helping organizations understand their workforce data and plan around it. The offering pairs Visier’s technology with a dedicated implementation team that customizes each program to a customer’s specific processes and goals.

Attending HRTech 2026 in Las Vegas this week? Head over to Visier Booth #5209 to explore Talent Agents, or visit visier.com to learn more. The Visier team will also be at UNLEASH World in Paris (booth #106) and Total Talent Asia (booth #3).

About Visier
Visier Workforce AI is the context foundation for talent management. The Visier Workforce Intelligence Platform turns scattered, sensitive people data into one governed understanding of the entire workforce, so organizations can understand, plan, and activate all of their talent priorities in one place. More than 85,000 of the world’s most complex organizations, including Ford Motor Company, eBay, Experian, and Domino’s Pizza, rely on Visier’s over 16 years of workforce domain expertise, ranked #1 in vendor satisfaction and user experience for three consecutive years by the Sapient Insights HR Systems Survey. Learn more at Visier.com.

*Research from fall 2026, conducted by the Visier, Inc. Research Team surveyed verified senior HR and Talent leaders from 80 organizations with more than 10,000 employees across North America.  

visierpr@walkersands.com

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HSG Laser Unveils New Flagship Machine at EuroBLECH 2026, Powering Productivity for European Manufacturers

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HANNOVER, Germany, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HSG Laser is showcasing its latest laser cutting and intelligent manufacturing solutions at EuroBLECH 2026, held from October 20–23 at the Hannover Exhibition Centre. Under the theme “Powering Productivity with HSG,” HSG is presenting its latest innovations at Booth 15-F42, including the European debut of its new flagship GV, alongside the launch of GFA PRO and AI CutPilot, as well as the European debut of its high-speed laser solutions G3015T and R2 PRO.

Expanding High-Performance Laser Solutions

The new GFA PRO is engineered for large-format metal processing, addressing challenges such as large footprints, low speed, unstable thick-plate performance, and high operating costs. Making their European debut, the G3015T and R2 PRO expand HSG’s high-speed laser lineup for sheet and tube processing, helping manufacturers improve throughput, flexibility, and production efficiency.

“HSG Laser’s European footprint has grown steadily, with more than 2,000 units delivered and a new showroom opening soon this year,” said Shawn Wang, Vice President of HSG Laser. “Our latest launches at EuroBLECH mark another step forward, combining high-performance equipment with intelligent technologies and localized support to deliver greater productivity for European customers.”

Recognized by MM MaschinenMarkt Germany

Built for the European market, HSG Laser earned the “International Spotlight” award from MM MaschinenMarkt Germany’s Chief Editor for its GV and AI CutPilot. The GV combines cutting, beveling, countersinking, and chamfering in one machine to streamline pre-welding workflows and boost efficiency. AI CutPilot is HSG’s industry-first, self-developed AI system that turns laser-cutting expertise into a reusable, scalable machine capability, helping reduce trial work and improve first-pass yield. The award further highlights HSG Laser’s technological strength and growing presence in the European market.

Strengthening Local Operations in Europe

As part of its continued commitment to supporting manufacturers worldwide, HSG Laser is further strengthening its localized operations in Europe. On 10th November, HSG will open its new showroom in Düsseldorf, Germany under the theme “Go Global, Link Local.” The new showroom will bring HSG’s latest machines, technologies, and expertise closer to European customers, creating more opportunities for direct engagement and local support. This expansion further strengthens HSG’s presence in Europe and its ability to provide responsive, customer-focused solutions tailored to local manufacturing needs.

About HSG Laser

Founded in 2006, HSG Laser is a leading global manufacturer of intelligent metal processing equipment, specializing in laser cutting, tube processing, bending, and welding automation systems. With a presence in over 100 countries and regional centers across Europe, North America, Japan, India, and Asia-Pacific, HSG Laser is committed to driving the transformation of manufacturing through innovation, reliability, and artificial intelligence.

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Mérieux NutriSciences Completes Acquisition of Certified Group, Becoming North America’s Leading Food Testing Provider

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CHICAGO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mérieux NutriSciences, a global leader in food safety, quality, and sustainability, today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Certified Group.

First announced in August 2026, this strategic transaction unites two complementary leaders in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) sector. With approximately $300 million in revenue, Certified Group brings 31 laboratories and over 1,600 talented employees into Mérieux NutriSciences’ global network. The integration also adds a robust roster of more than 170 independent regulatory consultants across the United States and Canada.

With this expanded coast-to-coast footprint, Mérieux NutriSciences is positioned to provide customers with broader service offerings and enhanced regulatory support. The integration deepens the company’s capabilities in key Food & Beverage segments, most notably in animal protein through its Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) network, where Certified Group has built a strong reputation as a bellwether for safety and quality, alongside leading positions in dairy, packaged foods, nuts, and spices.

Customers will also benefit from high-value expertise in cosmetics, OTC products, and dietary supplements through the Certified Laboratories vertical, and reduced-harm nicotine product testing via Labstat International. These core verticals are further bolstered by specialized expert services, including contract research (Lab Plus), regulatory consulting (EAS Consulting Group), and comprehensive certification and audit programs (FSNS Certification and Audit).

“We are thrilled to officially welcome the talented teams from Certified Group to the Mérieux NutriSciences global network,” said Nicolas Cartier, CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences. “By combining our respective strengths, we are vastly expanding the depth and breadth of our capabilities. This milestone allows us to be closer to our customers, meeting their localized, time-sensitive needs with unmatched speed and reliability, while furthering our shared purpose: Better Food. Better Health. Better World.”

“Our priority is to ensure a seamless transition for all customers while delivering immediate, enhanced value,” added Sébastien Moulard, President North America at Mérieux NutriSciences. “Through this nationwide analytical network, customers now have access to a truly comprehensive portfolio of routine testing, specialized analysis, expert regulatory support, and more. We are excited to leverage the best of both worlds to drive innovation and provide practical solutions right where production happens.”

“Certified Group has built a differentiated platform with a strong reputation for quality, scientific excellence and exceptional customer service,” said Deborah Kerr, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus & Executive Chair, Certified Group. “We are proud to have supported Certified Group’s evolution and look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive as part of Mérieux NutriSciences.”

The financing of the acquisition brings new minority shareholders Peugeot Invest and Continental Grain Company (Conti) alongside Mérieux NutriSciences’ long standing shareholders: Institut Mérieux, Sofina, and Dassault Group. This collective support underscores strong market confidence in the company’s strategic vision. Ultimately, the successful integration of Certified Group solidifies Mérieux NutriSciences as the leading provider in North America and a top player in the global food TIC market, further cementing its role as the trusted partner for customers navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.

About Mérieux NutriSciences:

At Mérieux NutriSciences, we leverage 60 years of scientific and entrepreneurial expertise to answer food industry needs. Today’s global challenges transform the way food is produced, marketed and consumed, which is why we know our clients need more than reliable analytical results; they need practical and innovative solutions that will contribute to make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable. Present worldwide, we are more than 160 accredited laboratories and a team of over 11,600 committed employees. We strongly believe that together, we can create solutions to offer our planet: BETTER FOOD. BETTER HEALTH. BETTER WORLD. na.mxns.com

MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES
Stephen Nichols (North America)
stephen.nichols@mxns.com 

Marion Bertrand (Global)
media@mxns.com 

Ashton van den Bergh (Global)
media@mxns.com

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SOURCE Mérieux NutriSciences

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