“Sovereignty today isn't about borders – it's about the ability to verify, to decide, and to protect one's values in the digital space.”
Cybernetica researcher recognised for pioneering work in privacy-preserving digital trust systems
We're delighted to announce that Eduardo Brito, researcher at Cybernetica AS and the University of Tartu, has been awarded a prestigious Fellowship from the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen. Established in 1950, the Charlemagne Prize is Europe's oldest and most renowned award, honouring outstanding contributions to European unity.
Supporting innovation for Europe's future
The Charlemagne Prize Academy Fellowship programme supports innovative and creative research ideas characterised by addressing future challenges and new approaches in a European context. Eduardo's project advances decentralised proof-of-location architectures and privacy-preserving digital trust systems, helping bridge cutting-edge computer science with Europe's vision for transparent and accountable digital governance.
A recognition rooted in European values
For Eduardo, this Fellowship carries deep significance. "It's both an honour and a responsibility," he reflects. "The Charlemagne Prize carries a deep historical meaning for Europe. It celebrates the idea that our unity is built on shared values, not just institutions. For me, this recognition affirms that the future of European integration also depends on trust in the digital realm – the ability to verify what is true, protect what is private, and preserve democratic accountability even as technology becomes more complex."
The Fellowship represents more than personal achievement. "I feel grateful and inspired," Eduardo adds. "The Fellowship brings together people who believe in Europe not as a bureaucracy, but as a living idea, one that must constantly be renewed through knowledge and cooperation. Being part of this network is a rare chance to bridge research, policy, and civic life, and to contribute in a way that goes beyond the lab or the code."
Building a digital 'truth layer' for Europe
Eduardo's research addresses one of the fundamental challenges of our digital age: how can we trust systems without blindly trusting them? "My work explores how we can build digital systems that can be trusted without needing to be blindly trusted," he explains. "Think of it like a digital 'truth layer' – technologies that can prove where something happened, who interacted, or whether data has been tampered with, all whilst preserving people's privacy. It's about creating new foundations for trust on the internet, ones that work for citizens and public institutions alike."
This work has profound implications for European digital sovereignty. "I hope it helps Europe move from being a user of technology to a shaper of digital trust standards," Eduardo says. "Sovereignty today isn't about borders – it's about the ability to verify, to decide, and to protect one's values in the digital space. If my work can contribute to infrastructures that make transparency, privacy, and accountability verifiable by design, then it will have served its purpose."
The Fellowship will enable Eduardo to further develop these critical technologies whilst engaging with policymakers, researchers, and civic leaders across Europe, contributing to a more secure and trustworthy digital future for all Europeans.