AUP is proud to announce that Nicolas Colucci (Msc in Human Rights and Data Science, ’24) is the winner of the 2024 Westin Scholar Award, an award bestowed by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) to students demonstrating a strong commitment to privacy protection, and positioning themselves as leading voices upholding the respect of human rights in their field of study.

“This award is particularly significant as it recognizes my dedication to advancing privacy and data protection, areas that are central to both my academic pursuits and professional aspirations,” said Colucci, whose current academic work revolves around understanding the legal frameworks and ethical implications of data usage. He has undertaken projects such as a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) for refugee protection, which evaluates the privacy and security challenges of handling personal data in humanitarian settings.

“The importance of privacy, I came to understand, is as much about protecting individual liberty as it is about maintaining the very fabric of a free and open society. History has shown us that privacy is not static; it evolves with society and technology. The quest to secure our private spheres is a reflection of the human condition—a condition that cherishes dignity, autonomy, and self-determination,” explains Colucci.

AUP’s MSc in Human Rights and Data Science combines a rigorous foundation in data science with the legal and philosophical considerations necessary to ensure the ethical implementation of policies and protections related to digital technology. Dr. Claudia Roda, Program Director, said she was honored to be Colucci’s professor and advisor throughout his undergraduate and graduate studies. “Not only have your academic results been outstanding, but your service to the institution has also provided invaluable support to so many of your peers. In this last year of master’s studies, you have been able to integrate your long-standing passion for computer science with a strong commitment to human rights protection, and privacy in particular. Your many projects on ethical data use have highlighted your ability to seamlessly integrate technology, law, and ethics.”

Colucci says that upon graduation, he is interested in “furthering the application of data science in ways that strengthen privacy protections.” “I aim to work at the intersection of technology and policy, helping organizations navigate the complexities of data privacy to foster environments that respect user data.”

The awards, which underscore the growing need for well-qualified privacy and data protection professionals, were named for Dr. Alan Westin, a legal scholar and pioneer in privacy and data protection law. Award winners receive a $1,000 cash prize, a two years membership to the IAPP, three complimentary exams for IAPP certifications (such as the CIPP, CIPM and CIPT) and unlimited access to online training for their selected certification exams.

Congratulations Nicolas!