Where hardware secrets meet collective curiosity

In a world where hardware forms the backbone of digital societies, understanding what lies beneath the surface has never been more important. The Hardware Reverse Engineering Workshop (HARRIS 2026) brings together people who shape, analyze, regulate, and rely on modern hardware systems—from research and industry to public institutions and beyond.

Taking place on March 24 & 25, 2026 in Bochum, Germany, HARRIS 2026 offers an in-person forum for open exchange, critical discussion, and future-oriented collaboration. The workshop is co-organized by Dr. Steffen Becker (RC Trust, UA Ruhr) and builds on the strong momentum of previous editions by fostering dialogue across disciplines and professional backgrounds.

HARRIS 2026 addresses both cutting-edge research and real-world challenges. Contributions range from imaging techniques and FPGA bitstream analysis to hardware assurance, trust, and the detection of hardware Trojans. Practical case studies, tools, benchmarks, and perspectives on training and human factors are just as welcome as theoretical or experimental work. This broad scope makes the workshop equally relevant for decision-makers concerned with security and resilience, researchers advancing the state of the art, students entering the field, and an interested public eager to better understand the technological foundations of trust.

For the first time, the program will be complemented by optional half-day tutorials on March 23, 2026, offering hands-on insights and deeper learning opportunities (separate registration required). The main workshop features short, focused presentations, interactive discussions, and ample time for networking—creating space for ideas to grow into collaborations.

The Call for Abstracts is now open. Researchers, professionals, and practitioners from academia, industry, and government are invited to submit a title and an abstract of up to 300 words. Submissions may present new results, work in progress, or applied field reports. Each contribution will be reviewed by multiple members of the program committee, with a strong emphasis on clarity, rigor, and relevance. As HARRIS has no formal proceedings, presenters remain free to publish their work elsewhere.

Important dates include the abstract submission deadline on January 14, 2026 (AoE) and notification of acceptance on February 2, 2026 (AoE).