Discuss common approaches to de-processing an IC from decapsulation to ready-for-imaging and spend some time hands-on removing layers on real samples using simple polishing techniques.

Requirements
General knowledge of integrated circuits is required. The hands-on training will concentrate on simple finger polishing of an IC with abrasive slurries. Samples and equipment will be provided.

Discuss common approaches to de-processing an IC from decapsulation to ready-for-imaging and spend some time hands-on removing layers on real samples using simple polishing techniques.

Requirements
General knowledge of integrated circuits is required. The hands-on training will concentrate on simple finger polishing of an IC with abrasive slurries. Samples and equipment will be provided.

For two decades, reverse engineering has evolved from a niche manual craft into a foundational pillar of security assurance. Yet, as the two impulse talks at the beginning of this session have shown, the field currently stands at a crossroads. While we look upon years of research and hundreds of technical methods, the practical reality is a landscape of fragmented prototypes, low reproducibility, and significant "translation friction" between academic theory and industry application.

This panel discussion moves beyond the "what" of reverse engineering to confront the "how" of its future. We bring together a diverse cohort of experts to bridge the gap between academic success, open-source mindset and contributions, and industry-grade workflows. This panel will discuss a range of ongoing challenges and their potential for tension between stakeholders, but also promising solutions, all to aim for a future where automated netlist analysis is not just a research possibility, but a reliable, scalable, and trustworthy reality.