Centres of Excellence on Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN)

risk mitigation initiative

UNICRI and European Union open a call for project proposals

The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the

European Commission open a call for project proposals for the Centres of Excellence on

Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) risk mitigation. This European Union

initiative is being implemented by UNICRI and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European

Commission. The Centres of Excellence aim to mitigate the risks related to chemical, biological,

radiological and nuclear (CBRN) material by creating international, regional and national

networks for the improvement of policies and capabilities to prevent intentional, accidental and

natural accidents.

The Centres of Excellence initiative is based around a variety of regional projects aimed at

promoting and supporting the development of national CBRN policies. The projects envisage the

sharing of CBRN capabilities, best practices and guidelines. Countries participating in the Centres

of Excellence initiative will benefit from the reinforcement of their CBRN policies and will

become members of a growing international network of CBRN experts. The initiative will

maximize existing capacities and see the implementation of projects that address specific country

needs. Participating countries will be better able to address the risks posed by CBRN through the

coordination and integration of their actions within a broader network. To facilitate this,

cooperation processes between countries will be established to identify issues and solutions. The

call for proposals aims to identify competent and appropriate partners for the implementation of

the CBRN Centres of Excellence.

The initiative covers the following regions and countries: African Atlantic Façade; Middle East;

North Africa; South East Asia; South East Europe, the Caucasus, Ukraine and Moldova; Central

Asia; Sub-Saharan Africa and Gulf Cooperation Council. CBRN National Teams will be

established to assess individual country needs and coordinate and promote in-country policy.

Regional Secretariats are being established in the regions where the initiative operates to provide

technical support, and to support CBRN National Teams to achieve their objectives.

CBRN proliferation, theft, sabotage and illicit trafficking are all areas of serious concern. Non-

intentional risk factors can also pose threats to human safety and security. These include CBRN

accidents, such as natural and industrial catastrophes, incorrect waste management and

transporting accidents.

The Director of UNICRI, Jonathan Lucas said “The improper use of CBRN materials poses

serious risk of harm or death to human beings on a large scale. Every country and the

international community at large should have in place effective capabilities to decrease the risks

and promptly address accidents. The Centres of Excellence initiative aims to contribute to CBRN

risk mitigation promoting best practices and coordinating countries efforts. ”

For further information concerning the initiative please visit www.unicri.it

or contact Marina Mazzini - Telephone: (+39) 011 6537141 - Mobile: (+39) 347-4809463

Email: mazzini@unicri.it