UNICRI :: United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute

Advancements in technology are happening at an exponential rate. Science, technology and innovation can play a pivotal role in development and in facilitating efforts to address issues of global concern, but they can also pose new security challenges if used for malicious purposes.

This is particularly true in the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) domain, where new technologies can offer solutions for the safer management of CBRN materials and facilities, as well as for the prevention and detection of and response to CBRN crimes. Yet, the increasing digitalization of the sector has also created new weaknesses for malicious actors to exploit and new means of committing crimes.

UNICRI’s response

The scope of UNICRI is to analyse and understand the global impact, opportunities and challenges of technological change and how these might apply in the CBRN field, including in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, augmented and virtual reality (AR, VR), big data analytics, data science, digital biology and biotech, nanotech and 3D printing, networks and computing systems, supply chain security and decentralized technologies such as blockchain.

UNICRI supports Member States, international organizations, the private sector, civil society, the scientific and academic community, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that they are aware of both the risks and opportunities presented by the latest developments in science and technology in the CBRN field, including their potential contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.

Current initiatives and future programming

International Network on Biotechnology – The International Network on Biotechnology is a global network of academic and research institutions, nongovernmental and international organizations, and other stakeholders. Developed by UNICRI, in cooperation with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Network is committed to advancing education and raising awareness about responsible life science.

SIRIO – “Security Improvements, through Research, Technology and Innovation" (SIRIO) is UNICRI’s knowledge management centre based in Geneva. The Centre is engaging industry and research institutions (both public and private) as well as governmental and inter-governmental entities to analyse and promote knowledge and technology solutions to address emerging security risks. The main thematic areas considered by SIRIO are: supply chain security, critical infrastructures, cyber-space, as well as potential security risks related to big data analytics, biotechnology and nano-technology, and artificial intelligence.

Further information

For general information concerning the implementation of these projects, please consult the linked pages below.

Projects

Publications

Technology and Security: Countering Criminal Infiltrations in the Legitimate Supply Chain

Innovative ideas to address counterfeiting and criminal infiltration in the supply chain Deadline: 29 February 2020

Protecting the supply chain security by monitoring and combating food fraud and food counterfeiting

Virtual meeting on supply chain security and trafficking of precious metals

Virtual meeting on Supply chain security and food fraud

Expert Workshop on the Supply Chain Security

Security through Research, Technology and Innovation (SIRIO). UNICRI and SICPA sign a new agreement.

Security Improvements through research, technology and innovation (SIRIO). Identification of emerging security risks in biotechnology