Cluster for Natural and Technical Science Arms Control Research (CNTR)

The Chemical and Biological Weapons Control (CBW) research group monitors and analyzes scientific and technological developments in biology, chemistry and other disciplines that could be relevant from a disarmament and security policy perspective. On the one hand, our aim is to identify research with dual-use potential and risks of misuse and to develop ways of limiting these risks. On the other hand, we are researching how new technological developments could be used to support the existing bans on biological and chemical weapons. Here we are concentrating primarily on treaty compliance and verification, investigating suspected violations of norms and dealing with disinformation.

The research group forms part of the PRIF Research Group Biological and Chemical Disarmament and Security.

Further information on the Research Group Biological and Chemical Disarmament and Security

The Research Group Emerging Disruptive Technologies firstly examines the dangers posed by the military use of new technological developments from a security policy, ethical and legal perspective. Secondly, it asks how verification measures must be tailored to enable effective arms control of modern military technologies in the first place. Thirdly, it examines how new technologies can contribute to the development of more reliable arms control and verification instruments. The group's focus is on the future and focuses primarily on technologies that, from a military perspective, are understood as new disruptive technologies – i.e. technologies that are capable of overturning existing power structures and, through clever innovation, allow weaker challengers to overtake previously stronger players militarily. These technologies include hypersonic missiles, military robotics, remote-controlled, autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon systems, nanotechnology, various forms of human enhancement, cyber operations, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning used for military purposes, as well as the military use of quantum computers.

More information on the Research Group Emerging Disruptive Technologies

The Science for Nuclear Diplomacy group conducts research in the fields of experimental physics and computational nuclear engineering to support the non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament of nuclear weapons. It has locations in Darmstadt and Frankfurt. We focus on the development of novel verification techniques to verify compliance with relevant treaties. We also assess the proliferation potential of new nuclear technologies. Finally, the group researches ways to reduce nuclear arsenals and weapons-grade fissile materials.

Further information on the Research Group Science for Nuclear Diplomacy