International Science & Technology Center

🎥 VIDEO | Flash Interview – CBRN | Short Talk with an expert
Episode 20 – Jean Muylaert

🧩 Complex topics. Plural perspectives. Accessible explanations. Short format.

▶️ Watch Episode 20 on our YouTube Channel
👉 https://lnkd.in/dMQ4-t9r

📅 New episode released every Friday



🧪 🦠 ⚛️ 🛡️CBRN issues — Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear risks — are often seen as highly technical or reserved for specialists.
Yet today, they are more critical than ever for public health, safety, and global security.


🎯 This short-video series is designed to help non-specialists understand why these issues matter, while remaining relevant for professionals and complementing more in-depth content shared on ISTC (International Science and Technology Center) channels.


👤 Episode 20
In this episode, Jean Muylaert, a distinguished expert and Advisor to the ISTC, discusses the critical role of high-level scientific research in global safety. With a career spanning the European Space Agency - ESA and the direction of the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, Jean brings a unique perspective on how advanced engineering and aerothermodynamics intersect with security. As a member of the ISTC’s Scientific Advisory Committee, he explores how technical validation and international scientific cooperation—including atmospheric science and satellite technologies—provide the foundation for addressing modern CBRN challenges. His insights bridge the gap between complex aeronautical research and the practical needs of international science diplomacy.


⏱️ In a short time, he shares a professional perspective on:
👤 who he is and what brought him to this field
🌍 why CBRN-related issues are critical today
🔍 how preparedness and international coordination strengthen global response
💬 a message to the next generation

🎥 VIDEO Serie | ISTC at World Expo Osaka 2025 Anniversary | Episode 3: Motoko Kotani

As part of ISTC’s anniversary series revisiting its participation in World Expo Osaka 2025, Episode 3 features Motoko Kotani, Science and Technology Co-Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

In her address during ISTC (International Science and Technology Center)’s Special Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, she highlights the importance of science as a foundation for international cooperation in addressing global challenges.

Her intervention emphasizes the role of scientific knowledge in supporting policy and decision-making, the importance of shared international responsibility, and the need to strengthen connections between science, society and governance.

🎥 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/NSzwwP73O1o

📅 New episode released every Wednesday

🎥 VIDEO | Flash Interview – CBRN | Short Talk with an expert
Episode 19 – Dave Fox


🧩 Complex topics. Plural perspectives. Accessible explanations. Short format.

▶️ Watch Episode 19 on our YouTube Channel
👉 https://lnkd.in/drHghaRp

📅 New episode released every Friday


🧪 🦠 ⚛️ 🛡️CBRN issues — Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear risks — are often seen as highly technical or reserved for specialists.
Yet today, they are more critical than ever for public health, safety, and global security.


🎯 This short-video series is designed to help non-specialists understand why these issues matter, while remaining relevant for professionals and complementing more in-depth content shared on ISTC (International Science and Technology Center) channels.


👤 Episode 19
In this episode, David Fox, CEO of Geospatial Insight Limited, explains how satellite imagery and differentiated intelligence products are transforming risk management in the energy and security sectors. With decades of experience leading major geo-information service providers, David discusses the intersection of geospatial technology and global safety. Recorded during the Tashkent workshop, he highlights how precise spatial data can support the monitoring and management of critical infrastructure, providing essential tools for insurance, risk, and capital trading. His perspective demonstrates how "seeing the bigger picture" from space contributes to grounded, actionable security strategies.


⏱️ In a short time, he shares a professional perspective on:
👤 who he is and what brought him to this field
🌍 why CBRN-related issues are critical today
🔍 how preparedness and international coordination strengthen global response
💬 a message to the next generation

📢 PROJECT NEWS | EU Sanctions Seminar in Bishkek

🇪🇺 On 9 June 2026, the European Union will organize a full-day seminar in Bishkek dedicated to EU sanctions, their application, and prevention of possible circumvention practices.

📍 Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
📅 9 June 2026
🗓 Registration deadline: 1 June 2026
▶️ Use the link below for full announcement and registration details
👉https://www.istc.int/news/eu-sanctions-seminar-on-9-june-2026-in-bishkek-kyrgyz-republic

The seminar will bring together experts from the European Commission, EU Member States, international law firms, major financial institutions, and the virtual assets sector.

🤝 Organized with the support of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC), the event is open to private sector representatives interested in strengthening their understanding of EU sanctions frameworks.

📢 PROJECT NEWS | EU CBRN Centre of Excellence Workshop on CBRN Critical Infrastructure Resilience | Tirana, Albania | 5-7 May 2026

From 5 to 7 May 2026, national stakeholders gathered in Tirana to discuss how to strengthen the resilience of CBRN-related critical infrastructures supporting essential services in Albania.

Funded by the European Union, this activity was conducted in the frame of the project Enhance CBRN Critical Infrastructure Protection and (Cyber) Security in South East and Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Middle East, within the EU Global Threats Programme EU in Emergencies

The workshop, implemented by the ISTC (International Science and Technology Center), moved beyond hazard-based approaches to focus on essential functions, systemic dependencies and national consequences, recognising that criticality depends on the impact of disruption on essential services, not on the hazardous nature of materials.

Reflecting Albania's EU candidate country status, the workshop placed particular emphasis on the Seveso III framework as a bridge between industrial safety governance and broader resilience planning — showing how existing EU regulatory logic can support an impact-based approach to CBRN critical infrastructure identification.

Participants applied a structured methodology developed under the project to support prioritisation of protection, cybersecurity and resilience measures:

🔹 LIBAQ (Legislative Implementation Background Questionnaire) – mapping legal frameworks, international obligations and institutional responsibilities relevant to CBRN-related critical infrastructures.

🔹 NIRAT (National Institutional Resilience Assessment Tool) – analysing governance structures, coordination mechanisms and institutional capacities supporting resilience of essential services, aligned with the CER Directive (EU Directive 2022/2557).

🔹 NICAT (National Institutional Cybersecurity Assessment Tool) – assessing cybersecurity governance, policies and capabilities affecting critical infrastructures, aligned with the NIS2 Directive (EU Directive 2022/2555).

🔹 NIRIS (National Infrastructure Risk Intelligence System) – identifying and prioritising infrastructures based on disruption impact on essential functions, combined with Relative Technical Feasibility (RTF) of physical or cyber compromise.

As part of the methodology, AI-generated videos were used as didactic tools to create realistic disruption scenarios, helping participants better understand how RTF can be assessed within NIRIS and support prioritisation based on feasibility of disruption rather than perception alone.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of understanding interdependencies between physical infrastructures, supply chains, digital systems and institutional actors to support structured and evidence-based decision-making.



📸 Photos (© ISTC 2026): Participants and organisers after the workshop opening session.

🎥 VIDEO | Flash Interview – CBRN | Short Talk with an expert
Episode 18 – Zurva Ashraf


🧩 Complex topics. Plural perspectives. Accessible explanations. Short format.

▶️ Watch Episode 18 on our YouTube Channel
👉 https://lnkd.in/ddYKZuq6

📅 New episode released every Friday


🧪 🦠 ⚛️ 🛡️CBRN issues — Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear risks — are often seen as highly technical or reserved for specialists.
Yet today, they are more critical than ever for public health, safety, and global security.

🎯 This short-video series is designed to help non-specialists understand why these issues matter, while remaining relevant for professionals and complementing more in-depth content shared on ISTC (International Science and Technology Center) channels.

👤 Episode 18
In this episode, Zurva Ashraf shares her dual expertise in medical microbiology and laboratory governance. As a Senior Scientific Officer at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad, she leads the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Secretariat. Having completed prestigious fellowships with the World Health Organization and the Fleming Fund, Zurva plays a vital role in bridging the gap between scientific research and national policy. As the Deputy Country Focal Person for EU CBRN CoE projects in Pakistan, she discusses the practical challenges of implementing biosafety protocols and the importance of integrated laboratory networks in detecting and managing biological threats. Her perspective highlights the critical link between daily laboratory excellence and broader national health security.



⏱️ In a short time, he shares a professional perspective on:
👤 who he is and what brought him to this field
🌍 why CBRN-related issues are critical today
🔍 how preparedness and international coordination strengthen global response
💬 a message to the next generation

📢 PROJECT NEWS | Wildfire Preparedness: Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue in Cyprus

🌊🔥 The Mediterranean region is increasingly exposed to extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and fast-evolving wildfires — making regional cooperation more critical than ever.

On 7–8 May 2026, Cyprus hosted the 3rd Euro-Mediterranean Workshop on Wildfire Risks, bringing together civil protection authorities, wildfire experts, senior officials, and international partners from Mediterranean, Arab, Gulf, and European countries.

🤝 Funded by the European Union EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid, the workshop was co-organized by the European Commission, the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026, and the Union for the Mediterranean. As implementing partner of the PPRD Med programme, International Science & Technology Center (ISTC) supported the organization and implementation of the event.

Discussions focused on strengthening prevention, preparedness, and response capacities through advanced and emerging technologies, including satellite and space-based services, AI-supported tools, early warning systems, and real-time situational awareness.

⚡ The workshop also highlighted the importance of regional coordination mechanisms and shared operational approaches, including the role of the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) and the Cyprus Regional Aerial Firefighting Station (CRAFS).

A high-level ministerial segment, including the participation of Commissioner Hadja Lahbib (Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management), reaffirmed the political commitment to stronger regional cooperation in addressing climate-driven risks and large-scale wildfire events.

Mr. Alexandre Custaud, PPRD Med Team Leader, emphasized that “strengthening wildfire resilience across the Euro-Mediterranean region requires not only operational cooperation, but also the accelerated integration of advanced technologies, shared situational awareness, and long-term regional preparedness frameworks capable of addressing increasingly complex climate-driven risks.”

🚀 Participants also expressed strong support for the next phase of PPRD Med, with discussions on expanding regional cooperation and strengthening resilience capacities across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Co-funded by the European Union. The contents of this post are the sole responsibility of ISTC and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EU.

🎥 VIDEO | Flash Interview – CBRN | Short Talk with an expert
Episode 17 – Alexandre Custaud

🧩 Complex topics. Plural perspectives. Accessible explanations. Short format.

▶️ Watch Episode 17 on our YouTube Channel
👉 https://youtu.be/y7NJ9DO106M
📅 New episode released every Friday

🧪 🦠 ⚛️ 🛡️CBRN issues — Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear risks — are often seen as highly technical or reserved for specialists.
Yet today, they are more critical than ever for public health, safety, and global security.

🎯 This short-video series is designed to help non-specialists understand why these issues matter, while remaining relevant for professionals and complementing more in-depth content shared on ISTC (International Science and Technology Center) channels.

👤 Episode 17
In this episode, Alexandre Custaud, Team Leader of EU CBRN CoE Project 101, discusses the growing importance of protecting critical infrastructure against physical, cyber, and hybrid threats. Recorded during a high-level interregional workshop in Tashkent, he explains how Project 101 supports 19 partner countries in strengthening the security and resilience of critical sectors through institutional, operational, and cybersecurity frameworks aligned with European and international standards.

Drawing on extensive experience managing complex EU CBRN Centres of Excellence initiatives across Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Alexandre highlights the need to move beyond traditional hazard-based approaches toward a systemic understanding of critical infrastructure dependencies, vulnerabilities, and interconnections.

Through Project 101, his work focuses on enhancing physical protection, cybersecurity resilience, risk assessment methodologies, and cross-sector coordination to help partner countries better prevent, withstand, and respond to evolving CBRN-related and hybrid threats targeting essential services and infrastructures.

⏱️ In a short time, he shares a professional perspective on:
👤 who he is and what brought him to this field
🌍 why CBRN-related issues are critical today
🔍 how preparedness and international coordination strengthen global response
💬 a message to the next generation

📢 PROJECT NEWS | Strengthening Regional Seismic Cooperation
📍 Tashkent, Uzbekistan | April 25 – May 1, 2026

Seismological experts from Central Asia, the Caucasus, the United States, Canada and international scientific organizations gathered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, for coordinated scientific and technical events aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in earthquake monitoring, seismic hazard assessment, and data exchange.

The activities were supported by the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) under the Seismic Network Expansion in the Caucasus and Central Asia (SNECCA) project, implemented with international partners to enhance regional seismic resilience and technical capacity.

As part of the program, ISTC facilitated participation in the General Assembly of the Asian Seismological Commission (ASC), a platform for exchanging research results, discussing advances in earthquake science, and strengthening professional networks across borders.

Building on this engagement, ISTC organized a technical workshop on April 30, 2026, titled “Seismic Source and Data Processing Techniques in Hazard Assessments,” focused on improving earthquake source characterization and analytical approaches used in hazard studies.

Experts from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan participated in practical sessions covering probabilistic seismic hazard assessment, strong-motion data processing, regional moment tensor inversion, and applications using regional datasets. These sessions strengthened interoperability among national monitoring systems.

On May 1, 2026, project partners convened for a SNECCA coordination meeting to review progress and discuss priorities for future cooperation, including joint trainings and scientific exchanges.

Since its launch, the SNECCA initiative has contributed to modernizing seismic monitoring infrastructure across the region and strengthening professional networks.

The Tashkent events highlighted the importance of sustained international collaboration in addressing shared seismic risks, with ISTC continuing to support capacity building and resilient monitoring systems.

🎉 SPECIAL DAY | Kazakhstan Unity Day

Today, we celebrate Kazakhstan Unity Day, a powerful reminder that our collective strength lies in the peace and harmony between all peoples.

At ISTC, we believe that science is a universal language that transcends borders. By fostering unity and mutual respect among diverse cultures and nations, we create the necessary foundation for global stability and shared progress.

On this symbolic day, we honor the spirit of solidarity that unites our partners and colleagues. Together, we continue to work toward a future where cooperation and peace are the driving forces of scientific innovation.

Happy Unity Day to all!