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cntrarmscontrol.org
CNTR | Arms Control Research
@cntrarmscontrol.org
470 followers 95 following 120 posts
This is the Cluster for Natural and Technical Science Arms Control Research (CNTR) | Based @prif.org, @tuda.bsky.social and @jlugiessen.bsky.social | Funded by @diplo.de

https://www.cntrarmscontrol.org/
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cntrarmscontrol.org
AI is transforming global security – @mgoettsche.bsky.social, speaker of CNTR, presents the new issue of the CNTR Monitor. Read more on AI in the military, chemistry, biology, and verification in our Monitor. #openaccess
December 1, 2025 at 1:40 PM
cntrarmscontrol.org
Last week we presented our new CNTR Monitor “New Realities of AI in Global Security” with stakeholders in political Berlin. Thank you very much to the Federal Foreign Office @diplo.de and the Ministry of Defense, as well as MPs @sarananni.bsky.social and Ralf Stegner for the productive discussions.
Group of people standing on staircase with publications in their hands Group of people standing in a courtyard with publications in their hands Group of people sitting at a long table with microphones Group of people sitting at a long table with microphones
November 12, 2025 at 12:20 PM
cntrarmscontrol.org
The new CNTR Monitor is here!
We take a look at technological trends with an impact on peace and security. The first half is dedicated to this year's focus topic, “New Realities of AI in Global Security”.
Read online or download here: monitor.cntrarmscontrol.org/en/2025/
#openaccess
Image shows the cover of the CNTR Monitor 2025 with the title "New Realities of AI in Global Security" and the text: CNTR Monitor 2025 - Focus. How artificial intelligence impacts global security: Geopolitics of chip production. AI 'arms race' talk. AI in the military. AI developments in... Biotechnology, Chemistry, Verification. Published on November 6, 2025.
November 6, 2025 at 8:37 AM
cntrarmscontrol.org
Fresh off the press: The new CNTR Monitor will be published on November 6. This year we focus on AI and its impacts on global security: how it's used in the military, dual-use risks of AI applications in biotechnology and chemistry, but also opportunities for verification. Stay tuned!
Stack of boxes with some publications stacked on top of it, the publications have a blue and red cover with a photo of a landscape on it and the title "CNTR Monitor 2025"
October 27, 2025 at 12:51 PM
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Join CNTR!

We are #hiring a researcher on chemical #WeaponsControl (PostDoc in Chemistry). ⚗️
Apply for our Research Group CBW led by @u-jakob.bsky.social & Peter R. Schreiner @prif.org & @jlugiessen.bsky.social ⬇️
www.cntrarmscontrol.org/news/article...
Periodic table of elements with a focus on Plutonium. Foto: Vedrana Filipović via Unsplash.
September 8, 2025 at 12:39 PM
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Exploring new frontiers: The Research Group Science for Nuclear Diplomacy develops new verification methods through nuclear archaeology. Read more about the projects of @fabianunruh.bsky.social & Lukas Rademacher in the new #PRIF Review. ⬇️
review.prif.org/en/2024/doin...
An illustration depicting various elements of nuclear archeaology. It includes scientists in lab coats, laboratory equipment such as beakers and cooling towers, a chalkboard with chemical structures, a nuclear bomb, a computer with a brain graphic on the screen, a network of connected nodes, yellow barrels with the symbol of radioactivity, and industrial pipes.
May 15, 2025 at 12:40 PM
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DNA sequences can be purchased for legitimate uses like research. Screening purchases can help DNA providers to prevent misuse. However, this process is not obligatory for companies everywhere, says @k3kr.bsky.social in the new Fact Sheet. #OpenAccess
www.cntrarmscontrol.org/publications...
Steps in the Screening Process. Three Steps. Step one: Customer. Is the customer legitimate? (known researcheer/lab in the scientific community) Step two: Order. Are there red flags in the order details, e.g. shipping adress, payment, device authorization? Step three: Sequence. Does the ordered sequence pose a biorisk? Does the customer have a legitimate use case and appropriate oversight?
January 20, 2025 at 9:06 AM
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Sequencing methodologies such as Next-Generation Sequencing could serve as part of a verification regime, allowing the detection of unauthorized research activity. Read more on these #biotechnologies in the new Fact Sheet by @k3kr.bsky.social. #OpenAccess
www.cntrarmscontrol.org/publications...
The image describes the step-by-step process of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), starting with the text 'DNA extraction' and an image of a tubule containing cells and an enlarged image of DNA. An arrow points to the next image, which shows scissors cutting DNA and the cut segments of DNA being flattened and lined up. The text above the image reads “Fragmentation of input genomes”. An arrow points to the third image with the text ”Attaching adaptors for barcoding and preparation of a sequencing library”. The image shows adaptors being attached to both sides of the flattened, cut DNA segments. An arrow points to the text “Simultaneous and independent sequencing of millions of fragments”, next to an image of DNA bases sequenced “ATTCG”. The last arrow points to an image of a computer with the text “Bioinformatics: Assembly of sequences, annotation”.
January 16, 2025 at 9:41 AM
cntrarmscontrol.org
“Dual-use risks are emerging from new lines of research within the field of oncolytic viral therapy. Researchers should carefully assess the risks & explore the opportunities for mitigation”, says @k3kr.bsky.social about viral engineering in our Monitor: monitor.cntrarmscontrol.org/en/2024/dual...
Image shows text: CNTR Monitor 2024. Analyses · Biotechnology. Dual-Use Risks of Oncolytic Virus Engineering. Certain biotechnologies have the potential to facilitate pathogen engineering, increasing the risk of large-scale biological events, e.g., major pandemics. This article assesses the dual-use potential of viral engineering using the example of oncolytic viruses. It also offers recommendations for managing the biosecurity risks associated with this research.
January 6, 2025 at 1:30 PM
cntrarmscontrol.org
States have different priorities regarding the use of new technologies for security purposes, say @cyberpeace1.bsky.social @niklasschoernig.bsky.social @liskasuckau.bsky.social & Abdullah Korkusuz examining National Security Strategies. Read our Monitor: monitor.cntrarmscontrol.org/en/2024/a-gl...
Image shows text: CNTR Monitor 2024. Analyses · Emerging Disruptive Technologies. A Global Perspective on New Military Technologies in National Security Strategies. How do states view technology in the context of security policy? A comparative analysis of the national security strategies (NSS) of twelve countries between 2017 and 2023 shows that there are different approaches to how security and technology are conceived. There is both consensus and divergence with respect to relevant technologies, and there are groups of “like-minded” states. NSS tend to take a comprehensive view of security, which is why dual-use technologies, especially in the cyber domain, AI or network technologies, are in focus – either as military resources or as threats. This poses considerable challenges for arms control.
January 2, 2025 at 11:12 AM
cntrarmscontrol.org
Looking for something to read or listen to over the holidays? See the comments below for some recommendations. The CNTR team wishes you relaxing and peaceful holidays. (1/3)
Two doves in front of red backgrop with snowflakes and text "Searching for Peace. Season's Greetings".
December 23, 2024 at 8:04 AM
cntrarmscontrol.org
Recent advances in #biotechnology can be used to safeguard against biological threats. In the CNTR Monitor, @k3kr.bsky.social gives an overview of relevant technologies and possible applications from pathogen detection to genetic engineering attribution. monitor.cntrarmscontrol.org/en/2024/impl...
Image shows text: CNTR Monitor 2024. Trends · Biotechnology. Implications of Technological Advancements for Biosecurity. This chapter explores strategies for safeguarding against biological threats. It begins by examining a selection of pathogen identification methods, providing an overview of their technical capabilities, shortcomings, and underlying principles. The second part of the chapter provides a broader analysis of biological attacks, discussing microbial forensics and the potential of attribution of genetic engineering.
December 18, 2024 at 2:02 PM
cntrarmscontrol.org
AI can help identify actors designing harmful biological agents. But the AI-Bio convergence might also enhance pathogen engineering & other misuse of #AI in life sciences. @k3kr.bsky.social explains how these risks can be mitigated in the CNTR Monitor: monitor.cntrarmscontrol.org/en/2024/tech...
Screenshot of the online publication. On light yellow ground the chapter title "Technological Implications of AI in Biorisk" is written, followed by the text's abstract: AI has increasingly been a topic of discussion in conventional arms control, battlefield management, and data analysis, as seen in contexts such as Ukraine and Gaza. Simultaneously, the growing influence of AI in various fields highlights the need for renewed discussions on policy and governance. This chapter aims to explore the potential implications of the convergence of biological sciences with AI. First, the numerous benefits that can arise at this intersection will be examined (with examples in biodefence and bioweapons/genetic engineering attribution). Then an analysis of the associated risks and suggestions for mitigation will be provided. Though some of these risks could be generalizable across biology and chemistry (e.g., using AI for a molecule/sequence design), this report focuses largely on the biological risks.
December 12, 2024 at 11:34 AM
cntrarmscontrol.org
Why is it so difficult to regulate the emergence & distribution of 3D printed weapons? @liskasuckau.bsky.social explains how online communities & decentralized manufacturers are a dual-use risk of #AdditiveManufacturing. Read more in the CNTR Monitor: monitor.cntrarmscontrol.org/en/2024/addi...
Screenshot of the online publication. On light yellow ground the chapter title "Additive Manufacturing in Warfare" is written, followed by the text's abstract: The following is a brief overview of the dynamics of additive manufacturing (AM) for military purposes as a means of industrial and (unconventional) decentralized production of armaments and equipment. The latter has developed particularly rapidly, both in an industrial setting and in the hobbyist sector, leading to new security risks. Currently, AM is sparsely regulated, and innovative approaches are needed to tackle the challenges of global proliferation of self-manufactured 3D-printed armaments. Moreover, dual-use regulations would make it easier to control the proliferation of industrial machines that are capable of producing security-relevant technology.
December 9, 2024 at 3:42 PM
cntrarmscontrol.org
Small drones disrupt power dynamics & threaten advanced powers with their low cost, rapid advancement & difficulty to counter. “Investment in a broad portfolio of drone defense measures is therefore mandatory”, says @niklasschoernig.bsky.social. Read more: monitor.cntrarmscontrol.org/en/2024/tech...
Screenshot of the online publication. On light yellow ground the chapter title "Technical, Military, and Political Developments in the Field of Drones" is written, followed by the text's abstract: Today’s wars are increasingly characterized by the vital role played by drones. The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 and the war in Ukraine are often apostrophized as “drone wars.” Yet, the full scope of operations that will be possible with the latest and especially future generations of drones is only just beginning to emerge. There is, however, some confusion surrounding the term “drone,” as many different types are subsumed under it. In this chapter, a technical distinction is first made between different types of drone before outlining the new military possibilities and future developments.
December 5, 2024 at 11:04 AM
cntrarmscontrol.org
“AI is seen by military actors as an enabling technology that optimizes existing applications or allows operational expansion”, says @cyberpeace1.bsky.social. But its black-box character poses risks too. Read more in our Monitor:
monitor.cntrarmscontrol.org/en/2024/arti...
Screenshot of the online publication. On light yellow ground the chapter title "Artificial intelligence, semiconductors and the military" is written, followed by the text's abstract.
December 2, 2024 at 3:35 PM
cntrarmscontrol.org
Join CNTR!
We are #hiring researchers in nuclear #NonProliferation (PhD positions in physics, PostDoc in physics or social sciences).
Apply for our Research Group Science for Nuclear Diplomacy led by @mgoettsche.bsky.social @tuda.bsky.social & @prif.org.
www.cntrarmscontrol.org/news/snd-vac...
Image shows text: We are hiring! Researchers (PhD/PostDoc) Science for Nuclear Diplomacy. In the corner there is a nuclear icon and an icon of a magnifying glass with a checkmark.
November 27, 2024 at 7:53 AM
cntrarmscontrol.org
How have nuclear weapons and biological, chemical, and radiological threats affected Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, and how might they affect its future trajectory? We were delighted to discuss these issues today with Dr. Philipp C. Bleek from Middlebury Institute. Thanks for visiting PRIF!
Five people standing in front of three roll-ups
November 26, 2024 at 1:03 PM
cntrarmscontrol.org
An important part of our work is to discuss our research with policymakers. Last week, we launched our first CNTR Monitor at the Foreign Office in Berlin and also had the pleasure of meeting with the Ministry of Education and Research (virtually), and the Ministry of Defense.
Group of people in front of the German Federal Foreign Office Group of people sitting at a table Group of people holding up books in a courtyard
November 25, 2024 at 9:35 AM
cntrarmscontrol.org
Yesterday we had the pleasure of launching the first issue of our CNTR Monitor at the Federal Foreign Office @diplo.de. Thank you for welcoming us – we are looking forward to continuing the dialogue.
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November 22, 2024 at 9:48 AM
cntrarmscontrol.org
The first issue of our CNTR Monitor on technology and arms control is here!
Under the title “Perspectives on Dual Use”, we take a look at trends with an impact on peace and security.
CNTR Monitor is available in English and German at monitor.cntrarmscontrol.org/en/2024/
Image shows the cover of the publication CNTR Monitor 2024 with the title "Perspectives on Dual Use", the CNTR logo and a picture. The picture shows different images in the form of rays: a person with a microscope, a person in a radiation protection suit, a flying drone, a large cloud of smoke, a shelf full of medication and a computer chip. Superimposed on the images is the Earth's grid of degrees with various icons: a computer with crosshairs, a magnifying glass with a hook, an Erlenmayer flask, a DNA strand, a drone, an atom, 3D printing, a satellite and artificial intelligence.
November 21, 2024 at 8:32 AM
cntrarmscontrol.org
Tomorrow we will publish the first issue of our CNTR Monitor “Perspectives on Dual Use”! It provides an overview of technological trends affecting peace and security as well as in-depth analysis of selected topics.
The CNTR Monitor is an #OpenAccess publication available in English and German.
Image shows the cover of the publication CNTR Monitor 2024 with the title "Perspectives on Dual Use", the CNTR logo and a picture. The picture shows different images in the form of rays: a person with a microscope, a person in a radiation protection suit, a flying drone, a large cloud of smoke, a shelf full of medication and a computer chip. Superimposed on the images is the Earth's grid of degrees with various icons: a computer with crosshairs, a magnifying glass with a hook, an Erlenmayer flask, a DNA strand, a drone, an atom, 3D printing, a satellite and artificial intelligence. Next to the cover there is the text: CNTR Monitor 2024. Trends: Artificial Intelligence, Drones, Additive Manufacturing, Biotechnology. Analyses: Emerging Disruptive Technologies in Security Strategies. Dual-use risks of Oncolytic Virus Engineering. Published on November 21, 2024
November 20, 2024 at 12:20 PM
cntrarmscontrol.org
Fresh off the press: The first issue of our CNTR Monitor will be published in a week's time. This year's focus is on different perspectives on the topic of dual use. Technological trends we are looking at include AI, 3D printing, drones and advances in biotechnology. Stay tuned!
Three brochures with orange and blue covers with several icons and the text "CNTR Monitor Technologie und Rüstungskontrolle 2024. Perspektiven auf Dual Use"
November 14, 2024 at 1:40 PM
cntrarmscontrol.org
Ein neuer Kalter Krieg? Nukleare Bedrohungsszenarien und Krise der Rüstungskontrolle: Welche Chancen gibt es noch & was können die Naturwissenschaften beitragen?
Podiumsdiskussion gestern mit @mgoettsche.bsky.social, Michael Gahler, Hermann Wentker & Agnes von Bressensdorf.
Mann und Frau mit Mikrofonen auf Podium
November 8, 2024 at 10:53 AM
cntrarmscontrol.org
Wie kann #KI dabei helfen, die Rüstungskontrolle zu stärken und Sicherheitsrisiken zu mindern?
Ein paar Eindrücke von unserem Deep Dive Forum bei der #BerlinScienceWeek24 mit @niklasschoernig.bsky.social, @fabianunruh.bsky.social und Laura Bannan-Fischer.
Drei Personen auf Podium Drei Personen auf Podium
November 4, 2024 at 4:54 PM