Who will be the first ones to receive medical care if a city is subject to a chemical or biological disaster? What are al-Qaeda’s capabilities when it comes to chemical or biological warfare? What would we do if a train filled with chlorine derails just outside Gothenburg? These questions and many more will be discussed and answered during the CBW Protection Symposium in Gothenburg, May 22-25.

For the 9th time, researchers from all over the world gather to discuss the latest research findings within the field of protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear warfare (CBRN). This year’s event, which is taking place at the Swedish Exhibition Centre, gathers approximately 900 participants, about 100 companies and 82 speakers from 45 countries. Examples of topics are CBRN related crisis management, the preparedness for the threat of CBRN terrorism, development of new or improved aids for medical countermeasures as well as protection of individuals and decontamination. In addition to the various national initiatives that will be presented, there will also be a focus on international collaboration. For example, NATO’s view on CBRN terrorism and the EU’s work on protection against biological warfare will be presented during the symposium.

Over the years, the symposium’s programme has gone from a primary military focus to the current focus on both armed forces and civilians. An example is Gudrun Cassel, a researcher at the Swedish Defence Research Agency, who will talk about her research regarding the derailment with tank wagons filled with chlorine in Kungsbacka, a suburb to Gothenburg, two years ago. Cassel will talk about what happened, what could have happened and also how the community has prepared for these types of accidents. You will also have the opportunity to listen to Anne Stenerssen from FFI, Forsvarets Forskningsinstitutt in Norway. Stenerssen has researched the discussions and manuals that Jihadists have established online, and she will talk about al-Qaeda and their capabilities when it comes to chemical and biological terrorist attacks.

– In spite of the fact that the world has changed since the very first symposium in 1983, the threat from chemical or biological disasters has not diminished but rather increased, says Madelene Sandström, Director General, Swedish Defence Research Agency. In order to be able to increase safety, researchers and companies must collaborate across international borders and this is where the CBW symposium has an important role. Due to Sweden’s qualifications in this field, we have the possibility to create a meeting place where international researchers and companies have the opportunity to meet and exchange experiences and ideas.