The use of chemical weapons during the Syrian civil war, the use of toxic chemical agents such as VX and Novichok for targeted assassinations, and disinformation campaigns directed against health and research infrastructure and international scientific cooperation are indicative of the changing nature of chemical and biological security threats. The ChemBio Talks series complements the Black Sea Women in Nuclear Network (BSWN) NucTalks initiative by providing a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on chemical and biological safety and security issues to facilitate exchange and cooperation across the integrated domain of CBRN security risks.

The ChemBio Talks series takes a cross-sectoral approach that aims to bring together a pool of voices and perspectives from science, academia, policy, and civil society for stimulating discussions and networking. The series will facilitate deliberation on current and emerging chemical and biological safety and security challenges on the interface between science, health, and governance. Its overarching objective is to map innovative, sustainable, and inclusive solutions and measures for enhancing resilience against chemical and biological threats by empowering stakeholders, and supporting the transfer of promising practices across sectors and areas of action.