Science-Policy Visiting Fellow - Emerging tech and verification processes; BWC​/UNODA​/UNIDIR

About the Role

Only candidates from the Global South may apply.

This Science-Policy Visiting Fellowship is part of a joint initiative between UNU-CPR and the Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI) to strengthen the science‑policy interface in Geneva, connecting scientists, research institutions, and private sector actors to the diplomatic community. The project was launched in 2025, with a series of science‑policy briefings.

In 2026‑2027, UNU‑CPR and GSPI offer opportunities for greater Global South engagement in the research and policy processes in International Geneva by hosting two Visiting Fellows from the Global South to work on research projects at the intersection of science and policy.

Two projects were identified in discussions with actors from the Geneva UN ecosystem. The present Science‑Policy Visiting Fellowship will support one of these projects: "Exploratory research on emerging technologies and biorisk monitoring with the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)."

The BWC prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of biological weapons. The Convention is currently undergoing discussions in the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention, where States Parties are considering measures and institutional arrangements to strengthen the Convention, including possible mechanisms on science and technology, international cooperation and assistance, and a potential Open‑Ended Working Group on compliance and verification.

At the same time, advances in emerging technologies (including artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, advanced sensing, data analytics, quantum technologies, and distributed systems such as blockchain) are reshaping both the biological risk landscape and the technical possibilities for monitoring relevant activities.

This fellowship would focus on exploring how such technologies could contribute to compliance and verification in the BWC context, while bringing Global South perspectives on biosecurity governance.

UNU‑CPR and GSPI value collaborative, entrepreneurial researchers who are comfortable engaging with diverse stakeholders across the diplomatic, scientific, and NGO communities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please note that this is a full‑time position based in Geneva requiring a minimum number of days in the office and availability for in‑person meetings. Work from a remote location is not possible. UNU‑CPR and GSPI will support visa application and travel costs.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Office, UNU‑CPR Geneva, the Visiting Fellow will have the following responsibilities:

• Research and Analysis
  • Develop an analytical, policy‑relevant report on how emerging technologies could contribute to compliance and verification in the context of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).
  • Identify emerging technologies relevant to compliance and verification.
  • Assess the opportunities, limitations, and risks of applying these technologies across verification functions, including technical, political, and ethical dimensions.
  • Review and assess findings from previous research efforts in this domain, in the academic and policy domains, in light of current technological developments.
  • Formulate concrete and forward‑looking policy recommendations, including potential technical tools and methodologies that could support future‑verification‑related approaches.
• Science‑Policy Engagement
  • Engage directly with disarmament actors in Geneva, including UNODA, UNIDIR, and the BWC Working Group processes, providing targeted briefings and presentations to inform ongoing discussions on the strengthening of the Convention.
  • Organize and facilitate 1–2 workshops bringing together scientific experts, diplomats, and civil society actors to present and refine research findings, engaging with Geneva's broader science‑policy community.
  • Attend other workshops and events as appropriate.
• Knowledge Development
  • Develop a relevant academic article building on the fellowship research.
  • Contribute to internal knowledge‑sharing and collaborative activities within UNU‑CPR and GSPI.
  • Support the…