Arms control B
The Arms Control position within the Biology Section of the SPIEZ LABORATORY focuses on disarmament, arms control and export control issues of biological weapons and dual use items. Responsibilities include implementation of and compliance with the relevant multilateral treaties, such as the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) and the Australia Group (AG) export control regime. The Arms Control places emphasis on providing expert advice to Swiss delegations in international negotiations, as well as to national authorities entrusted with the implementation of treaties.
The Arms Control takes part in negotiations on the BTWC to provide expert advice for its implementation and participates in different initiatives with the goal to improve and comply with the convention. In particular, the Arms Control ensures the annual reporting of Switzerland to the BTWC within the framework of the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs). In addition, the Arms Control takes part in negotiations on the AG and supports national authorities with expert advice in regard to the implementation of and compliance with the different export control regimes (AG, OPCW, WA, MTCR, NSG). Previously, the Arms Control took part in international UN-led missions engaged in disarmament and arms control (UNO, UNSCOM, UNMOVIC) and will remain at the disposal of such entities to fulfill similar tasks also in the future.
The Arms Control is also concerned with strategic tasks related to biological research at the SPIEZ LABORATORY. Emphasis is placed on the stimulation of the core area of research and development by boosting basic research activities in the new containment facility. To this end, the Arms Control develops research strategies and is concerned about administrative tasks, such as the coordination of research partners and the acquisition of funds. In addition to the annual reporting of the research projects, the Arms Control also assumes academic activities by actively taking part in the scientific community (publications, presentations, conferences, peer-reviewing activities) and is keen to expand the existing scientific network.
 Dr. Cédric Invernizzi |