On 5–6 May 2026, representatives of the University of Greenwich participated in the CERIS Workshop Research and Innovation against Illicit Drugs: From Foresight to Operational Impact, organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) in Brussels.
The two-day workshop brought together policymakers, researchers, law enforcement practitioners, EU agencies, civil society organisations and innovation actors to examine how research and innovation can support more effective and coordinated responses to evolving drug-related challenges across Europe.
The event explored a wide range of topics related to illicit drugs and drug trafficking, including foresight and early warning systems, organised crime, forensics, border and customs controls, prevention, youth vulnerability and community resilience. Discussions focused on how EU-funded research can better support operational practice, policymaking and cross-sector cooperation.
Representing BTL-COP during the panel on Drugs, Youth and Society, Professor Jill Jameson highlighted how research insights can be translated into practical tools and collaborative models that support prevention and reduce vulnerability to exploitation. Her contribution also emphasised the importance of ensuring that young people and vulnerable communities are included in these conversations and in the design of research and responses.
This perspective complemented wider discussions at the workshop on bridging research, policy and operational practice, illustrating the importance of socially grounded approaches alongside technological and enforcement responses.
Participation in the workshop provided an important opportunity for BTL-COP representatives to engage with European stakeholders working across security research, policy and operational fields, while contributing the project’s expertise on trust-building, community engagement and preventive approaches.
The CERIS workshop formed part of broader European efforts to strengthen cooperation between research and operational communities and to improve the uptake of research results in addressing evolving security threats.
