The students of the International Master Course in Protection against CBRNe Events – First Level (for First Responders) recently completed a joint one-week training program organized as part of both the Master curriculum and the EU-funded SPARKUP Project – Strengthening CBRNE Talent Development and Cross-Sector Innovation for a Safer Future (www.sparkup-project.eu). The training was hosted at the Faculty of Forensic Sciences and Engineering, University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies in Belgrade.
The program began with an introduction to biological and radiological/nuclear risks, followed by highly practical and scenario-based exercises. Students worked in rotating teams across three operational settings:
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Forensic laboratory activities, including evidence analysis and in vitro procedures.
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Field exercises in the University’s tactical training area.
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Sampling operations in a simulated food-poisoning case inside a restaurant.
The teams consolidated their findings in a crime scene forensics module, performing evidence collection, photographic documentation, and laboratory analysis. Additional modules covered donning and doffing procedures in contaminated areas, biological risk awareness through bacterial culturing for potential misuse, and a field visit to the Nuclear Facility of Serbia (Vinča Institute).
At Vinča, participants explored nuclear detection instruments, a mobile laboratory, and a radioactive waste storage facility, engaging in hands-on training with calibration sources under expert guidance.
The week concluded with a certificate ceremony, celebrating the students’ achievements and reinforcing the importance of cross-sector training in CBRNe preparedness.
Lectures and practical sessions were delivered by distinguished faculty members: Prof. Gvodzen Tasic, Dr. Ana Brankovic, Dr. Ana Torodovic, and Dr. Dunja Drakulic, supported by assistants Ana Cumbo and Sara Petkovic.
The Master students were accompanied by Dr. Alba Iannotti, Didactic Coordinator of the First Level Master in CBRNe Protection, ensuring academic alignment and knowledge transfer throughout the module.
A special thanks goes to the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies in Belgrade for hosting the event, and in particular to Prof. Tasic and Dr. Brankovic for their outstanding support and collaboration.
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