On 30 June 2026, the University of Rome Tor Vergata celebrated another important milestone for its International Master Courses in Protection Against CBRNe Events, as students from the 8th Edition of the First-Level International Master and the 14th Edition of the Second-Level International Master successfully defended their final theses.
The thesis defence session represented the culmination of an intensive academic and professional journey, during which students developed advanced knowledge and operational competencies in the fields of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and explosive (CBRNe) risk management. The research projects reflected the multidisciplinary nature of the Master's programmes, addressing topics ranging from hazardous materials response and nuclear safety to public health, biological threats, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency preparedness.
First-Level International Master Course
Students of the 8th Edition presented the following theses:
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Majed Alkaabi (Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, United Arab Emirates) – "Hazmat Incident Response and Risk Assessment"
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Pierfrancesco Cencioni (7th CBRN Defence Regiment "Cremona", Italian Army) – "The Support of CBRN MERT Team to First Responders in the Management of CBRNe Events"
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Riccardo Refrigeri (7th CBRN Defence Regiment "Cremona", Italian Army) – "The Fundamental Role of Forensic Sampling and the First Responder in the CBRN Field"
The projects highlighted the importance of strengthening operational response capabilities, supporting first responders, improving forensic procedures, and enhancing hazardous materials management during CBRNe emergencies.
Second-Level International Master Course
Students of the 14th Edition defended the following theses:
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Ahmed Mohamed Alharthi (Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, United Arab Emirates) – "Enhancing the CBRN Preparedness and Critical Infrastructure – The Role of Operator Training, Standardized Equipment and Early Detection Technologies"
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Mohamed Al Menhali (Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, United Arab Emirates) – "CBRNe Emergencies, Fragile Population and Public Health: Lessons Learned from COVID-19"
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Hamad Alrashdi (Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, United Arab Emirates) – "Risk Analysis and Safety Assessment of Nuclear Waste Repository"
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Eugeniu Paladi (European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence – Project 100) – "Emerging and Re-emerging Biological Threats in Southeast and Eastern Europe"
These research projects addressed strategic priorities for the international CBRNe community, including critical infrastructure protection, operator training, nuclear safety, public health resilience, radioactive waste management, and emerging biological risks, demonstrating the students' ability to integrate scientific research with practical applications relevant to national and international security.
The international composition of the graduating class once again underlined the global dimension of the International Master Courses. Students represented leading organizations such as the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, the Italian Army's 7th CBRN Defence Regiment "Cremona", and the European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative, creating an exceptional environment for the exchange of operational experience, scientific knowledge, and international best practices.
The thesis defence committee was chaired by Prof. Andrea Malizia, Director of the International Master Courses in Protection Against CBRNe Events. He congratulated all candidates for the high scientific quality of their work, emphasizing that the diversity of the research topics reflects the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of modern CBRNe preparedness and response.
The committee also included the Master's Academic Coordinators, Dr. Colomba Russo and Dr. Alba Iannotti, together with Dr. Laura Zambelli and Dr. Sabrina Rao, whose academic supervision and continuous support accompanied the students throughout the development of their research projects.
The University of Rome Tor Vergata warmly congratulates all graduates on reaching this important academic achievement. Their successful thesis defences represent not only the completion of a demanding educational programme but also the beginning of a new professional chapter in which they will contribute to strengthening preparedness, prevention, response, and resilience against CBRNe threats within their respective organizations and countries.
The International Master Courses in Protection Against CBRNe Events continue to educate highly qualified professionals through a unique combination of scientific excellence, operational expertise, international cooperation, and close collaboration with governmental institutions, defence organizations, civil protection authorities, research centres, and industry. The achievements of this year's graduates once again confirm the programme's mission of preparing the next generation of international CBRNe experts capable of addressing the complex security challenges of an ever-evolving global environment.
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