Robots, Underdogs, and DARPA’s Grand Challenges
2023-12-15 12:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Berlin) | Berlin-Mitte, Berlin, 10117, Deutschland
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Even when researchers are not sitting in an ivory tower, it is a challenge to translate the results of research into marketable products. The BIGS has been involved in projects with great results that were not subsequently brought to market maturity. We are therefore delighted to welcome Chris Hayter, a proven expert in the field of innovation policy, for a pizza seminar. Chris Hayter is Associate Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology (GeorgiaTech) and conducts research on innovation policy and entrepreneurship at universities. In this context, he also examined the role of DARPA.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) finances and coordinates research projects for the US armed forces, from which civilian applications are often derived. Well-known research institutes, companies and universities take part in the competitions organized by DARPA, as well as lesser-known teams and start-ups. This was the case in the Grand Challenges in 2004, 2005 and 2007, where the task was to send an autonomous vehicle on a race through the desert and an urban environment.
In this PizzaSeminar, Chris Hayter will give an insight into how the Grand Challenges have shaped the research field of autonomous driving and what lessons can be learned from them for research and innovation policy, perhaps also for Germany and its numerous funding agencies. The language of this PizzaSeminar is English, participation is possible in person or via Zoom. Please register via the link above.

About the speaker:
Chris Hayter is an Associate Professor with the School of Public Policy at the Georgia Institute of Technology. His research focuses on entrepreneurship within universities and its social and commercial impact, career transitions among university postdocs, and the effectiveness of entrepreneurship and technology development policies and programs. Chris is also co-founder of Tractiv, a software startup that solves for security-related data transmission issues in the financial services and media industries. Prior to coming to Georgia Tech, he spent nine years at the Arizona State University School of Public Affairs. For 15 years he also served as a science and entrepreneurship policy advisor with organizations such as the National Academies, Council of Competitiveness, National Governors Association, and New York Academy of Sciences. Chris received his PhD from George Washington University and is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Dynamics of the Global Arms Trade: Between National Security, Economic Interests, and International Norms
2024-05-27 12:00 - 14:00 | Berlin-Mitte, Berlin, 10117, Deutschland
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Arms exports (as well as imports) are a constant topic of controversy in German politics, combining economic logic, foreign policy considerations and ethical aspects. Following the proclamation of the “Zeitenwende”, the topic has undergone a realignment. In this PizzaSeminar we are therefore going to take a closer look at the complex dynamics of the international arms trade. Adelaide Baronchelli, Assistant Professor at the University of Turin, will present the results of her latest research on this topic and provide additional insights into the significant ramifications of the arms trade on global security, including its implications for interstate conflicts, civil unrest and governmental stability. Moreover, she will explain the complexities of arms control regulations and how major exporters comply with international norms.
We look forward to discussing this important and current topic with you on 27 May. The PizzaSeminar will be held in English this time, participation is possible both on site and digitally.

About the Speaker:
Adelaide Baronchelli is an assistant professor at the Department of Economics and Statistics “Cognetti de Martiis”, University of Turin. She took a MSc in Economics at the University of Essex and a Ph.D in Institutions and Policies from the Catholic University of Milan. Her research interests are in Peace Economics, International Economics and Political Economy. Her recent works are about the impact of arms embargoes on the international trade of small arms and on the interplay between the arms trade and US foreign policy.

The Security Situation in Ukraine: Lessons for Foreign Investments
2024-09-16 12:00 - 14:00 | Berlin-Mitte, Berlin, 10117, Deutschland
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Since the start of this year, BIGS has been a partner in the Horizon Europe project CEDAR, which aims to provide “Common European Data Spaces and Robust AI for Transparent Public Governance”. One of the three case studies of the project deals with the “Transparent Management of Foreign Aid for Rebuilding Ukraine” and serves as the occasion for our next PizzaSeminar.
We look forward to welcoming our Ukrainian project partners from SK Security, YouControl and Save Ukraine 2030 to Berlin on 16 September. In addition to insights into their work at CEDAR, they will present the current security and political situation in Ukraine and talk about the challenges and potential for foreign investment. Legal aspects and the security of investments will also be discussed. Following the presentations there will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.
As usual, the PizzaSeminar will take place on the premises of IABG at Friedrichstraße 185 in Berlin Mitte. The event will be held in English. If you are interested, please register via the link above.

About the Speakers:
Olena Sukmanova, Supervisory Board Member of Safe Ukraine 2030 and Partner at Sayenko Kharenko
Olena Sukmanova heads Sayenko Kharenko’s litigation practice and has over 20 years of experience in resolving complex legal disputes and conflicts. Her specialties include anti-raiding and the protection of business and foreign investments. Before joining Sayenko Kharenko, Olena held senior positions in major banks and industrial holdings and served as the First Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine. In this role, she worked on EU integration, negotiated EU macro-financial assistance, and developed proposals in the areas of justice, freedom, and security. Olena is also a member of the Supervisory Board of Safe Ukraine 2030, an NGO focused on developing capacities and capabilities for security and justice and promoting the implementation of EU standards in the Ukrainian security sector. An active speaker and participant in professional and business events, Olena is recognized as an influential opinion leader.

Daniel Globa, Deputy Director for Legal Affairs, YouControl
Daniel Globa is an accomplished legal professional with over two decades of experience in commercial and civil law, tax law, intellectual property law, and labor law. He currently serves as the Deputy Director for Legal Affairs at YouControl, Ukraine’s leading provider of open data analytics solutions. Previously, Daniel held various positions in business associations and government agencies, focusing on drafting and monitoring legislation and providing legal advice. His previous roles include Head of Department at the Supreme Administrative Court of Ukraine and Head of the Legislative Drafting Department at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. Daniel is also a war veteran who served in the Ukrainian Armed Forces after 2022. He holds a Master’s Degree in Foreign Affairs from the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine, a Master’s Degree in Law from the National Academy of Management, and a Specialist’s Degree in Law from Kyiv National University. His extensive legal background and diverse experience make him a valuable asset in any defense and security-related discussion.

Viktor Drobotenko, CEO, SK Security
Viktor Drobotenko is a retired police colonel and seasoned security professional with extensive experience in both the public and private security sectors. He spent a significant part of his career in international peacekeeping operations under the UN umbrella and concluded his law enforcement career by coordinating international cooperation in the prevention and investigation of transnational organized cybercrime with the Ukrainian Cyberpolice. For the past five years, Viktor has been leading SK Security, a prominent Ukrainian security consulting company specializing in security situation monitoring and forecasting, corporate intelligence, and investigations. With a deep knowledge of the latest developments in information technologies, Viktor is passionate about modern technology applications in security. His extensive network of contacts in defense, public/private security, and business sectors provides him with a comprehensive understanding of Ukraine’s security situation and insights from the ongoing conflict. Viktor shares his expertise at various business and professional events, discussions, and awareness training sessions.

Foreign Investments to Ukraine: Transparent Business Practices
2024-12-04 12:00 - 14:00 | Online
In September, BIGS organised a PizzaSeminar in Berlin to discuss the security situation in Ukraine and the lessons for foreign investments with our Ukrainian CEDAR partners. Due to the high interest in this topic and some requests to learn more about the tools of our partner organisations, we want to offer the possibility for YouControl to present their solution in more detail to the BIGS community. YouControl is a Ukrainian company that develops open-data solutions for screening businesses and individuals. It allows the user to verify not only Ukrainian counterparts but also to investige connections and to identify ultimate beneficial owners. The event will focus on tools for background checks on business partners, screening procedures for companies as well as business and journalistic investigations.
Join us on December 4th for a discussion on conducting transparent and secure business operations with Ukraine and beyond. Gain insights into the solution offered by YouControl and as always we will have plenty of time for questions. Working language of the event is English.

Register here

About the speaker:

Mykhailo Horobtsov, Chief Product Officer at YouControl
Mykhailo Horobtsov is a seasoned professional with a solid product management background and a proven track record in various international and Ukrainian IT companies. During the last 14 years of industry experience, his career has been a testament to his versatility, as he has developed and managed digital products with various business models, from subscription-based and one-time purchases to web and mobile apps and even ecosystems. For the last 3+ years, he let his teams release 8 open data based products and transform YouControl into the product ecosystem, which includes compliance, background checks, connections, and KYC and KYB solutions. Mykhailo is a Google for Startups alumni and holds a Master’s degree in International Economics. Mykhailo is an open data solutions and product management mentor for various startups and acceleration programs. He is also a Product Management lecturer and course author at Projector Institute.

Disinformation, Political Extremism and the Costs – An econometric analysis within the FERMI project
2025-06-11 12:00 - 14:00 | Berlin-Mitte, Berlin, 10117, Deutschland
The number of politically motivated crimes (politisch motivierte Kriminalität, PMK) in Germany is on the rise. The German Ministry of the Interior’s recently presented figures point towards a sharp increase across the entire spectrum of the phenomenon. But is there a link between politically motivated crime and disinformation? And if so, what are the effects? The FERMI* project investigates the connection between disinformation and political extremism by analysing the offline risks of disinformation. As part of this project, BIGS has analysed the economic consequences of political extremism in several European countries.
In our next PizzaSeminar, following an introduction to the FERMI platform developed within the project given by Dr. Tobias Mattes, Dr. Adelaide Baronchelli will present the methodology and the results of the econometric analysis. The discussion focuses on how extremism—particularly in the form of extremist crimes—can be measured and integrated into a within country analysis. Using Germany and Spain as reference cases, the seminar outlines the approach adopted within the FERMI project to construct a comparative dataset and explore how political extremism may influence economic welfare.
This PizzaSeminar will take place in English. Participation is possible both in person in Berlin Friedrichstraße and online. Please register via the button below.

Register here

*The Horizon Europe project FERMI develops a framework to detect and monitor the way that Disinformation spreads, both in terms of locations and within different segments of the society, and supports Police Authorities to put in place relevant security countermeasures. Within the project, BIGS focuses on a methodology to make the costs associated with disinformation and its most visible effects in the form of extremism, more transparent and predictable.

About the speakers:
Dr. Adelaide Baronchelli is Senior Research Fellow at BIGS, where she works mainly on the Horizon Europe projects FERMI and CEDAR. Prior to this, she has been an assistant professor at the Department of Economics and Statistics at the University of Turin and was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Verona. She obtained an MSc in Economics from the University of Essex and a Ph.D. in Institutions and Policies from the Catholic University of Milan.

Dr. Tobias Mattes is an experienced Police Officer and Researcher. He has been a Bavarian State Police (BSP) Officer since 1999. Between 2007 and 2009 he completed his studies at the University of Applied Sciences for Legal Administration and Legal Affairs Bavaria (Department Police Management and Policing) (BayHfoeD). Later he studied at the German Police University (DHPol), completing the courses in 2018 with a focus on Cybercrime, Radicalization and Extremism. As scientific researcher he is participating and coordinating several Horizon Europe and ISF projects and is member of the Security Advisory Board of the EU projects FERMI, Perivallion and RESONANT. Since 2019 he holds the rank of Chief-Superintendent in the BSP and leads a criminal police department. Further he holds a PhD in the field of Radicalisation and Counterterrorism.

FERMI Final Conference
2025-09-16 09:00 - 16:00 | Berlin-Mitte, Berlin, 10117, Deutschland
For most of us, disinformation seems to be largely an online phenomenon encountered on social media platforms and dubious news sites. However, for law enforcement agencies, the effects of online disinformation can also be seen in offline crimes, such as when false information is used to incite physical violence.
Horizon Europe project FERMI (Fake News Risk Mitigator) examined the nexus between disinformation and crime and developed a set of tools aimed to support law-enforcement agencies in curbing criminal actions resulting from the spread of false messaging by violent extremists. After three years of intense work the project is coming to an end, and we are pleased to invite you to attend the
FERMI Final Conference
on September 16th, 2025,
9am – 4pm
at Humboldt University,
Unter den Linden 6, 10117 Berlin.
In three panels, leading experts from academia, technical partners and end-users will present not only the main results of the Fermi project but also insights into technology-driven solutions and the challenges facing practitioners. The agenda can be accessed here.
Participation is possible both in person and online. Please register until September 12th via the link below.

Register here

About the project:
The Horizon Europe project FERMI developd a framework to detect and monitor the way that disinformation spreads, both in terms of locations and within different segments of the society, and supports Police Authorities to put in place relevant security countermeasures. Within the project, BIGS focused on a methodology to make the costs associated with disinformation and its most visible effects in the form of extremism, more transparent and predictable.

The Effect of Terrorism on Public Attitudes and Individual Well-Being in Great Britain
2025-09-18 12:00 - 14:00
How do terrorist attacks make us feel? Beyond the immediate victims and their loved ones, these events often trigger strong emotional and political reactions across society. Not without reason: The aim of terrorist acts is by definition to coerce a response – a change in policy or a change in behaviour – to advance the chosen cause. Yet, the emotional effect on the population has received surprisingly little attention.
In our upcoming PizzaSeminar, Vincenzo Bove, Professor at the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, will present research into the emotional and social consequences of terrorism in Great Britain. His presentation will address how major attacks lead to sharp emotional shifts that spill over into attitudes about issues such as security and immigration. These findings provide an important window into how psychological responses shape public opinion and influence policy debates long after the attacks themselves. The seminar will explore the mechanisms behind these changes and together we will discuss what they mean for resilience and democratic discourse.
The Pizza Seminar is part of our FERMI project, in which we aim to measure the effects of disinformation. The PizzaSeminar will be held in English, participation is possible both in person in Berlin-Mitte, Friedrichstraße 185 and online. As usual, there will be time for questions and discussion after the presentation. Please register via the button below.

Register Here

About the speaker:
Vincenzo Bove is Professor of Economics at the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca. He is also Honorary Professor in the Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS) at the University of Warwick and RAND Europe Associate. His research expertise lies in the fields of political economy and conflict resolution. His current research interests include civil-military relations, defence economics, international migration, military interventions, UN peacekeeping operations and terrorism. His research has been funded by the AXA Research Fund, the British Academy, the Economic and Social Research Council, the Folke Bernadotte Academy and the Swedish Research Council.
