Evidence in Action: Workshop Addresses CBRN Disinformation Challenges

Simulation Workshop Tackles Critical Challenge of Misinformation in CBRN Security Crises

A groundbreaking mini-workshop will address one of the most pressing challenges in national security: how experts and decision-makers process complex information during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies when facts are uncertain and time is limited.

The EVIDENCE Network, a leading cross-disciplinary security research initiative, has designed an interactive simulation that will immerse participants in scenarios where misinformation and disinformation complicate crisis response. The workshop aims to prepare professionals for the increasingly complex information environment surrounding CBRN threats.

“In today’s hyperconnected world, the spread of false or misleading information during a crisis can have devastating consequences,” said a spokesperson for the EVIDENCE Network. “Our workshop creates a controlled environment where participants can experience these challenges firsthand and develop strategies to address them effectively.”

During the simulation, attendees will be organized into multidisciplinary teams reflecting the diverse agencies and expertise typically involved in CBRN emergency response. They will navigate a carefully crafted scenario where information quality varies, sources conflict, and credibility must be quickly assessed despite incomplete evidence.

The exercise mirrors real-world situations where social media, official communications, intelligence reports, and scientific data create a complex information ecosystem that crisis managers must navigate while making time-sensitive decisions. Participants will be challenged to distinguish between misinformation (accidentally false information) and disinformation (deliberately deceptive content) while formulating response strategies.

CBRN threats represent some of the most complex security challenges facing governments and international organizations. Whether from state actors, terrorist groups, or industrial accidents, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents require specialized knowledge and coordinated responses across multiple agencies. The role of accurate information in these scenarios cannot be overstated.

Security analysts note that the workshop comes at a critical time. Recent years have seen increasing concerns about state-sponsored disinformation campaigns specifically targeting crisis response capabilities. Meanwhile, the rapid spread of unverified information through social media can complicate public messaging during emergencies.

“The ability to quickly assess information credibility during a CBRN incident can literally mean the difference between life and death,” said a senior security expert familiar with the workshop’s design. “Decision-makers need practical experience dealing with information disorder before they face it in a real crisis.”

Beyond the simulation itself, the workshop will emphasize cross-disciplinary approaches to evidence assessment. Participants will gain insight into how different professional backgrounds—from intelligence analysis and public health to science and emergency management—approach the same information with different methodologies and perspectives.

The organizers emphasize that building these collaborative skills is crucial for effective crisis response. By experiencing the challenges together in a controlled environment, participants develop mutual understanding and trust that can transfer to real emergency situations.

The EVIDENCE Network has established itself as a pioneer in developing innovative training approaches for security professionals. Its work bridges academic research with practical applications for government agencies, international organizations, and the private sector.

The catered event will accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies for participants who notify organizers in advance. Those interested in attending or learning more about the workshop can contact the team directly at evidence@kcl.ac.uk.

As information warfare and manipulation techniques grow more sophisticated, exercises like this represent an important evolution in security training—moving beyond technical responses to CBRN threats to address the equally critical challenge of maintaining information integrity during crisis situations.