Study Visit at the University of Žilina (Slovakia)

The second study visit within the UNICOPS project was successfully completed at the University of Žilina (UNIZA) in Žilina, Slovakia, on September 9, 2025. The visit formed part of the broader effort to evaluate and enhance the resilience of higher education institutions in relation to potential CBRNE threats.

The primary goal of the visit was to assess the university’s preparedness and compliance with national and international standards concerning safety and crisis management. The evaluation also focused on identifying both strengths and areas for improvement within existing security systems. Specific attention was given to factors such as the design and location of buildings, the performance and training of security personnel, the quality of surveillance infrastructure, and the awareness and behavior of students and staff in emergency contexts.

In addition, the study visit aimed to review institutional procedures and staff training related to the detection, prevention, and response to CBRNE incidents. This included an analysis of the university’s readiness to handle potential threats and its ability to respond effectively in emergency situations. The visit also provided an opportunity to identify vulnerabilities and share examples of best practices, contributing to improved risk mitigation strategies and the strengthening of CBRNE-related safety culture and infrastructure.

The study visit followed a structured process consisting of several key stages. It began with preparatory activities, including a review of relevant documentation and coordination with institutional representatives. This was followed by on-site evaluations, during which facilities and security measures were closely examined. The next stage involved assessing emergency preparedness and training, focusing on the effectiveness of existing procedures and the level of staff and student readiness. The visit concluded with the development of a detailed report summarizing the findings, identifying critical vulnerabilities and areas of non-compliance, and offering practical, risk-based recommendations to enhance institutional safety and resilience.