The web has a history
Network and Vulnerability Analysis of Critical Infrastructures using the Example of Information and Communication Technology in the Rhine/Main Region
Period: 1.1.2023 – 31.12.2023
Prof. Dr. Christian Reuter | FB 20, Fachgebiet Wissenschaft und Technik für Frieden und Sicherheit (PEASEC)
Prof. Dr. Jens Ivo Engels | FB 2, Fachgebiet Neuere und Neueste Geschichte
Project description:
Our project analyzes the vulnerabilities of the critical infrastructure sectors transport and communications in the Rhine-Main Region. Both complex network structures emerged from more or less heterogeneous “time layers,” which we explore from a spatio-temporal and technical perspective. Our goal is to draw lessons for a more resilient design from the historical development and the current technology proliferation. Based on literature research and conception (AP1), we aim to conduct a qualitative interview study to generate hypotheses about the implicit knowledge of temporal heterogeneity, ensuing vulnerabilities, and interdependent evolution of both sectors (AP 2). Subsequently, quantitative network analyses provide insights into the similarities and differences of prolifera- tion and following vulnerabilities of emergent technologies (AP 3). For this purpose, we suggest an archival study in which we dissect the time layering processes of the infrastructures and test hypotheses historically (AP 4). Empirical steps of the project are embedded in an initial interdisciplinary conception (AP 1) and a concluding joint project evaluation (AP 5).
Current development within the IANUS “Dual Use” project
BMBF promotes Regional Research Centre – „Transformations of Political Violence (TraCe)“
Five Hessian research institutes are cooperating in a new joint project on transformations of political violence. How do global developments such as technologisation and climate change affect political violence? How can political violence be limited or legitimised by international institutions? How can it be interpreted and justified? These questions are tackled by the new interdisciplinary joint project „Regional Research Centre – Transformations of Political Violence (TraCe)“, which involves TU Darmstadt and several IANUS connected scientists. In total, five Hessian research institutes are working together here.
The Regional Research Centre “Transformations of Political Violence” is a cooperation project of Leibniz Institute Hessian Foundation for Peace and Conflict Research (HSFK), Goethe University Frankfurt, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Philipps University Marburg and Technical University Darmstadt. The project is an interdisciplinary research initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (duration: April 2022 – March 2026).
Dual Use in software development
“In the research project IT-Research of Concern: Evaluation of dual use risks in software development, we examine how dual use potentials in much discussed risk areas of physics, chemistry and biology are reflected and integrated in a preventive manner in order to prevent the misuse of influential technologies,” says project leader Thea Riebe.
After the systematic development of the concepts, their transferability to informatics will be examined in a second step, with special focus on their practical integration into software development.
The research project is a cooperation between the departments of informatics and philosophy, which started in January 2019 and will continue until the end of 2020. Thea Riebe M.A., PhD student and research associate at the department of “Science and Technology for Peace and Security”, PEASEC, is researching on the topics dual use, socio-technical security culture and international cyber security. www.peasec.de
PEASEC represents the informatics professorship “Science and Technology for Peace and Security” currently held by Christian Reuter. PEASEC is a member of the profile area Cyber Security (CYSEC), the Centre for Research in Security and Privacy (CRISP), IANUS Science Technology Peace, as well as the collaborative research centres CROSSING and MAKI.
Workshops
During the workshops, scientists give short lectures to allow an insight into their areas of research. In the context of this quite small format, special focus is placed on interdisciplinary exchange, sometimes with external guests invited to attend.
