Universiteit Leiden

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Conference

OSINT: From Theory, Intelligence to Evidence

Date
Friday 14 June 2024
Time
Address
Wijnhaven
Turfmarkt 99
2511 DP The Hague
Room
2.02

OSINT for Ukraine will mark its second anniversary in 2024 and is eager to commemorate the occasion by hosting an engaging event/symposium. Our aim is to foster a collaborative environment where experts and enthusiasts can converge to delve into the nuances of OSINT, open source information, and the fundamental elements of intelligence and evidence within this domain.

This event is compiled of two panels – “From Theory to Intelligence” and “From Intelligence to Evidence”, which will merge the theoretical foundations of OSINT with insights into its application as actionable evidence. The emphasis will be on investigating core international crimes committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  

Panel: From Theory to Intelligence  (Moderator Prof. Damien Van Puyvelde)

This panel will delve into the theoretical foundations of OSINT, bringing together experts from academia, OSINT investigations, and the military. Participants will discuss the origins and evolution of OSINT, clarifying distinctions such as OSINT, OSINV, and OSINF. Additionally, practitioners will share insights into conducting OSINT within the context of the Russo-Ukrainian War. By bridging theory with practical application, this panel aims to illuminate the complexities and nuances of OSINT as both a disciple and and as a practice. 

Panellists: 

  • Army Major Roy Verheijen MA, Board member Royal Netherlands Society for War Studies (KVBK) and alumni Master Military Strategic Studies - Intelligence & Security (Netherlands Defence Academy) 
  • Prof. Ludo Block, Lecturer in the Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) at Leiden University focusing on the research area of Intelligence and Security
  • G.H. (Guillén) Torres Sepulveda MA, Researcher - OSINT against Disinformation, Media Studies Department, University of Amsterdam.
  • Roman de Baedts, Junior Research Fellow Security & Defence at the Clingendael Institute

Panel: From Intelligence to Evidence (Moderator Margot Van Heesbeen) 

In this panel, practitioners will examine OSINT's role in investigating core international crimes committed during the Russo-Ukrainian War, particularly since February 24, 2022. Panelists will compare and contrast different approaches to utilizing OSINT for accountability, shedding light on the challenges and successes encountered in these efforts. Furthermore, the discussion will extend to the realm of evidence, exploring how OSINT-derived data can be effectively utilized in legal proceedings. Legal experts and academics will analyze the evidentiary challenges posed by open source digitally derived evidence, offering potential soultions to enhance its reliability and admissibility in both national and international tribunals.

Panellists:

  • Tim Bosch, Former Senior Dutch Intelligence Officer (AIVD) and currently CEO of Birdwatcher Group (Private Intelligence Firm).
  • Prof. Jessica Dorsey, Assistant Professor of International and European Law at Utrecht University School of Law
  • Sabrina Rewald, JD LLM, International Legal Consultant and Research Associate at Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on IHL
  • Prof. Robert Heinsch, - Associate Professor of Public International Law at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University, the Director of its Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law.
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