The International Nuremberg Principles Academy (Nuremberg Academy) is pleased to announce its participation in TRACE (TRAcking and Countering Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence through Evidence-based Approaches across the Conflict–Refuge Continuum in Europe), a new Horizon Europe research project coordinated by the University of Birmingham. Bringing together fifteen academic institutions and civil society organisations from Europe, Canada, Iraq and Türkiye, the project will run from 1 October 2026 to 29 September 2029 with funding of approximately €3.1 million.

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF-GBV) has become an increasingly significant feature of contemporary armed conflicts and displacement. Digital technologies are used to facilitate sexual exploitation, online harassment, trafficking, surveillance, intimidation and the dissemination of abusive content, with harmful consequences that often persist long after victims have fled conflict zones. Despite the growing prevalence of these crimes, there remains little systematic evidence on how technology-facilitated violence evolves across the continuum from armed conflict through displacement and into countries of refuge.

TRACE addresses this gap by developing the first comprehensive evidence base on TF-GBV across conflict, transit and refuge contexts. Combining computational analysis of digital traces, survivor-centred research, legal analysis and policy engagement, the project will produce new methodologies, typologies and practical guidance to strengthen prevention, accountability and survivor protection. The project’s findings will support investigators, prosecutors, humanitarian organisations, policymakers, technology companies and civil society organisations in responding more effectively to technology-enabled forms of violence.

As a consortium partner, the Nuremberg Academy will play a leading role in translating the project’s research into concrete legal and policy outcomes. Drawing on its expertise in international criminal justice and human rights, the Academy will contribute to developing evidence-based policy recommendations, investigative guidance and practical tools for addressing TF-GBV in conflict-related settings. 

The Academy will also lead the dissemination and policy engagement activities of TRACE, ensuring that the project’s findings reach key international stakeholders. Building on its longstanding experience in bridging research and practice, the Academy will help translate innovative academic research into practical guidance that strengthens responses to TF-GBV within international criminal justice and related legal frameworks.

Through its participation in TRACE, the Nuremberg Academy reaffirms its commitment to advancing accountability for international crimes, strengthening the rule of law and supporting innovative, evidence-based responses to emerging forms of violence in an increasingly digital world. (pg)