Big Data and Algorithmic Warfare Course by IIHL at Sanremo, Italy (19-23 April 2027; Apply by 12 April 2027)

The International Institute of Humanitarian Law (IIHL), based at Villa Ormond in Sanremo, Italy, runs a one-week specialised course on Big Data and Algorithmic Warfare from 19 to 23 April 2027, through its Military Department. The course is listed among the Institute's Specialised Courses on IHL.

The official page notes that the rapid integration of big data, AI and autonomous systems into military operations has outpaced the international law applicable in armed conflict, leaving open questions on the legal status of data in armed conflict, the applicability of data protection and privacy obligations, and the regulation of AI-assisted targeting and autonomous functions in weapons. The course examines these technologies through international humanitarian law (IHL), international human rights law (IHRL) and data governance.

• Data, AI and autonomy under IHL and IHRL
• Data governance, data protection and the right to privacy during armed conflict
• Military use of open-source and commercially procured data
• Biometric information and intelligence-sharing arrangements
• Foundations and legal implications of AI systems
• Defence AI in information operations and targeting
• Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS)
• Emerging norms on AI and autonomy in armed conflict
• The future role of military legal counsel in the age of AI and autonomy

The official programme runs Monday 19 April to Friday 23 April 2027, with daily themes on legal frameworks and protections, data exploitation and AI foundations, AI in the use of force and conduct of hostilities, defence AI employment, regulation and responsibility, and emerging norms and future practice. It includes a keynote address, syndicate group discussions and practical exercises, and closes with a panel on AI and the military legal adviser.

The Course Director is LTC Brett Warcholak (Teaching Fellow, IIHL). Listed teaching staff include Professor Marten Zwanenburg (Faculty of Law, University of Amsterdam and Netherlands Defence Academy), Dr. (Col Retd) Damian Copeland (Article 36 Legal), Dr. Klaudia Klonowska (SciencesPo), Dr. Jonathan Kwik (Asser Institute), Mr. Samit D'Cunha (Legal Advisor, International Committee of the Red Cross) and Colonel Mark Dakers (Army Legal Services, UK Ministry of Defence).

The official page states: "The course is designed for experienced legal advisers, government professionals, and defence industry actors." It describes the course as a high-level course. No nationality restriction is stated, and the official registration form lists Indian among the nationalities applicants can select.

The course is conducted in English and reasonable language proficiency is required. There is no simultaneous translation.

The registration fee is EUR 1,300. It must be paid before the start of the course by bank transfer or, at the latest, on arrival in cash or Euro currency cheque; Visa and Mastercard are also accepted through the IIHL payments page or at the Institute.

According to the official programme, the fee covers course materials (primarily digital), transportation from and to Nice Airport, lunches and coffee breaks on working days, an icebreaker reception and a course dinner, and the course photograph and diploma. It does not cover hotel accommodation, other meals or other expenses. Participants are advised to bring a WiFi-enabled device to access course materials.

An Official Certificate is released to participants who attend the course in full, after the final session and completion of the course evaluation.

Apply through the official IIHL Registration Form for the Big Data and Algorithmic Warfare course (Military Department) by 12 April 2027. Registrations and administrative questions should be directed to military.department@iihl.org.