On September 8th, 2025, VANGUARD, represented by its Coordinator, the M4D group of the MKLab of the Information Technologies Institute (ITI) at the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH), together with research partners from FUNDEA, held an online meeting with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), during which they presented the project’s main outcomes to OSCE experts from its Anti-Trafficking Division.
The meeting featured key insights from VANGUARD’s advanced intelligence analysis and unveiled the capabilities of its innovative AI-based ToolSuite, designed to support the prevention and investigation of Trafficking in Human Beings (THB). Dr. Despoina Chatzakou, representing VANGUARD’s coordinating team, delivered a live demonstration of the VANGUARD ToolSuite developed by the project’s technical partners, incorporating input and feedback from end-user partners (police and border guard authorities). The demonstration highlighted how AI can be effectively leveraged to support law enforcement efforts in combating human trafficking. Moreover, Dr. Karen Hough (representing VANGUARD partner FUNDEA) emphasised how survivors with lived experience are actively included in the research as co-researchers. In addition, Theoni Spathi, representing VANGUARD’s coordinating team, outlined the robust ethical and legal protocols adopted by the project’s researchers when conducing both academic research and developing technical solutions, ensuring full alignment with the existing legal and ethical framework.
In recognition of its impact and innovation, OSCE has formally invited VANGUARD project to contribute to a dedicated webinar series hosted by the organisation, focused on the application of AI technologies in addressing THB across Europe and beyond. This milestone reflects VANGUARD’s growing influence in shaping data-driven, technology-enabled approaches to one of the most critical human rights challenges of our time.