USS Presents Findings on Chemical Threats in The Hague
Javier Campanini’s research uses computational tools to anticipate chemical threats, including ultra-potent fentanyl analogues. The aim is to inform the regulation of these substances and help prevent their use as weapons.
Dr. Javier Campanini Salinas, a researcher at Universidad San Sebastián (USS), was a guest speaker at the 41st meeting of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The meeting took place from October 27 to 30, 2026, in The Hague, the Netherlands. His presentation focused on the use of computational tools to identify substances that could pose risks to public health and security. OPCW
Campanini teaches and conducts research in the Chemistry and Pharmacy program at the Faculty of Sciences on the Patagonia campus. In The Hague, he gave a presentation titled “New Psychoactive Substances and Ultra-Potent Opioids: The Challenge of Anticipating and Regulating Emerging Chemical Agents.” His work examines ultra-potent fentanyl analogues, which can produce strong effects at very low doses. It also explores how to anticipate new molecular structures to help inform regulation. Chemistry and Pharmacy · Faculty of Sciences
Anticipating Emerging Chemical Threats
The research combines medicinal chemistry with computational tools to understand which features make a molecule more potent and to predict potential compounds before they emerge. The approach aims to provide evidence to help prevent the use of chemicals as weapons and support non-proliferation research.
“It is important for USS to take part in these global discussions because the SAB monitors scientific developments that could affect how the Chemical Weapons Convention is implemented. By contributing scientific evidence to those discussions from a regional campus, our university is taking an active role in international chemical security,” said Dr. Campanini.
Scientific Cooperation and International Opportunities for the Patagonia Campus
Campanini first became involved with the OPCW about three years ago through its Associate Programme. He went on to take part in workshops on global chemical security. The organisation now funds his research through its support for innovative projects related to the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
During the meeting, Campanini took part in discussions on emerging technologies with dual-use potential. He also discussed tools that could help implement the Convention.
He met with Hernán Bascuñán, Chile’s ambassador to the Netherlands, to discuss his research. He also exchanged views with Dr. Allyson Astuya, a Chilean member of the SAB, and together they identified opportunities for collaboration.
The meeting also helped Campanini establish contacts with experts from South Korea and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Potential next steps include talks with board members on ways to strengthen the current project. The team is considering working with laboratories in South Korea and incorporating artificial intelligence into the research.
“For USS and its Patagonia campus, this research strengthens applied research and gives students training in issues of global importance. It also opens up opportunities for international cooperation with other universities,” Campanini said.
