SCENOR is a Vienna‑based research association, committed to analysing and preventing violent extremism, radicalisation and hate. We apply scientific rigour and practical methods to strengthen prevention sustainably across society.
As our core activity, SCENOR conducts evidence‑based research projects that deliver robust insights influencing both policy and practice. These initiatives form the basis of our work in addressing and countering extremism and hate.
We deliver expert‑led seminars on extremism prevention, on-site or online. Designed for organisations and practitioners, these sessions offer practical tools, strategic insights and guidance on recognising and responding to radicalisation and hate.
Protecting places of worship requires more than physical security. This article examines how hate speech, disinformation and extremist narratives can affect religious communities, where freedom of expression sets limits to intervention, and how proportionate prevention can strengthen resilience without undermining openness.
Antifeminist narratives are not always easy to recognise in everyday school life. Experiences from AFETS show why training needs to go beyond knowledge and strengthen problem awareness, conceptual clarity and professional confidence in responding. The full article is available in German.
Antifeminist narratives and authoritarian notions of masculinity are already part of everyday school life. The AFETS trainings show that knowledge alone is not enough. Practitioners also need guidance, practical case work and opportunities for exchange to assess problematic statements and respond appropriately. The full article is only available in German.
Digital spaces now play a major role in shaping how young people perceive gender roles, belonging and social values. Online, they increasingly encounter anti-feminist narratives, authoritarian masculinity and incel-coded language, often embedded in memes, irony and youth-oriented formats. This article in German language explains these dynamics, clarifies key terms and shows why recognising them matters for prevention, education and a reflective approach to digital environment
Across Europe, attacks on places of worship are becoming more frequent and complex. This article explores how the principle of Security by Design is reshaping efforts to protect religious sites, integrating safety into architecture, policy, and community practice. Drawing on EU projects like PARTES and PARTESS-COM, it highlights how prevention, collaboration, and trust can strengthen resilience across Europe.
Across Europe, attacks on places of worship are becoming more frequent and complex. This article explores how the principle of Security by Design is reshaping efforts to protect religious sites, integrating safety into architecture, policy, and community practice. Drawing on EU projects like PARTES and PARTESS-COM, it highlights how prevention, collaboration, and trust can strengthen resilience across Europe.
In this German-language podcast, Dr Daniela Pisoiu, Scientific Director at SCENOR, discusses how personal crises, digital attention and ideological influences can interact in contemporary terrorist mobilisation. The interview also examines prevention, deradicalisation and current risks in Austria and Germany.
EXTREMISM IN AUSTRIA
How is extremism understood and addressed in Austria? This Wikipedia article in German language explains key definitions and legal frameworks, outlines right-wing, left-wing, and Islamist extremist currents with their manifestations and organisational structures, and examines state and civil society approaches to prevention. Read the article >>
GENERATION JIHAD
For many of us, the threat of terrorism feels distant, yet this new study shows how swiftly online propaganda can grip teenagers across Europe. In his latest article for CTC Sentinel, researcher Erik Hacker of SCENOR examines forty-four foiled plots involving minors since 2022 and traces the patterns that put whole communities at risk. Continue to the full analysis to see why early vigilance matters now more than ever. Read on >>
GAMING AGAINST EXTREMISM
Prevention and intervention in gaming remain largely untested. While many mobile games aim to educate, they often fail to entertain. The SCENOR-led GameD project addressed this by creating a platformer with genuine gameplay appeal. The result is Hate Hunters — a mobile game that uses minimal text and strong mechanics. Developed in co‑creation with youths, its entertainment value and content clarity have been rigorously evaluated. scenor.at This report outlines its theoretical basis, youth co‑creation model, and early positive educational impact. Read more in German here >>
THE PATH TO RADICALISATION
How do young people get radicalised online? - In this interview in German language, Daniela Pisoiu describes what role online influencers play and how to tell if someone is radicalised. Dr Pisoiu is a renowned expert in the field, conducting in-depth research on terrorism, radicalisation, and violent extremism. She has published extensively on these subjects, contributing numerous scholarly works that advance the understanding of these complex and pressing issues. Read on >>
DOING IT AGAIN
Assessing the features and implications of terrorism recidivism of jihadi attacks in Europe - by Erik Hacker (researcher at SCENOR) and Daniela Pisoiu (senior researcher at oiip) This article focuses on the issue of terrorism recidivism as it relates specifically to terrorist attacks. Based on the analysis of a dataset comprising information on jihadi attacks and their perpetrators in Europe between 2014 and 2022, it presents a number of interesting findings, such as: attacks committed by terrorism recidivists have a significantly higher impact in terms of casualties. Read on >>
Check out our free online repository in German language on everything regarding right-wing extremism, Islamist extremism, conspiracy theories and more.
