Preventing extremism in accommodation centres for refugees is a complex challenge that is sensitive from both a social and a security policy perspective. As a result of their flight and migration, refugees often find themselves in periods of profound upheaval, characterised by a convergence of insecurity, a lack of direction and prospects for the future, and psychological stress. Due to their often uncertain prospects in the host country, traumatic experiences, and their political, legal and socio-economic situation, they are considered particularly vulnerable to extremist narratives. Professionals working in refugee accommodation centres therefore face not only the challenge of supporting these individuals in their reorientation, integration and coping with psychological stress, but also of identifying radicalisation processes among them at an early stage. 

To address these challenges as effectively as possible, the interdisciplinary CLIX project was launched. Funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Integration as part of the security package, the project brings together the expertise of the Centre for Extremism Prevention (FEX) at the Baden-Württemberg State Working Group for Mobile Youth Work/Streetwork, the Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Ulm University Hospital (UKU), and the Institute for Business Analytics (IBA). To support professionals in their daily work, CLIX is establishing an innovative prevention network. Through a combination of mobile counselling teams, training courses and an AI-based application, staff at accommodation centres for refugees receive support to identify and assess both mental health crises and radicalisation processes at an early stage, and to initiate appropriate preventive measures. This interdisciplinary expertise creates a technically sound, forward-looking model that sets standards in radicalisation prevention beyond the project’s duration.

At the heart of CLIX is the support provided to professionals in refugee accommodation centres through an AI-supported application developed at the IBA that complies with data protection regulations: An interactive chatbot serves as a tool for reflection and guidance for professionals. It offers clear support in recognising and assessing situations, provides professional guidance and helps to identify suitable points of contact within the health and prevention system. In this way, professional expertise from clinical practice, counselling and data analysis is made directly applicable in the field.

Funding body: Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Integration

Cooperation partners: 

• Centre for Distancing from Extremism (FEX)

• Ulm University Hospital (UKU)

Project period: 2025 – 2026