This week’s Pandora Report covers the Schar School’s recent performance in the US News and World Report rankings, updates on H5N1 and its spread in the United States, and discussion of recent Congressional action focused on the risk posed by synthetic nucleic acids. New publications, events, and professional opportunities are also included.
George Mason’s Schar School Ranked 4th Nationally for Graduate Programs in Homeland Security
For the seventh year in a row, George Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government has been ranked in the top 10 graduate programs nationwide for homeland security, according to U.S. News and World Report. The Schar School also ranks 39th nationally and 26th overall among public universities for public affairs; 13th nationally and 10th among public universities in nonprofit management; 33rd nationally and 24th among publics for public management and leadership; and 31st nationally and 17th among publics for public policy analysis.
“These rankings are affirmation of the strong quality of the Schar School’s academic programs and cutting-edge research,” said Schar School Dean Mark Rozell. “The continued growth in the rankings aligns to the value proposition that Schar provides to students and career-seekers located in the Washington, D.C., region, offering direct access to leaders, news makers, policy advocates, and amazing faculty expertise.”
In addition to programs in political science, international security, and other disciplines, the Schar School is home to the Biodefense Graduate Program, which offers various certificates, an online and in-person MS in Biodefense, and a PhD in Biodefense.
H5N1 Continues to Spread in the US Amid Growing Concern About Threat to Public
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses continue to spread across the United States, with nearly 86 million birds affected in 1,118 reported outbreaks across 48 states as of April 10. The CDC issued a health advisory last week informing clinicians, state health departments, and the public of a confirmed case of H5N1 in a human patient in Texas. As just two humans-both of who worked closely with livestock-have been infected with H5N1 in the United States ever (one in Colorado in 2022 and the recent case in Texas), public health authorities continue to emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low, despite worrying trends in the spread of this virus amongst birds and mammals in the US and Canada.
However, not everyone is convinced. Luciana Borio and Phil Krause discuss this in their article for STAT News that was published today, writing “The recent detection of H5N1 bird flu in U.S. cattle, coupled with reports of a dairy worker contracting the virus, demands a departure from the usual reassurances offered by federal health officials. While they emphasize there’s no cause for alarm and assert diligent monitoring, it’s imperative we break from this familiar script.”
STAT’s Helen Branswell covered the same topic in a piece last week, writing in part “To put these developments in perspective, STAT turned to Dutch virologist Ron Fouchier, a leading expert on H5N1, for his assessment of these latest twists in the H5 saga. Fouchier, who studies avian influenza at the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, was at the center of a controversy about H5N1 in 2012, when a U.S. scientific advisory group moved to restrict publication of research he and a team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison had done — separately — to see what mutations would be needed for the virus to be able to spread efficiently among people, so-called gain of function research.”
“Fouchier takes little solace from the fact that current versions of H5N1 seem to infect people less frequently, and to cause mostly mild illness when they do. The global range of H5 viruses — the sheer volume of the virus in nature — and the numbers of mammals H5 has shown itself capable of sickening is unprecedented, he said, making anticipating its future path harder than ever to gauge.”
Regardless of the official risk to the public, the last few weeks have brought several worrying developments as cows were once thought to be unlikely victims of H5N1, and frequent human contact with livestock gives the virus more opportunity to spread to people. Because of this, as Nature news explains, “Scientists are scrambling to assess how well candidate vaccines and antiviral drugs will work against the circulating strain and to update diagnostic kits for identifying infections in people quickly. They are also trying to understand whether the cows were infected by birds or another source, and are on alert for any changes in the situation that could raise the risk for people.”
Related Reading: Vietnam Reports First Human Infection with Avian Influenza Avian Influenza H9N2 Virus, CDC
Members of Congress Call On OSTP to Take Action on Risk of Misuse of Synthetic Nucleic Acids
This week, members of Congress, including Representatives Julia Brownley (D-CA), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Neal P. Dunn, MD (R-FL), Bill Foster (D-IL), Andy Harris, MD (R-MD), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Rich McCormick (R-GA), August Pfluger (R-TX), Haley M. Stevens (D-MI), and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), announced an action urging the US Office of Science, Technology, and Policy to “issue strong guidance that mitigates risk and misuse of synthetic nucleic acids, a vital bio-material.”
While synthetic nucleic acids have been instrumental in important innovations like new drugs and therapies, concerns regarding the increasing ease of synthesizing them and their general availability have grown in recent years. As a recent piece from NIST highlights, this is especially true given rising concerns about synthetic biology and the potential for its misuse in conjunction with advances in artificial intelligence.
Congresswoman Brownley said in a statement about the letter, “Given advances in biotechnology, common-sense oversight of synthetic nucleic acids has never been more necessary. There is the real possibility that things could go really wrong if a bad actor were to use these new biotechnologies to create a viable pathogen or other biological hazards. Certain common-sense regulations, like screening customers before they can acquire synthetic nucleic acids, should be commonplace and can be fully implemented while supporting scientific and commercial research.”
Regarding the letter to OSTP, Jaime Yassif, Vice President for Global Biological Policy and Programs at the Nuclear Threat Institute, said “DNA synthesis is a powerful, fundamental tool for basic and applied bioscience research. Because DNA synthesis technology provides tremendous benefits but also could pose significant risks if misused, it will be critically important for the U.S. Government to play a leadership role in setting global standards for safeguarding this technology.”
Meanwhile, Jassi Pannu, Senior Biotechnology Fellow at the Institute for Progress, said “This bipartisan letter on the need for common-sense screening of synthetic nucleic acid orders and customers addresses a key check-point in providing oversight of emerging artificial intelligence and biotechnology risks without bottlenecking innovation.”
“What Will Australia’s Approach to Net Assessment Be?”
Peter Dortmans and Dan Gerstein, an alumnus of the Biodefense PhD Program and a Schar School adjunct faculty member, recently co-authored this piece for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. In it, they discuss the recommendations of the 2023 Defense Strategic Review and its specific identification of net assessment as an important tool for overhauling the way Australia plans for and acquires defense capabilities. They explain that “To date, net assessment has been the tool of major powers—the US and USSR/Russia—and more recently NATO and the UK. The net assessment that Australia employs must be adapted to Australia’s middle-power status and its strategic location, as those are critical in establishing in what form and under what circumstances Australia can realise its strategic goal of deterrence by denial.”
“Charting Strategies: Analyzing Taliban and Regional Resolve in Combating ISIS-K”
Mahmut Cengiz, Schar School Associate Professor and Research Faculty with the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center, recently published this article in the Small Wars Journal discussing the implications of recent attacks by ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K). He explains that “The attacks carried out by ISIS-K in Iran on 4 January 2024, resulting in 84 fatalities, and in Russia on 22 March 2024, resulting in 140 fatalities, significantly raised the organization’s prominence in 2024. Despite ISIS-K claiming responsibility for both attacks, discrepancies arose regarding the details. In Iran, ISIS-K’s claim of two suicide bombers and over 300 casualties contradicted Iranian officials’ reports of remotely detonated explosives and 84 deaths. Similarly, uncertainties surrounded the identities and plans of militants involved in the attack in Russia. Both the Iranian and Russian governments pointed fingers at state actors, blaming the US, UK, and Ukraine for the Russia attack and the US and Israel for the Iran attack. The reluctance of both countries to transparently investigate and share information has resulted in unresolved queries and persistent uncertainties. There is a likelihood of governmental involvement in these attacks, albeit shrouded in mystery, underscoring concerns about the susceptibility of jihadist organizations to infiltration by intelligence services.”
“Recent Changes in Patterns of Mammal Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Worldwide”
Pablo I. Plaza, Víctor Gamarra-Toledo, Juan Rodríguez Euguí, and Sergio A. Lambertucci recently published this Synopsis in Emerging Infectious Diseases: “We reviewed information about mammals naturally infected by highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus subtype H5N1 during 2 periods: the current panzootic (2020–2023) and previous waves of infection (2003–2019). In the current panzootic, 26 countries have reported >48 mammal species infected by H5N1 virus; in some cases, the virus has affected thousands of individual animals. The geographic area and the number of species affected by the current event are considerably larger than in previous waves of infection. The most plausible source of mammal infection in both periods appears to be close contact with infected birds, including their ingestion. Some studies, especially in the current panzootic, suggest that mammal-to-mammal transmission might be responsible for some infections; some mutations found could help this avian pathogen replicate in mammals. H5N1 virus may be changing and adapting to infect mammals. Continuous surveillance is essential to mitigate the risk for a global pandemic.”
“The Poxviruses”
In this latest installment of CEPI’s The Viral Most Wanted, Kate Kelland tackles the poxviruses, writing in the piece’s introduction: “With no cases to remind us, it’s easy to forget the scale and ferocity of Smallpox. It was – is – a truly horrific disease.”
“The infection is caused by the Variola Virus, which is most often breathed in by its victims. Typically, it starts with a high fever, muscle aches, headaches and vomiting. A few days later, a rash begins to appear on the tongue, mouth and throat in the form of red spots and sores.”
“Within a day or so, the rash spreads in little bumps to the skin of the face, and then on to the arms, legs, torso and all over the body, including the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Only then do the disease’s signature pus-filled pustules feature, gradually bursting and scabbing up over the following days.”
“Those who died of Smallpox usually did so within one to two weeks. In the 20th Century alone, the disease is estimated to have killed between 300 million and 500 million people. Among those it didn’t kill, it left many either blind or horribly disfigured, or both.”
“Today Smallpox is known as much for what it can no longer do. It no longer infects, disfigures or kills people in their millions. Thanks to a global vaccination campaign first made possible by the English physician and scientist Edward Jenner more than 200 years ago, Smallpox is the first and – so far – the only human disease ever to have been eradicated.”
“Unfortunately, however, the Poxvirus family behind the Variola Virus that causes Smallpox has plenty of other menacing members – making this family one of The Viral Most Wanted.”
Applied Biosafety Special Issue on Biosafety and Biosecurity for Synthetic Genomics
Applied Biosafety recently published a special edition focused on biosafety and biosecurity for synthetic genomics. Articles in this edition include “Enhancing Gene Synthesis Security: An Updated Framework for Synthetic Nucleic Acid Screening and the Responsible Use of Synthetic Biological Materials”, “Safeguarding Mail-Order DNA Synthesis in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, “A Methodology for the Assessment and Prioritization of Genetic Biocontainment Technologies for Engineered Microbes”, and more.
“How to Avoid Human-Made Pandemics”
Filippa Lentzos and Jens H. Kuhn recently published this piece with The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, writing in their introduction “How do you pitch a news story about people agreeing rigorously with each other?”
“That question was raised by a journalist during a report presentation at the UN by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists’ Independent Task Force on Research with Pandemic Risks. This 28-member task force, consisting of ourselves and other experts in biosafety, biosecurity, microbiology, epidemiology, and ethics from around the world, was taking questions about its new report, which tackles the highly challenging topic of recommending constructive ways to improve safety and security for research with known and potentially pandemic pathogens. The report was especially noteworthy because the diverse task force—some of whom publicly and vehemently disagree on which activities are risky and should be better monitored—was able to find common ground, and a lot of it.”
“Bold Goals Require Bold Funding Levels. The FY25 Requests For The U.S. Bioeconomy Fall Short”
Nazish Jeffery recently authored this article for the Federation of American Scientists in which they highlight funding decreases and shortfalls in the FY25 budget request as it pertains to the US bioeconomy. They write in part, “Despite this need for funding for the U.S. bioeconomy, the recently-completed FY2024 (FY24) appropriations were modest for some science agencies but abysmal for others, with decreases seen across many different scientific endeavors across agencies. The DOC, and specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), saw massive cuts in funding base program funding, with earmarks swamping core activities in some accounts.”
“There remains some hope that the FY2025 (FY25) budget will alleviate some of the cuts that have been seen to science endeavors, and in turn, to programs related to the bioeconomy. But the strictures of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which contributed to the difficult outcomes in FY24, remain in place for FY25 as well.”
“NTI and CACDA Co-Convene Track II Biosecurity Dialogue”
From NTI: “On April 2, 2024, the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association (CACDA) and the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) jointly convened a virtual Track II Dialogue, a forum to promote mutual understanding among Chinese and U.S. experts about urgent and emerging biosafety and biosecurity risks.”
“Mr. Dai Huaicheng, Secretary General of CACDA and Dr. Jaime Yassif, NTI Vice President for Global Biological Policy and Programs, addressed U.S. and Chinese experts, emphasizing the importance of working together to safeguard bioscience and biotechnology so society can enjoy their benefits while reducing the risk of accidental or deliberate misuse. Experts had in-depth discussions that focused on defining key terms, sharing practical approaches to governing dual-use bioscience research and development, and exploring potential areas for U.S.-China collaboration. NTI and CACDA aim to continue this dialogue to advance joint efforts to reduce emerging biological risks associated with advances in technology.”
“More than 20 U.S. and Chinese experts and scholars from academia, industry, and non-governmental organizations participated in the dialogue.”
Read more here.
“WHO Technical Advisory Group on Biosafety (TAG-B) Report of the Annual Meeting, 26-27 September 2023, Istanbul, Türkiye”
From WHO: “The TAG-B held its annual in-person meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye on 26-27 September 2023. This meeting was convened to 1) Advance the work of the TAG-B by reviewing the progress of current projects and to facilitate in-depth and extensive discussions on these initiatives; 2) Meet with TAG-B Secretariat from WHO Headquarters, staff of Regional Offices and representatives of WHO Collaborating Centres to discuss perspectives and priorities, and identify Member States’ needs related to laboratory biosafety and biosecurity; 3) Discuss and reach consensus on the strategy for the remainder of 2023 and priority actions for the TAG-B; and 4) Review, discuss and provide advice for laboratory biosafety/laboratory biosecurity strategies, priority projects and deliverables for the next biennium (2024–2025). The report available here covers the presentations and discussions surrounding these objectives, as well as the agenda and list of participants for the meeting.”
“Biosecurity: Where Science and Diplomacy Combine”
From The World Academy of Sciences: “From virus detection to preventing biological weapon development—biosecurity is an arena in which science and diplomacy must ultimately combine, said the participants at the latest science diplomacy course co-organized by TWAS.”
“The event brought 18 early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries to Trieste, all life scientists for whom science diplomacy was new, to teach them about the field, as well as research responsibility. The event also taught them ways to provide policy advice, contribute to international agreements, and build on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). After two days of the course on science diplomacy, the participants relocated to International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) headquarters in Trieste for three days of hands-on biotechnology training in the laboratory.”
“Partnering with TWAS in organizing the event were the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) Implementation Support Unit, ICGEB and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP).”
Read more here.
“How to Kill a Pandemic Treaty”
Rory O’Neill discusses the failure of countries to reach a deal for a pandemic treaty with just two months to go until the World Health Assembly in this piece for Politico. O’Neill discusses how the “specters of imperialism and Covid betrayal hang heavy over talks,” writing in part “The idea wasn’t just to hammer out details of a diplomatic text, but to talk through the frustrations and grievances that have hampered progress towards drawing up the world’s first pandemic treaty — a noble but ill-fated attempt to deal with the next pandemic quicker, better, and more equitably than happened with Covid-19…It was the third such retreat for diplomats since last year, taking place in the middle weekend of the latest round of negotiations. And judging by the state of the talks, this group therapy — courtesy of the International Peace Institute headed by Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein of Jordan — was much needed.”
“The Australia Group and the Prevention of the Re-Emergence of Chemical and Biological Weapons”
JP Zanders recently published this piece on his page, The Trench, covering the European Union Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium’s 11th Consultative Meeting (hosted in 2022) and a resulting publication “The Australia Group and the Prevention of the Re-Emergence of Chemical and Biological Weapons – Ongoing Challenges“. Zanders explains a bit about the publication (which he edited), writing “The present publication by the Fondation pour la recherche stratégique is the direct result of this breakout session. The different angles to the analysis of the Australia Group with reference to the BTWC and the CWC revealed interesting viewpoints about how an informal arrangement relates to formal and quasi-universal treaties comprehensively banning two discrete weapon categories. Other export control arrangements are either standalone initiatives (e.g. the Missile Technology Control Regime or the Wassenaar Arrangement) or, in the case of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, linked to a non-proliferation rather than disarmament treaty. One of the central questions that came to the fore was whether to try and achieve greater integration and coordination among the four export control arrangements. If so, how might this intent affect the Australia Group that had adjusted its mission to support both global disarmament treaties? The BTWC and the CWC each have an article on international cooperation, development and scientific and technology exchanges for peaceful purposes. During the 1990s and 2000s, many developing countries came to view the Australia Group’s activities as incompatible with the disarmament objectives.”
“Project Sapphire: Harbinger of Kazakhstan’s Contribution to Global Security”
Aida Haidar discusses Project Sapphire and Kazakhstan’s choice to renounce the WMD it inherited from the USSR with Andy Weber in this piece for The Astana Times, explaining in part “Weber personally witnessed Kazakhstan’s initial steps towards a future without nuclear arms. He recalled a top-secret operation known as Project Sapphire that took place in 1994 and involved safeguarding 600 kilograms of highly enriched uranium (HEU) in the eastern part of Kazakhstan to prevent any misuse by terrorist or criminal organizations. There was no established protocol for experts to handle such a large amount of HEU capable of producing more than twenty Hiroshima-sized bombs. Weber, who served as the first secretary at the newly established U.S. Embassy in Almaty, played a key role in that operation.”
“Attacks on Ukrainian Nuclear Facilities ‘Must Cease Immediately’: UN Atomic Watchdog”
From UN News: “Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said the targeting marked a “major escalation” in the level of danger facing the power plant.”
“It was the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 that the ZNPP – Europe’s largest nuclear power plant – has been directly targeted. It has been occupied by Russian forces since the early weeks of the fighting.”
“As of Sunday, while there were “no indications” of damage to critical nuclear safety or security systems, the strikes were “another stark reminder” of the threats to the power plant and other nuclear facilities during the ongoing war, IAEA said.”
‘“Although the damage at unit 6 has not compromised nuclear safety, this was a serious incident that had the potential to undermine the integrity of the reactor’s containment system,” Director General Grossi said.”
Read more here.
“Stories from Georgia’s Nuclear Odyssey: Adventures in Nuclear Risk Reduction”
From the Stanley Center for Peace and Security and Shorena Lortkipanidze, a co-founder and board member of the Civil Council on Defense and Security: “A good story doesn’t just help you understand something, it makes you feel something. As a Georgian, when I hear stories from Georgian professionals who worked on risk reduction in the post-Soviet years, I feel helpless, insecure, and deeply proud.”
“Last year, my colleagues and I partnered with the Stanley Center to bring forward stories from Georgian former officials and practitioners and elevate them for discussion at a workshop in Tbilisi.”
“The stories include ones from heroic individuals who chased orphan radioactive sources in an almost failed, newly independent state. They include stories from individuals who traced the cracks of the Soviet nuclear research legacy. They also show stories from individuals who had to act, often without the resources or mature institutions with which to manage these challenges. Such stories tell of how a small state survived the turbulent path to independence and aligned itself with international principles and standards.”
“Though the stories are unique, the lessons are broad. Georgian stories give a clear understanding of the existential importance of international support and partnership in preventing nuclear and radiological risks. They highlight how small countries are related to arms control issues, as such measures often have direct consequences on small states and their security.”
“I invite you to watch, listen to, and read the stories below. They are the latest in the series of stories on Adventures in Nuclear Risk Reduction.”
“By telling our stories and learning from them, we will be better prepared for challenges that the future may hold. Because the past never ends. Though its lessons can be forgotten if we do not share and reflect on our stories.”
What We’re Listening To 🎧
The BWC Global Forum: Biotech Biosecurity & Beyond, Episode #12: Fermentation Science
“In this episode, we discuss the convergence of fermentation, perhaps the world’s oldest biotechnology, with modern advancements in molecular biology to produce non-animal proteins as a sustainable food source. The exponential growth of the human population and our continued reliance on traditional processes for growing crops and raising animals for food risk widespread food security challenges, as we approach the limit of Earth’s arable land. Cutting-edge biotechnology tools and novel applications of ancient fermentation processes allow us to modify bacteria, fungi, and other organisms, so we can leverage their unique properties to produce sustainable and nutritious—and tasty!—alternatives to animal-based proteins.”
Poisons and Pestilence, 25 Movie Review Special: The Rock with Steve Johnson
“The second of our movie review specials. This one looking at The Rock (1996). With Steve Johnson https://x.com/CBRNEsteve?t=_sSXmOA7t4xGzvcW8TUYPA&s=09″
The Advancing Threat Agnostic Biodefense Webinar Series
From PNNL: “Join us as we welcome Patrick Chain, scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). His talk, titled “Toward Pathogen-Agnostic Detection: Advances and Challenges in Shotgun Sequencing-Based Biosurveillance” will be Tuesday, April 16, at noon PT.”
“Patrick Chain leads the Metagenomics Applications, Bioinformatics, and Analytics Teams in the Bioscience Division at LANL, while also co-managing the Division’s Genomics Program. His team pioneers innovative algorithms and methods in bioinformatics and metagenomics, applying them to various research areas such as organism detection, sample characterization, and fundamental research across different ‘biomes’. With a background including a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from McMaster University and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University, Chain brings a wealth of expertise to the field.”
“The Advancing Threat Agnostic Biodefense Webinar Series brings together like-minded science and policy members of the biodefense community to discuss relevant research activities as well as barriers and enablers of a threat agnostic approach. The webinar series is hosted by the Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Technology Division.”
Register here.
Learn more and register here.
Industry Summit 2024: Partners for a Resilient Future
From ASPR’s Office of Industrial Base Management and Supply Chain (IBMSC): “Join industry and government partners in exploring federal opportunities for industry engagement aligned with ASPR’s strategic vision and organizational priorities for industrial base management and the public health and health care supply chain.”
This in-person event will take place on April 22, in Washington, DC. Learn more and register here.
3rd International Biosecurity Virtual Symposium
From ABSA: “The Symposium will bring together biosecurity professionals from a wide range of disciplines with varying expertise to share their experiences and knowledge on diverse biosecurity topics. The Symposium will offer attendees an opportunity to learn the latest in biosecurity and have thought-provoking conversations about real-world biosecurity issues, concerns, and scenarios.”
This symposium will take place May 7-8. Learn more and register here.
Addressing the Challenges Posed by Chemical and Biological Weapons: Intensive Online Introductory Course for Students of Technical Disciplines
“SIPRI and the European Union Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC) invite graduate and postgraduate students of the technical or natural science disciplines to apply for an intensive online introductory course on chemical and biological weapons—their proliferation, the efforts to eliminate them, the various mechanisms used to control their spread—and endeavours underway to reduce the risk of chemical or biological agents in terrorist attacks. The course will take place online, during four half-days on 28–31 May 2024, 14:00 to 18:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST).”
“The course will cover the fundamentals of chemical and biological weapons as well as of missiles and other means of delivery; the history of chemical and biological warfare; the evolution of international norms against these weapons; the threats associated with potential terrorist uses of chemical and biological material; bioweapons and other related scientific advances; the current challenges posed by chemical weapons; arms control treaties; and mechanisms to curb the spread of dangerous substances, including export controls.”
“The course will also discuss the role of the EU institutions and industry to address the challenges mentioned above. The course will be instructed by renowned experts on non-proliferation, arms control, disarmament, export controls, verification and related subjects from SIPRI, other European research centres, think tanks and international organizations.”
Learn more and apply here.
Registration for GHS 2024 Now Open
Registration is now open for the Global Health Security 2024 conference in Sydney, Australia. This iteration will take place 18-21 June, 2024. The call for abstracts is also still open. “The mission of the Global Health Security conference is to provide a forum where leaders, researchers, policy-makers, and representatives from government, international organisations, civil society, and private industry from around the world can engage with each other, review the latest research and policy innovations, and agree solutions for making the world safer and healthier. To that end, our mission is to help foster a genuinely multidisciplinary community of practice that is committed to working collaboratively to enhance global health security and eliminate disease, irrespective of its origin or source.”
SBA.3 International Synthetic Biology, and Biosecurity Conference in Africa
“Join us for the SBA.3 International Synthetic Biology and Biosecurity Conference in Africa, a groundbreaking event that brings together experts, researchers, and enthusiasts in the field of synthetic biology. This in-person conference will take place at the Laico Regency Hotel from Wed, Jul 17, 2024 to Friday, Jul 19, 2024.”
“Get ready to dive into the exciting world of synthetic biology and explore its potential applications in Africa. From cutting-edge research to innovative solutions, this conference offers a unique opportunity to learn, network, and collaborate with like-minded individuals.”
“Discover the latest advancements, trends, and challenges in synthetic biology through engaging keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere where ideas flow freely and new connections are made.”
“Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in synthetic biology, this conference provides a platform to expand your knowledge, exchange ideas, and contribute to the growth of the field in Africa.”
“Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event that promises to shape the future of synthetic biology and biosecurity in Africa. Mark your calendars and join us at the SBA.3 International Synthetic Biology and Biosecurity Conference in Africa!”
Learn more and register here.
Job Announcements at NTI
(NTI | bio), Focus: Biosecurity Dialogue
“NTI is seeking a Senior Program Officer or Director (title to be determined based on candidate experience) to join the Global Biological Policy and Programs team. The selected candidate will help lead NTI | bio efforts to bolster biosecurity in countries around the world, among other areas of focus. This position reports to the NTI Vice President for Global Biological Policy and Programs. This is a full-time hybrid position, working a minimum of three days a week in our Washington, DC office.”
Senior Program Officer/Director, Global Biological Policy and Programs (NTI | bio), Focus: Biotech Governance
“NTI is seeking a Senior Program Officer or Director (title to be determined based on candidate experience) to join the Global Biological Policy and Programs team. This position reports to the NTI Vice President for Global Biological Policy and Programs. The selected candidate will help lead NTI | bio efforts to strengthen biotechnology governance. This is a full-time hybrid position, working a minimum of three days a week in our Washington, DC office.”
Learn more and apply to these positions here.
The Pandora Report 