Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! This issue highlights emerging technologies shaping biosecurity, advances in pandemic preparedness, and evolving policy challenges across science, health, and national security.
Considering Graduate School in Policy, Government, or International Affairs?
The George Mason University will host a virtual open house to learn more about the Schar School of Policy and Government and their academic programs:
Thinking about Getting a Master’s in Biodefense?
GMU’s Schar School of Policy and Government has an upcoming recruitment event:
GMU Alumni Featured in SIPRI’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme
In a new video, George Mason University Biodefense alumni, Dr. Miranda Smith, has been featured in SIPRI’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme on preventing biological weapons proliferation. In the video, Dr. Smith discusses how advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and distributed ledger technology are reshaping how biological research, data and materials are managed and how these technologies could be used to strengthen oversight by helping to preventing the development and proliferation of biological weapons. Dr. Smith highlights the administrative burdens and workforce capacity issues faced by states in implementing compliance with the biological weapons prohibition regime. Her insights are based on key findings from a recent SIPRI publication, ‘Preventing Biological Weapons Proliferation: operational Applications of Emerging Technologies’.
Further Reading:
- “New SIPRI Conversations video: Preventing biological weapons proliferation,” SIPRI.
- “AI Implications for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense Policy and Programs: A Strategic Analytic Research Agenda,” Rebecca K.C. Hersman, Lauren Blackwelder, John V. Parachini, RAND
- “Marking 50 Years of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC): Perspectives from Asia and the Pacific,” Office for Disarmament Affairs
- “Kaine & Budd Introduce Bill to Boost Safety and Security Against Biological Threats,” Tim Kaine, U.S. Senator from Virginia
Moderna Launches Phase 3 mRNA Bird Flu Vaccine Trial
By Margeaux Malone, Pandora Report Associate Editor
Moderna announced this week that the first participants have received doses of their investigational mRNA-based H5 bird flu vaccine candidate, mRNA-1018, as part of a Phase 3 clinical trial. The trial is funded with support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which invested $53.4 million to help advance the vaccine to licensure after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services pulled millions of dollars in funding to support vaccine development last May.
The trial aims to enroll approximately 4,000 adults across the United States and United Kingdom, with a particular focus on adults over 65 and poultry workers. In a company press release, Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said, “H5 influenza, or bird flu, remains a pandemic threat. The start of our Phase 3 trial for an H5 influenza vaccine marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen global pandemic preparedness.” As part of the agreement with CEPI, Moderna has pledged to allocate 20% of their H5 pandemic vaccine manufacturing capacity to provide timely supply of vaccines to low- and middle-income countries at affordable prices in the event of an influenza pandemic.
H5N1 Resurfaces in Cattle as Researchers Study Semen Spread
H5N1 avian flu resurfaced last week in five Idaho dairy herds, according to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. This marks the first detections in cattle since December 2025 when a single herd was affected in Wisconsin and comes almost exactly two years since US officials first recorded the virus in dairy cattle. In related news, Emerging Infectious Diseases published an early release article examining whether viral shedding in bovine semen could result in silent spread within herds and across geographic regions through artificial insemination. The study, based on observations of natural breeding bulls on an affected California dairy farm, found H5N1 RNA in the semen of an asymptomatic bull. However, researchers did not detect live virus and there was only limited evidence of seroconversion. Although the findings were ultimately inconclusive, the authors called for further research to further assess semen-associated transmission risks that may pose to herd health and breeding programs.
Further Reading:
- “H9N2 Bird Flu Hits Europe as First Human Case Confirmed in Italy,” Ed Hutchinson, Science Alert
- “3 more H9N2 avian flu cases confirmed in China,” Stephanie Soucheray, CIDRAP
- “Cambodia reports 3rd H5N1 avian influenza case of the year,” Robert Herriman, Outbreak News Today
- “Rapid expansion of genotype D1.1 A(H5N1) influenza viruses in wild birds across North America during the 2024 migratory season,” Harrington, W.N., Signore, A., Kercher, L. et al., Nature
- “The Americas strengthen surveillance against avian influenza: 15 countries participate in the regional ProgRESSVet workshop in Panama,” Pan American Health Organization
- “New mutations help the H5N1 bird flu virus infect cows but not people,” Kinga Krzeminska, Science News
IN OTHER NEWS
Chemical and Biological Weapons, Nonproliferation and Disarmament
- “A mythical history of biological warfare: Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, and Scorpion Bombs: Unconventional Warfare in the Ancient World,” W. Seth Carus, The Nonproliferation Review
- “Circle of life?” Gwyn Winfield, CBRNe World
- “Syria Pursues Plan to Complete CW Elimination,” Daryl G. Kimball, Arms Control Association
- “Chemical Forensics: Report of the Scientific Advisory Board’s Temporary Working Group,” OPCW
- “Barbara Hatch Rosenberg, Who Joined Hunt for Anthrax Culprit, Dies at 97,” Adam Nossiter, NY Times
- “From a South American frog to a Russian penal colony: How the poison epibatidine killed Navalny,” Rémi Ducasse, Audrey Lagadec and Eric Dedier, LeMonde
- “Scientist Irritated by Lab Colleague Accused in Poisoning Attempt,” Julie Bosman, NY Times
Public Health, Vaccines and Pandemic Preparedness
- “CDC won’t publish report showing covid shots cut likelihood of hospital visits,” Lena H. Sun, WP
- “Britain launches new mRNA vaccine trial to prepare for bird flu pandemic,” Maeve Cullinan, The Telegraph
- “Dropping the flu vaccine requirement puts U.S. military readiness at risk,” Paul Friedrichs, StatNews
- “Annual flu vaccine no longer required for U.S. military, Hegseth says,” Amy B. Wang and Dan Diamond, WP
- “Health Experts Weigh In on Effects of DOD’s Optional Flu Vaccine Policy,” Nick Mordowanec, Military.com
Science Policy, Funding and Politics
- “Where U.S. science has been hit hardest after Trump’s first year,” Carolyn Y. Johnson, Lydia Sidhom, and Susan Svrluga, WP
- “FBI’s No. 2 calls on hospitals to share cyberthreat info,” Tina Reed, Axios
- “Pete Hegseth Is America’s New Secretary of Pestilence,” James Palmer, Foreign Policy
- “Pace of N.I.H. Funding Slows Further in Trump’s Second Year,” Benjamin Mueller and Irena Hwang, NY Times
Podcasts
- “The Science and Human Impact of Chemical Threats,” U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- “Public Health on Call,” Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
NEW: Medical Leadership in Disaster Preparedness and Response: Virtual Conference
From ASPR: “Are you currently responsible for the medical direction of a health care entity in the event of a disaster? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (TRACIE) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) are pleased to cohost the second Medical Leadership in Disaster Preparedness and Response Virtual Conference.
This half day virtual conference will bring together individuals who have a medical direction role during disasters to discuss the spectrum of medical leadership responsibilities and some of the specific challenges of the role. Topics will include: developing and implementing best practices during a disaster, navigating downtown, using data for action, new disaster medicine, and discovering health care surge tools.”
This virtual conference will take place on May 11 from 12:00 – 4:30 PM ET. Learn more and register here.
NEW: Biosafety Level 4 Zoonotic Laboratory Network: International Virtual Conference
From the BSL4ZNet: “The BSL4ZNet bi‑annual international conference is a cornerstone event for the BSL4ZNet community. It provides a global forum for scientists, program leaders, and high‑containment specialists to exchange new research, innovations, and lessons learned related to high‑containment laboratories and high‑consequence pathogens. The 2026 meeting will mark our fifth international conference.”
This conference will be held virtually from May 13 at 9:00 AM through June 10 at 9:30 AM ET. Learn more and register here.
NEW: From the Ground Up: Federated Biodefense
From the Atlantic Council: “The Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense at the Atlantic Council will host its latest meeting, surveying federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government roles, responsibilities and resources.
Non-federal governments serve on the frontlines of biodefense. As the biological threat continues to grow, those officials who tackle this topic on a daily basis require reinforcement. This meeting of the Commission will discuss the impacts of changes in federal support for state, local, tribal, and territorial biodefense activities, as well as the biodefense roles, responsibilities and investments of non-federal governments. The discussions will also touch upon the personnel, policies and programs needed to bolster preparedness for future biological threats.”
This event will take place on Thursday, June 4 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET. Further information and registration details to follow.
External Review of Environmental, Biosafety, and Biosecurity Considerations for Synthetic Cell Research and Development: Report Release Webinar
From the National Academies: “Engineering biology holds great potential to transform biotechnology research to provide innovative solutions to critical challenges in health, agriculture, industry, and beyond. Scientists actively have worked to improve the design and creation of synthetic cells. Recent calls for increased predictability of designing cells that have desired functions upon their development highlight the pressing need to develop an actionable and contemplative approach to addressing environmental, safety, and security risks while maintaining research advancement and productivity. This study will analyze existing and needed approaches for assessing and reducing risks and maintaining benefits of synthetic cells to inform policy and protect public safety.”
This webinar will be held on April 29, from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT. Learn more and register here.
International Conference CBRNe Research & Innovation
From CBRNE: “The last 40 years have demonstrated that both military and civilian populations could be exposed to highly hazardous CBRNE agents following conflicts, natural outbreaks and disasters, industrial incidents or terrorist attacks. Worldwide, researchers, responders and industrial capacities have been commited to provide adapted response to these challenges. The CBRNE Research & Innovation Conference includes workshops and demonstrations of innovative materials, technologies and procedures, according to the following themes: Detection (identification), Protection (decontamination, medical countermeasures), and risk & crisis management.
This event will take place in Arcachon, France, from May 19 – 21, 2026. Learn more and RSVP here.
Biotechnology and Resilient Human Systems Workshop 2026
From the MIT Lincoln Laboratory: “The focus of the 2026 Biotechnology and Resilient Human Systems Workshop will be Preparing for Future Biological Effects. This two-day, in-person event will feature sessions highlighting the dual-use nature of biotechnology, building a resilient biosurveillance system, and developing broad medical countermeasures. The workshop will feature keynote presentations from leaders across the U.S. government highlighting critical national security challenges and opportunities created from advanced biotechnology and will also exhibit state-of-the-art research and innovations from the rapidly expanding biotechnology ecosystem.
Government and industry leaders, national security experts, UARCs, FFRDCS, national labs, entrepreneurs, and academic innovators will jointly discuss and showcase how to rapidly transition biotechnology-enabled technologies into operational capabilities that effectively address critical national security challenges.”
This in-person event will take place on June 2-3 in Lexington, MA. Learn more and register here.
GHS 2026
From GHS: “We’re excited to officially announce that the 4th Global Health Security Conference (GHS2026) will be held in Kuala Lumpur on the 9 – 12 June, 2026!”
“Building on the incredible momentum of GHS2024 in Sydney, we look forward to bringing together the global health security community once again – this time in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.”
“Registration and Call for Abstracts are now live!”
Learn more, submit abstracts, and register here.
Biosecurity Simulation Exercise (BSX 2026): Laboratory Incidents & Deliberate Biothreats
From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “This table-top simulation exercise aims to enhance inter-sectoral and inter-disciplinary preparedness for laboratory biosafety and biosecurity (LBB) and deliberate biothreat events (DBE). Through lectures, discussions, and structured, scenario-driven exercises, participants will explore decision-making to detect, risk-assess, and manage high-consequence biological incidents under conditions of incomplete information and unfolding events. Participants will collaborate in teams, building on expert perspectives to address issues in surveillance, diagnostics, public health response, security assessment, and risk communication.”
This in-person event will be held from August 27-28. Learn more and register here.
NEW: Private Sector – EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative – Call for Expression of Interest
From the UNICRI: “UNICRI, within the framework of the European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (EU CBRN CoE) Initiative invites private sector organizations to express their interest in engaging with the Initiative and its partner countries to strengthen global capacities for the prevention, detection and response to CBRN risks.
The EU CBRN CoE Initiative, funded by the European Union, supports more than 60 partner countries across multiple regions through capacity-building, training, policy development and technical cooperation. The Initiative seeks to enhance dialogue and collaboration with relevant private sector stakeholders. This call aims to identify and engage companies and organizations interested in contributing their expertise through technical exchanges, consultations, awareness-raising activities and potential cooperation initiatives with the EU CBRN CoE Initiative and its partner countries.”
The deadline for submissions is May 8. Learn more and register here.
NEW: INTERPOL Global Biosecurity Conference 2026 – Call for Abstracts
From INTERPOL: “The 2nd INTERPOL Global Biosecurity Conference brings together law enforcement and partner agencies, biosecurity experts, and academia from different regions and backgrounds to discuss the latest developments in global biosecurity. We invite biosecurity experts, researchers and scholars to submit an abstract, subject to a selection process, to present your work during the conference. The abstract should cover one of the following topics: global biological threat landscape, indicators and early-warning for biological threats, health and law enforcement coordination, forensics, biosecurity at borders, science and technology innovation, and legal, policy and information-sharing.”
The call for abstracts is now open, and the applications are due by May 22. Learn more and apply here.
Threats to Security: The Nexus of AI & Biotechnology Research Workshop – Call for Abstracts
From the MIT Media Lab: “The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology is rapidly reshaping the global innovation landscape, generating transformative opportunities across health, science, and industry. At the same time, this convergence introduces complex and evolving security challenges, particularly due to the dual-use nature of these technologies. Advances in AI-enabled biological research, ranging from computational genomics to automated laboratory systems, are accelerating discovery cycles and lowering barriers to entry, raising important questions for biosecurity, governance, and strategic stability.
For NATO and its Allies, these developments present a multidimensional challenge. Emerging risks include the potential misuse of AI-enabled tools to design or enhance biological agents, vulnerabilities in critical health and research infrastructures, and the growing role of AI in shaping information environments during biological crises. At the same time, uncertainty surrounding the feasibility, scalability, and detectability of such risks underscores the need for balanced, evidence-based assessments that avoid both underestimation and overstatement.
This Workshop is open to NATO Nations and will be conducted at NATO Unclassified.”
Submission deadline is April 26 at 11:59 PM CT. Learn more and apply here.
AIxBiosecurity Summer Fellowship 2026
From ERA: “ERA, in partnership with the Cambridge Biosecurity Hub, is launching our first 10-week, full-time AIxBiosecurity research fellowship dedicated to tackling biosecurity risks amplified by recent advances in frontier AI capabilities. This fully funded programme equips researchers to investigate ways to reduce extreme risks from engineered and natural biological threats amid rapidly advancing biotechnology and emerging AI capabilities. After a successful 2 month pilot programme, we’re excited to continue working with some of the top talent in AI and Biosecurity.”
Applications for the fellowship are now open, and the deadline to apply is April 27. Learn more and apply here.
Strengthening Biosecurity & Pandemic Preparedness Through Intergenerational Dialogue – Applications Open
From the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI): “As breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology outpace global governance, the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and The Elders are launching a new intergenerational initiative to generate the ideas and leadership needed for a safer future against biological threats.
NTI and The Elders are pleased to invite applications for a high-level Intergenerational Dialogue that will focus on emerging technologies, pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response (PPR), and global biosecurity governance. This dialogue will bring together early career professionals with senior global leaders to explore how technological innovation can strengthen health security while reducing catastrophic biological risks.
Building on NTI’s Next Generation for Biosecurity project and The Elders’ leadership on pandemic prevention and global cooperation, this initiative will foster candid exchange across generations, elevate diverse perspectives, and generate forward-looking ideas to inform global advocacy and policy priorities.”
The application deadline is Sunday, May 3 at 11:59 PM ET. Learn more and apply here.
Developing a Maximum Containment Laboratory: BSL-4 Biosafety and Biosecurity Considerations – A Webinar
From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “Maximum containment laboratories, or BSL-4 labs, provide unique capacity for work on high consequence infectious disease (HCID) pathogens. To enhance national outbreak readiness, Singapore has been strengthening laboratory capability to include a maximum containment laboratory. During this webinar, Adj A/Prof Gladys Tan will share insights from the journey to develop such a lab and discuss biosafety and biosecurity risks that need to be recognized and mitigated.”
This virtual event will be held on May 7 from 5:30-6:30 PM Singapore Time (GMT +08:00). Learn more and register here.
The Global Congress on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats – Call for Abstracts
From INTERPOL: “The 6th Plenary Meeting of the Global Congress on Chemical Security & Emerging Threats will be in Panama City from 21-24 Sept 2026. The event brings together governments, industry, academia, & international orgs to strengthen chem security through collaboration & action. By providing a platform for multi-sector global cooperation and partnership, the Global Congress enables members to build relationships, exchange expertise, share important information on emerging threats and innovative best practices, and enhance capabilities.”
The call for abstracts is now open, and the applications are due by May 15. Learn more about the conference here and apply here.
Bio-attribution Challenge
From DARPA: “Translate your bio-attribution research into national security impact. In an era of unprecedented biological data generation, the ability to rapidly determine the origin of a biological event — whether natural, accidental, or intentional — is a critical component of national security and public health. To meet the challenge of finding the “needle in a haystack” within this data deluge, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has launched the Bio-Attribution Challenge.
This virtual competition calls on innovators to develop a new generation of tools capable of analyzing petabyte-scale datasets in near real-time, far exceeding the capacity of current systems. The goal is to revolutionize how we identify and trace the source of biological sequences, ensuring a faster, more effective response to potential threats. Register for virtual competition to win a share of $180,000 in Prizes.”
The deadline to register is June 15. Learn more and register here.
The Pandora Report 