Pandora Report 2.07.2025

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This week’s Pandora Report discusses the 9th Meeting of the International Experts Group of Biosafety and Biosecurity Regulators, updates on the situation with USAID and from across the Trump administration, and more.

Biodefense MS Information Session

“Prospective students are invited to attend a information session to hear more about the Biodefense M.S. program offered at the Schar School. The online session will provide an overview of the program, as well as the application process, student experience and graduate outcomes. This session admissions will be led by the Graduate Admissions team.”

This sessions will take place at 12 pm EST on February 13. Learn more and register here.

9th Meeting of the International Experts Group of Biosafety and Biosecurity Regulators

The 9th Meeting of the International Experts Group of Biosafety and Biosecurity Regulators (IEGBBR) was held on February 3-5, 2025, in Pari, France. Since 2007, the biennial meeting has provided a crucial platform for experts from 11 member countries, as well as representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), to collaborate on enhancing global biosafety and biosecurity oversight mechanisms. This year, the meeting agenda includes: High Risk Biocontainment Facilities in Urban Areas; Global Biosafety and Biosecurity Challenges; and Biosafety and Biosecurity Concerns related to Emerging Issues. The IEGBBR was formed under the leadership of the Public Health Agency of Canada and comprises of biosafety and/or biosecurity regulatory authorities from 11 member countries. The purpose of the IEGBBR is to provide a forum for the sharing of knowledge and experience with regard to current human and zoonotic pathogen biosafety and biosecurity oversight issues.

Gerald Parker Reportedly Tapped to Lead White House Office of Pandemic Response

The White House has reportedly selected Gerald Parker, DVM, PhD, to lead the White House Office of Pandemic Response, according to CBS News. Parker is the Associate Dean for Global One Health at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. He is also on the faculty of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, serving as the Director of the Pandemic and Biosecurity Policy Program at the Scowcroft Institute for International Affairs. Among Parker’s many accomplishments are previous stints as the Commander and Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, as well as time serving in the senior executive level as a federal civilian in DHS, HHS, and DOD, including serving as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at HHS, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Chemical and Biological Defense at DOD. He is also the former chairperson of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, and he currently serves on the Defense Science Board Permanent Subcommittee for Threat Reduction.

Ashish Jha, MD, MPH, former White House COVID-19 response coordinator under President Biden, said in a statement to CBS News, “I’ve not been a fan of every choice that Donald Trump has made. And I’ve been very critical of many of them. This one is a very good choice,” describing Parker as “deeply knowledgeable, serious, not particularly partisan, but really just very focused on important issues.”

Shock and Awe as Trump Administration Dismantles USAID

If last week at USAID was chaotic, this week has proven to be a complete disaster. On Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in a letter to lawmakers that he is the acting administrator of USAID, confirming his department’s de-facto takeover of the agency. Rubio explained in the letter that he has delegated authority to Pete Marocco, a Trump appointee who served at USAID under the first Trump administration and has been criticized by aid group and officials for, allegedly, intentionally dismantling the organization. Notably, Marocco is the one who drafted the initial order to freeze virtually all foreign aid.

On Tuesday, USAID’s previously-down website was updated with a simple announcement indicating all direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally by 11:59 pm EST on Friday, February 7. It does indicate there is an exception for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs, and that people in those roles would be notified of the expectation they continue working by 3 pm EST on February 6. The administration also ordered all overseas missions for USAID to shut down, and for all staff to be recalled by Friday. More than 6,000 USAID employees are currently overseas. According to CBS, just 294 are considered essential out of roughly 14,000 employees. Furthermore, it is unclear what will happen to foreign nationals who are employed by USAID at overseas missions.

The agency’s announcement explains in part that, “For USAID personnel currently posted outside the United States, the Agency, in coordination with missions and the Department of State, is currently preparing a plan, in accordance with all applicable requirements and laws, under which the Agency would arrange and pay for return travel to the United States within 30 days and provide for the termination of PSC and ISC contracts that are not determined to be essential. The Agency will consider case-by-case exceptions and return travel extensions based on personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other reasons. For example, the Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents’ school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons. Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming.”

One official told The Washington Post, “You find yourself in a foreign country, in all likelihood a place you moved to despite the terrorism or security risks, and you’re being treated as if you’re somehow an enemy of the state.  That’s not even the worst of it. You know that your career matters far less than the lives of those you were trying to help, and … a lot of them are going to die without American aid.”

USAID-provided ultra-low temperature freezer in a biomedical laboratory in Nanyuki, Kenya, sticker text: “USAID, From the American People”|Photo Credit: Danyale C. Kellogg

As the destruction unfolded at USAID, the White House released a fact sheet entitled “At USAID, Waste and Abuse Runs Deep,” that claims USAID “has been unaccountable to taxpayers as it funnels massive sums of money to the ridiculous — and, in many cases, malicious — pet projects of entrenched bureaucrats, with next-to-no oversight.”

The statement then lists 12 examples of this alleged waste and abuse, linking to questionable news sites like the Daily Caller and Breitbart. Several of them link to the Daily Mail, a British tabloid. One of the bulleted examples reads, “Millions to EcoHealth Alliance – which was involved in research at the Wuhan Lab”. Most of these claims were found to be false or misleading when fact checked. The statement then concludes with, “The list literally goes on and on — and it has all been happening for decades.”

In addition to the bizarre tone of this official White House statement, the cited examples are problematic. For starters, some of them are State Department grants, not USAID grants, while one of them actually comes from the first Trump administration. Some of them are so low that The Washington Post reports they were made at the ambassador level, without input from Washington. The White House has also incorrectly claimed USAID gave Politico over $8 million in funding. In reality, between 2023 and 2024, USAID paid Politico $44,000 for subscriptions to Politico publications. This is not an uncommon thing to do across the US government.

The claims made by the White House are part of a broader narrative that a large portion of the federal budget “goes to other countries.” In reality, as we discussed last week, it really only accounts for around 1% of the budget. Furthermore, much of this money does not ever leave the US, and the portion that does largely goes to NGOs, not host governments. Furthermore, much of this is obligated to go to US-based entities. An example of this is food aid, which has to be purchased in the US and must be shipped by US carriers. As a result, this attack on USAID and foreign aid in general is actually threatening to US farmers.

In a statement this week, President Trump said of the agency “It’s been run by a bunch of radical lunatics, and we’re getting them out, and then we’ll make a decision.” Irreversible decisions have already been made that will have far-reaching, long-lasting implications not just for USAID and the federal workforce, but for those receiving foreign aid through USAID and the organizations that facilitated that. PII and classified information has been accessed by the supposed Department of Government Efficiency, and lives have been upended, seemingly at the whim of Elon Musk.

Former Administrators React

A group of former USAID administrators issued a sharp rebuke of the administration’s attacks on the agency this week, including J. Brian Atwood, Peter McPherson, Andrew Natsios, Gayle Smith, and Samantha Power. In a statement signed by the former administrators, they explain “While we don’t agree on all issues, we wholeheartedly agree that USAID and America’s foreign assistance programs are vital to our interests, that the career men and women of USAID have served each of us well, and that it is the duty of the Administration and Congress to swiftly protect the Agency’s statutory role.”

They write later in the statement, “Failure to maintain the global engagement that foreign aid enables, to honor the men and women of our civilian service as we do those in the military, or weaken and even destroy the Agency is to the benefit of neither political party and the detriment of all Americans.”

Further Reading:

Further Trump Administration Updates

RFK Jr., Gabbard Advance Past Senate Committees

Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr. both cleared key hurdles on Tuesday in their efforts to be confirmed by the Senate. Both of their committee votes came down to the wire, with Republicans ultimately making the decision to back them after pressure from members of the administration. Both are thought to likely be confirmed by the full Senate.

CDC Restores Some Purged Files and Pages

Intense backlash following the purge of files on the CDC’s website seems to have prompted the reinstatement of some online resources. Last Friday, the agency suddenly removed thousands of pages from its site that included terms like “transgender,” “LGBT,” and “pregnant person,” rushing to meet a deadline to remove such terms from its website. While many pages have since been restored, many databases and pages on topics like contraception guidelines have not been restored. The site now has a banner explaining it is being modified to comply with President Trump’s executive orders.

Beyond ideological arguments, this has massive implications for public health. For example, the now gone pages on contraception provided lists of drug interactions for providers to consider when prescribing newer forms of birth control. Similarly, pages with vaccine information have yet to be restored, despite not being targeted by the executive order.

Note: All CDC datasets that were uploaded before January 28, 2025, have been uploaded to the Internet Archive and are available here.

NSF Flagging Research Grant Proposals for Reviews Based on DEI-Related Keywords

While the National Science Foundation has unfrozen its grant funding, a list of keywords that will flag proposals has reportedly been introduced at the organization. The list of keywords is extensive, according to an internal document that has been reviewed by media outlets and multiple NSF employees with knowledge of the review process who spoke under the condition on anonymity. Terms on the list allegedly include basic ones like biases, diversity, ethnicity, excluded, female, gender, historically, inequities, institutional, minority, racially, socioeconomic, systemic, trauma, underserved, victims, and women. While the list is concerning in general, many of these terms have multiple meanings, some of which would not fall under DEI.

This comes after a notice was given at the organization last week warning about activities that do not comply with the administration’s DEI executive order. A message to investigators said in part, “In particular, this may include, but is not limited to conferences, trainings, workshops, considerations for staffing and participant selection, and any other grant activity that uses or promotes the use of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) principles and frameworks or violates federal anti-discrimination laws.”

Further Reading:

Argentina Announces Exit from WHO

Argentinian President Javier Milei announced his intention to withdraw his country from the WHO this week. Milei, a self-described “anarcho-capitalist” who has sought to mirror Donald Trump, attributed this decision to the WHO’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said consisted of a “caveman quarantine that involved…one of the most outlandish crimes against humanity in history.”

This prompted immediate criticism from the Argentinian opposition as well as health organizations who are concerned this move will limit the country’s access to needed funding. Critics also say Milei is not able to do this unilaterally, requiring instead congressional approval. Milei’s administration refused to sign the WHO-supported Pandemic Treaty last year, citing concerns about national sovereignty.

H5N1 – “In Your Feeders” 02.07.25

By Meredith Fletcher, Pandora Report Associate Editor

As H5N1 spreads across the bird community, many people raise the question, “should I stop feeding the birds in my backyard?” The simple answer is…well it depends.  If the bird flu is prevalent in your area, it may be best to stop.  It also depends on what type of birds you feed. Right now, those known to be carriers of H5N1 are waterfowl such as ducks/geese, shorebirds (storks/plovers), raptors (hawks/owls) and songbirds such as robins and sparrows. Due to this, it is also spreading to domestic turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese and quail. It is important to note that domestic songbirds only have about a 3% chance of infection, so unless you also keep poultry, there is little risk. The virus is spread from these birds in their saliva, mucus and feces, which can be dropped on the ground and can contaminate areas if you have your own flock. In other H5N1 news, there was a new strain identified in Nevada cows on Wednesday, which led Louise Moncla (an evolutionary biologist specializing in bird flu) to say, “We need to now consider the possibility that cows are more broadly susceptible to these viruses than we initially thought.” While the virus is actively mutating, officials still say the person-to-person transmission risk is low, and little to be concerned about for the average person.

Strengthening a Safe and Secure Nucleic Acid Synthesis Ecosystem: Outcomes of EBRC Stakeholder Engagement

From EBRC: “The report describes central issues and perspectives on nucleic acid synthesis screening, including screening for sequences of concern, customer screening, follow-up screening, and law enforcement reporting. It describes best practices that providers, tool developers, customers, and other stakeholders can implement to further strengthen nucleic acid synthesis screening. It also recommends policies, capabilities, and infrastructure to support the adoption and improvement of screening practices.”

“EBRC developed this report based on information and expertise shared by stakeholders across industry, government, academia, and civil society in six virtual workshops (April–August 2024) and an in-person workshop (September 2024). We thank the 200+ stakeholders who engaged with this effort for their collaborative spirit and dedication to advancing nucleic acid synthesis screening.”

Read the report here.

“Bolstering US Biodefense: Recommendations for the New Administration”

This briefer from the Council on Strategic Risks’ Nolan Center offers recommendations for the Trump administration’s first year in office aimed at improving US biodefense. It explains in part, “In recent years, the US has shown both leadership and progress in establishing and implementing the most advanced policies yet for biodefense and biosecurity. Significant strategic advancements have included the strengthening of the US National Biodefense Strategy in 2018 and 2022, and the Department of Defense (DoD) completing its first-ever Biodefense Posture Review in 2023. Efforts to implement these ambitious strategies have included establishing DoD’s Generative Unconstrained Intelligent Drug Engineering (GUIDE) program to harness the Department of Energy’s supercomputing capabilities to design and evaluate medical countermeasures years faster than standard methodologies, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics (CFA). Still, given the scale and urgency of the risks the nation faces, the new administration must continue to pursue ever-more ambitious approaches to addressing significant biological risks.”

Transmission Interrupted, “Behind the Scenes: Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hollywood”

“In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, join hosts Lauren Sauer and Rachel Lookadoo as they continue their Pathogens in Pop Culture series with a dive into the fascinating intersection of infectious diseases and the entertainment industry with esteemed guest, Dr. Saskia Popescu. Dr. Popescu, an internationally recognized infectious disease epidemiologist and global health security expert, shares her unique experiences providing epidemiological guidance and infection prevention strategies on film sets during the COVID-19 pandemic. From creative risk assessments and navigating ever-changing guidelines to the challenges of implementing health measures in diverse climate settings all around the world, Dr. Popescu provides a candid look behind the scenes of Hollywood’s pandemic response. Get a glimpse into how science intersects with Hollywood magic, revealing an industry more receptive and complex than meets the eye. Tune in as we uncover the balance between safety and storytelling, and explore the uncharted territory of infectious diseases in pop culture.”

Listen here.

“Engineering Tomorrow: DARPA’s Push into the Frontier of Synthetic Biology”

Jeff Buguliskis discusses the work of DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office in this piece from Synbiobeta: “For years, synthetic biology has offered tantalizing glimpses of what might be possible—personalized disease treatments, materials grown by microbes instead of extracted from petroleum, and sensors capable of detecting everything from emerging pathogens to chemical toxins. The allure has attracted investors and entrepreneurs, pushing startups to scale up with fermentation bioreactors and gene-editing technologies. But beyond the hype, we hit a sobering truth: biology is messy. Scale-ups that work beautifully on a lab bench often break down in a 10,000-liter tank. Promising genetic designs fail unpredictably because real-world conditions differ from the pristine order of the lab.”

“That’s precisely why now is the right time for deeper, broader investment in SynBio—and why the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is making its move. The mission at DARPA, known more widely for stealth planes and the internet, is to foresee threats, catalyze big ideas, and then supercharge them until they’re world-changing or prove unworkable. Mike Koeris, Director of DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office (BTO), envisions synthetic biology as the next great frontier in that legacy of breakthroughs. And he’s looking for new frontiers, people of science, a.k.a. Program Managers—“PMs,” as DARPA calls them—to push that frontier beyond what anyone could think possible, merging the digital realm of bits with the living realm of atoms.”

“The Value of a Biorisk Management System: Enabling Infectious Disease Laboratory Excellence on all Levels”

Patty Olinger and Stefan Wagener discuss the need for comprehensive biorisk management systems in this piece from Infection Control.tips: “Biosafety and biosecurity are essential components of modern laboratory operations, ensuring that safety and security are seamlessly integrated into daily practices. Far from being burdensome, a well-implemented biorisk management system empowers laboratories through a top management-driven approach to continual improvement, based on clear internal and external stakeholder-based policies and objectives that are monitored and assessed through key performance indicators.  When possible, these measures should be embedded into workflows so effectively that they become part of day-to-day activities or culture. Such a system ensures that resources are directed toward addressing gaps, continually improving biosafety and biosecurity and fostering the integrity of research. This results in scientists taking ownership of biorisk management and focusing better on their core mission—innovative science. Moreover, a comprehensive biorisk management system extends benefits beyond the facility, safeguarding communities and the environment and rebuilding public trust with transparency and external stakeholder input.”

“Monitoring Snapshot 7”

From GP WMD Counter Disinfo: “DFRLab conducts a bimonthly analysis of data based on a search query including Ukrainian, Russian and English languages to identify when spikes of CBRN disinformation narratives are spreading. This report (10 December 2024 – 6 January 2025) saw an emergence of claims of Ukraine biolab origin of H5N1 (avian flu); an influx of unfounded allegations about alleged Ukrainian plans to attack various nuclear power plants (NPPs); and unfounded speculations around the possibility of Western involvement in the assassination of General Igor Kirillov, head of the Chemical, Biological, and Nuclear Defense Troops of the Russian Armed Forces.”

“Russia Consumer Watchdog Falsely Accuses US of Mishandling Pathogens in DR Congo”

Purity Mwambia debunks a claim from the Russia State Consumer Watchdog that the US and France are irresponsibly handling dangerous pathogens in the DRC in this piece for VOA. The claim states, “The activities of this laboratory are financed by the US Agency for International Development and the French Merieux Foundation. This circumstance once again confirms the irresponsible approach of Western countries when working with dangerous infections in the territory of third countries, when biological facilities are created without the proper infrastructure and samples of pathogens of dangerous diseases are accumulated without control.”

“HSToday Threat Forecast 2025: Global Terrorism”

Mahmut Cengiz, an Associate Professor and Research Faculty with Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC) and the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, recently published this article in Homeland Security Today. He writes in part, “The effectiveness of terrorism as a strategic approach has been widely debated. While many scholars argue that terrorism can be a useful tactic for non-state actors, they often believe it ultimately fails to produce lasting, long-term results. However, the Taliban’s use of terror tactics and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) recent expansion in Syria challenge this view, suggesting that, in some cases, terrorism can effectively achieve its strategic goals. As a result, both the Taliban and HTS may serve as models for other jihadist groups with similar objectives in 2025. Consequently, shifting priorities within Western governments have contributed to HTS’s rise. The U.S. has focused more on the strategic threat posed by China, while the European Union has been preoccupied with the refugee crisis. In this context, Turkiye has played a central role in facilitating HTS’s growth in Syria, and its actions appear to have been tacitly supported by Western governments. Despite these developments, Syria’s future remains uncertain. There are ongoing concerns about whether an authoritarian and often corrupt Turkish government can help guide Syria toward a stable and representative political system. Moreover, ISIS continues to be the most active and powerful actor in Syria, responsible for about one-third of the country’s terrorist attacks in 2024. There also are concerns over whether Kurdish forces in northern Syria will continue to receive U.S. support in their fight against ISIS. As such, Syria is likely to remain a key issue on the global agenda for counterterrorism in 2025.”

“Feature Article: Organ-on-a-Chip—3D Printed Tissue Allows Researchers to Study Effects of Toxic Vapors”

This article is from the Department of Homeland Security: “The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and its Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC) have partnered with the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) to 3D print human lung cells and tissue onto microchips for state-of-the-art analysis of the hazards posed by toxic chemicals. S&T’s other partner, the Battelle Memorial Institute (BMI), is serving as the program’s evaluator.”

NEW: 2025’s National Security Challenges: A Hayden Center Open Forum

From the Hayden Center: Join the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 7:00 pm ET as we host our third annual open forum examining the year’s national security challenges. At this event, YOU get to drive the discussion with your questions!

Our panel includes:

General (retired) Michael Hayden: former Director of both the Central Intelligence Agency & National Security Agency; the nation’s first Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence; and Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University;

Jennifer Victor: Associate Professor of Political Science at the Schar School; Director of Schar School’s Democracy Lab Academic Community; author, researcher, and commentator; and recipient of the National Capitol Area Political Science Association Pi Sigma Alpha Award for undergraduate student mentoring in 2024 and of  the George Mason University Teaching Excellence Award in 2019;

Andrew McCabe: Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Schar School; former Acting Director and Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; CNN senior law enforcement analyst; and co-host of  UnJustified, the successor to Jack: A Special Counsel Podcast; 

Greg Koblentz: Associate Professor and Director of Biodefense Graduate Programs and Associate Faculty at the Center for Security Policy Studies at the Schar School; Editor-in-Chief of The Pandora Report; Co-Director of the Global Labs Initiative; member of the Scientist Working Group on Biological and Chemical Security at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation in Washington, DC, and the Security Working Group of the Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC); and author and researcher; 

Larry Pfeiffer, Director of the Hayden Center, former Senior Director of the White House Situation Room, and former Chief of Staff at the CIA, will moderate the conversation.

Whether you join us in person or via livestream, we look forward to your incisive questions!

Learn more and register here.

NEW: Hubs of Illicit Trade in the Global Economy Book Discussion

From the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC): “This book, authored by a global team of researchers and experts, the Hubs of Illicit Trade (HIT) team, examines how centers of illicit trade pose myriad threats to global security and sustainable development.”

“The exponential growth of illicit trade, resulting in annual losses amounting to trillions of dollars for the global economy, is increasingly concentrated within specific geographic areas. These locales serve as safe havens for smugglers and their accomplices, fostering a criminal ecosystem that facilitates the convergence of various criminal activities. The book underscores the detrimental impact of these hubs, characterized by opaque governance and lax regulatory oversight. It explores the spectrum of illicit trade present in notorious hubs such as the Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay Tri-Border Area, Dubai, Panama, Belize, Guatemala, and Ukraine. Emphasizing the phenomenon of crime convergence associated with these hubs, the book offers actionable recommendations for disrupting their interconnected illicit supply chains, infrastructures, and networks.”

This hybrid event will take place on February 19 from 12-2 pm EST at George Mason’s Arlington campus. Learn more and RSVP here.

Hubs of Illicit Trade Book TalkDownload

Cyberbiosecurity Summit

From Johns Hopkins APL and Bio-ISAC: “Advancements in biomanufacturing and biotechnology drive the science we need to thrive, everything from apples to vaccines. The Cyberbiosecurity Summit 2025 convenes leading experts in biotechnology, biosecurity, and cybersecurity to explore the intersection of these fields and discuss the strategies to create a safe, secure future for us all.”
This event will take place February 25-26 in Laurel, MD. Register here and review the call for sessions here (closes 12/12).

Sustainable Manufacturing: Building and Preserving a Resilient Medical Industrial Base

“Join industry and government partners for our second annual industry summit! During this event, leaders from IBMSC will share our strategic vision and organizational priorities. Speakers will also share potential opportunities for building and preserving the medical industrial base.  This event will be in-person only and space is limited!”

This event will take place March 11-12 in Washington, DC. Learn more and register here.

Gaming Weapons of Mass Destruction Course – From Policy to Practice

From MORS: “Gaming Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD – defined as Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological agents) will be a three-day course focused on developing and executing games related to WMD in all its forms. While the basics of WMD capabilities and game design will be discussed, this will be a course focused on the intersection of WMD and gaming. It will not be either a WMD or gaming course; for those topics see other offerings.”

“No prior experience is required for this course, though a basic familiarity with various agents and their effects would be helpful, as would a basic understanding of professional gaming and how it is used.  The instructors will adapt in real time to class requirements (e.g., if the class is interested in animal and plant targets, the instructors have extensive experience in designing games on those subjects as well).”

This course will take place March 18-20 on Zoom. Learn more and register here.

NEW: Call for Experts-Personal Protective Equipment for Influenza A (H5N1) in High-Risk Farm Settings: A Workshop

“The National Academies is seeking suggestions for experts to participate in a new workshop on personal protective equipment (PPE) needs and best practices to protect workers in high-risk U.S. farm settings and control Influenza A (H5N1) transmission between livestock and humans. The workshop will examine the current state of knowledge on H5N1 transmission to humans and implications for PPE use in high-risk farm settings; approaches to overcoming barriers to implementation of PPE recommendations and best practices; the potential for novel technologies to enhance protection provided by PPE in farm settings; and health communication, education, training, and research needs.”

Learn more and submit nominations by February 14 at 5 pm ET here.

NEW: Research Opportunity, The Gene Synthesis Regulatory Landscape in Asia: Towards Enhanced Biosecurity

From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “DNA synthesis technology is revolutionising our ability to engineer biological systems, offering transformative benefits in areas like vaccine development and sustainable energy. However, it also presents significant risks, particularly the potential misuse of synthetic DNA to create harmful pathogens, raising concerns within the biosecurity community.”

“To minimise biosecurity concerns related to DNA synthesis, some governments and industry groups have adopted policies requiring or encouraging providers to screen DNA synthesis orders. However, there seems to be less comprehensive regulation and oversight of DNA synthesis activities across many Asian countries”

“The Asia Centre for Health Security (ACHS) is leading a study to map the policy and regulatory landscape of DNA synthesis screening across the region. Our research aims to identify gaps and opportunities in existing frameworks and provide actionable recommendations to support the revision of existing laws and policies and/or or the development of new policies for regulating DNA synthesis screening in Asia.”

“Case Study Researchers for a Research Project on DNA Synthesis Screening in Asia”

“We are seeking experienced researchers to contribute to this research project by developing country-specific case studies on the regulation of DNA synthesis screening across Asia. Learn more about the opportunity here.”

Pandora Report 1.31.2025

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This week’s Pandora Report includes discussion of the CIA’s updated stance on COVID-19 origins, how funding and hiring freezes are affecting the international development community, NIH’s purchasing abilities amid HHS’ communications freeze, RFK Jr.’s confirmation hearing, and more. This edition also includes an H5N1 update from the Pandora Report’s new Associate Editor, Meredith Fletcher.

CIA Announces It Favors COVID-19 Lab Leak Theory

Over the weekend, the CIA said in a statement that it now favors the idea that SARS-CoV-2 leaked from a laboratory in Wuhan. CIA joins FBI and DOE in drawing this conclusion. This analysis was ordered by the outgoing Biden administration. John Ratcliffe, Trump’s now confirmed nominee for CIA Director, promised in his first interview after confirmation that he “intends to immediately get to the bottom of what the Agency knows about COVID leaking from a Wuhan lab in China.” Ratcliffe has also ordered the assessment to be declassified and made public.

The assessment from CIA was made with low confidence, as was the earlier DOE assessment. A CIA spokesperson explained that “CIA assesses with low confidence that a research-related origin of the COVID-19 pandemic is more likely than a natural origin based on the available body of reporting.” This analysis does not draw on any new evidence or sources. Allegedly, the change was based on closer scrutiny of the conditions at high security labs in Wuhan.

While the Intelligence Community has not explicitly defined analytic confidence levels, “low confidence” generally suggests the assessment’s information is of questionable credibility or plausibility. In past assessments from the National Intelligence Council, low confidence has been defined as “generally means that the information’s credibility and/or plausibility is questionable, or that the information is too fragmented or poorly corroborated to make solid analytic inferences, or that we have significant concerns or problems with the sources.”

Sen. Paul Subpoenas 14 Agencies RE: COVID-19 Origins and GoF Research

Senator Rand Paul, chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, issued subpoenas on January 13 to 14 federal agencies “from the outgoing Biden-Harris administration in connection with the origins of COVID-19 and taxpayer-funded gain-of-function research.” Agencies subpoenaed include the National Institutes of Health, Department of State, United States Agency for International Development, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Council, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and Office of Science and Technology Policy. 

In a statement, Senator Paul said “In the wake of Anthony Fauci’s preemptive pardon, there are still questions to be answered. Who at NIH directed funds to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and why was the proposal not scrutinized by the P3CO safety committee? For four years, I have requested records from the NIH and other agencies on all deliberations regarding the decision to skip oversight by the safety committee only to be stonewalled. Today, I’m announcing subpoenas were sent from the Committee to NIH and 13 other agencies regarding their involvement in risky gain-of-function research. The goal of the investigation will be to critique the process that allowed this dangerous research, that may have led to the pandemic, to occur in a foreign country under unsafe protocols and to ensure that there is sufficient oversight and review going forward, making sure a mistake of this magnitude never happens again.”

Trump Administration Updates

Stop Work Orders, Funding Freezes, and Chaos in the Federal Government Threaten Foreign Aid

An executive order signed by President Trump on his first day in office has thrown much of the federal government into chaos, especially those agencies involved with foreign aid. The order halts disbursements of foreign development aid for 90 days in order to allow the White House to assess whether these programs align with the President’s foreign policy. It was followed by an order from Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his department to cease not just development aid, but virtually all current foreign aid programs in general. The executive order explains in part, “The United States foreign aid industry and bureaucracy are not aligned with American interests and in many cases antithetical to American values.”

This echoes a growing anti-foreign aid sentiment much of the public holds, which has been fanned by President Trump in the last decade. For example, in 2019, Brookings explained that opinion polling consistently reports that many many Americans believe foreign aid accounts for around 25% of the US federal budget. Many of those, when asked, say they believe that number should be around 10%. In fact, foreign aid accounts for around 1% or less of the federal budget annually.

Make no mistake, that 1% does incredible things that make the US and the world safer and more stable. For example, the mission of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is “to partner to end extreme poverty and to promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing our security and prosperity.” USAID does this with its relatively small budget, not only by promoting American values abroad, but also by addressing conditions that spawn instability and violence and by strengthening economies globally. This agency strengthens the US by preventing the country from being drawn into conflicts by helping prevent them from developing, helps address threats to global health that can very easily threaten the homeland, and by creating more favorable global economic conditions.

Now, however, USAID and other agencies overseeing foreign aid have been thrown into chaos by the administration. In addition to mass confusion over the funding freeze and stop-work orders, hundreds of employees and contractors at USAID have been laid off or placed on administrative leave. Tens of thousands of people in the United States, many of whom are in the Washington, DC, area, rely on contract work with these agencies and are at risk of losing their jobs.

Part of this chaos includes a now waived pause on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). PEPFAR was founded by President Bush in 2003 to help reduce the global burden of HIV/AIDS, and it currently has a $6.5 billion budget. It uses this budget to provide HIV/AIDS medications to more than 20.6 million people, not just keeping them alive, but helping prevent them from transmitting HIV to others. State Department estimates indicate the program has likely saved the lives of more than 25 million people in 54 countries since its inception.

The administration moved to stop program funding from reaching clinics, hospitals, and other organizations in low-income countries for 180 days. While the administration issued a waiver for this program on Tuesday, it came after appointments were already cancelled, people were turned away from clinics, and those undergoing HIV treatment had those treatments suddenly interrupted.

The stop-work order has also halted work to address current mpox and Marburg outbreaks. It has also had an impact on ongoing efforts to recover remaining CW stockpiles in Syria by degrading the capacity of the White Helmets to continue their work there. The list of affected programs drags on and on, including programs aimed at combatting the trafficking of fentanyl and narcotics, funding reporting on and combatting Russian and Chinese disinformation, and supporting those resisting oppressive regimes in places like Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Burma. Support that is critical to ensuring the defense of Taiwan has also been paused.

This is not “putting America first.” It is handing the United States’ adversaries, especially China, the opportunity to take the influence the US holds in the international community for themselves. Furthermore, to be clear, the $70 billion that is being held up by the administration is part of an annual budget that received Congressional approval and is the product of bipartisan negotiations. While administrations can and should review where the United States is spending its money, this is a dangerous move. Pausing work even just for 90 days ensures that people will be fired, trust and expertise will be lost, and some of these programs will not be able to recover from this.

Foreign aid is not just “handouts” to people in other countries. In addition to saving and improving the lives of people who benefit from foreign aid, it helps keep the United States safer, stronger, and more secure. Whatever comes of this pause, significant damage has been done both to the agencies affected and the people around the world the United States has turned its back on.

Further Reading:

NIH Cleared to Resume Some Purchasing for Research

Scientists at the NIH were told this week they will be allowed to continue working with some current vendors to purchase necessary supplies for their studies after a communication pause issued last week stopped their purchasing. According to a new memo, there are still exceptions on purchasing when vendors issue public documents on behalf of the agency. According to CNN, “Researchers who have clinical trial participants staying at the NIH’s on-campus hospital, the Clinical Trial Center, said last week they weren’t able to order test tubes to draw blood as well as other key study components. One researcher who was affected said his study would run out of key supplies by this week. If that happened, the research results would be compromised, and he would have to recruit new patients, he said.”

Peter Lurie, the President and Executive Director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said of the pause “It’s difficult to tell if what’s going on is rank incompetence or a willful attempt to throw sand in the gears, but it really could be either, neither reflects well on them.”

Further Reading:

RFK Jr. Senate Confirmation Hearing

In the days before RFK Jr.’s Senate confirmation hearing, several news articles were published discussing the nominee’s actions over the years and in the run-up to his hearing. One article from The Washington Post explained how he skipped a required transition meeting during which intended members of Trump’s cabinet hashed out their roles in the event of different crises, including a hypothetical avian influenza outbreak in humans. Kennedy, whose role in such a scenario would be pivotal, was two miles away, trying to sway skeptical senators to support his bid to lead HHS.

Furthermore, RFK Jr., who insists he is not anti-vaccine, but demands to see the “data” or “science” showing that vaccines are safe, dismissed such information when it was presented to him by a Republican senator. The senator, Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, reportedly told RFK Jr. that the science is clear that childhood vaccines are safe and not linked to autism. In response, Kennedy said he would recommend such vaccines if shown the data and that “not only will I do that but I will apologize for any statements that misled people otherwise.” When Cassidy pulled out and read aloud such information, Kennedy dismissed him.

Ahead of the hearing’s start, Caroline Kenney, cousin of RFK Jr. and former US Ambassador to Australia, issued a scathing letter urging lawmakers to vote against her cousin’s confirmation. In it, she discusses her cousin’s drug addiction, how he led family members “down the path of drug addiction,” and recent disclosures indicating how “his crusade against vaccination has benefited him in other ways.”

Her letter includes statements like “It’s no surprise that he keeps birds of prey as pets because he himself is a predator,” “Today, while he may encourage a younger generation to attend AA meetings, Bobby is addicted to attention and power. Bobby preys on the desperation of parents of sick children – vaccinating his own children while building a following by hypocritically discouraging other parents from vaccinating theirs,” and, of all those in the health care system, “They deserve a stable, moral, and ethical person at the helm of this crucial agency. They deserve better than Bobby Kennedy- and so do the rest of us. I urge the Senate to reject his nomination.”

Kerry Kennedy Meltzer, RFK Jr.’s niece and a physician, shared with STAT News a collection of private emails between her and her uncle. They show RFK Jr. making several false claims about COVID-19 vaccines at the height of the pandemic, citing articles by vaccine skeptics, tying childhood vaccinations to autism, and raising doubts about influenza vaccines.

In one email, RFK Jr. responds to his niece, who described to him some of what she had seen working in an ICU during the pandemic, “Kerry. I don’t dismiss your experience but it differs with data we are seeing from Israel, UK and other nations with much more reliable data systems. You might want to ask your hospital to publish this data so that people can take it seriously. That problem is that CDC has been using corrupt metrics to assess who is vaccinated. CDC counts all people as ‘unvaccinated’ until two weeks after their second shot. We have seen dramatically increased cases and mortalities in the two weeks following the first shot and CDC counts these as unvaccinated.”’

Now that the hearing has started, Kennedy has not fared better. In his first day of questioning, Kennedy seemed confused about the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, though he also said he would like to integrate the two programs. When pressed on this, he relented that he did not know how he would do so. He also struggled with questions on his changing stance on reproductive care access.

Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado brought up Kennedy’s assertion that “COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasian and Black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese.” Bennet also brought up his claim that that Lyme disease “is highly likely to have been a military weapon,” which he said on his podcast in January of last year. RFK Jr. responded “I probably did say that,” in reference to Lyme disease, though he claimed he had not made such statements about COVID-19. Later, he claimed he “never believed” that Lyme disease was created as a biological weapon. He also cited three books suggesting this theory, though he admitted he has not read them thoroughly.

Kennedy struggled to answer for other, even wilder claims, including that Wi-Fi and 5G cause cancer and that AIDS is a different disease in Africa than it is in the US. When questioned on these, RFK Jr. said he stands behind his claims about Wi-Fi and his description of AIDS. Kennedy was also confronted by Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia about a social media post he made during his presidential campaign, in which he said “My take on 9/11: It’s hard to tell what is a conspiracy theory and what isn’t. But conspiracy theories flourish when the government routinely lies to the public. As President I won’t take sides on 9/11 or any of the other debates. But I can promise is that I will open the files and usher in a new era of transparency.”

Senator Kaine asked Kennedy, “As a general matter, do you find it hard to tell what is a conspiracy theory and what isn’t? Is that kind of a general deficit that you find in your own analytical abilities?” In response, Kennedy said that his father taught him that “people in authority lie.”

The second day was not better for Kennedy. Not only has he refused to back off on his anti-vaccine statements, but he continued to spar with Senator Cassidy, refusing to answer the senator’s question on whether or not he would “reassure mothers, unequivocally and without qualification, that the measles and hepatitis B vaccines do not cause autism.”

Kennedy also struggled to answer questions from Maryland Senator Angela Alsobrooks, who asked RFK Jr. about his past statement that “We should not be giving black people the same vaccine schedule that’s given to whites because their immune system is better than ours.” When asked by the senator, a Black woman, what different vaccine schedule he believed she should have received, he answered, “A series of studies, I think most of them by Poland, show that to particular antigens, that Blacks have a much stronger reaction. There’s differences in reaction to different products by different races—”

He was cut off by Senator Alsobrooks, who used her remaining time to admonish Kennedy for what she calls a dangerous stance. It is unclear what studies Kennedy is referring to from Poland, though some research from the Mayo Clinic has studied differences in immune responses to vaccines by people of different races. This Mayo Clinic study has been cited by some media outlets discussing Kennedy’s statement. However, while this data did show that a non-Somali, African American cohort had higher antibody responses to rubella from the MMR vaccine in comparison to white people, it is unclear how Kennedy could draw such a conclusion from that study. As one of the authors on the study explained to NPR, suggesting this indicates Black people should have different vaccine schedules is “twisting the data far beyond what they actually demonstrate.”

Kennedy also faced questions about his past comments expressing skepticism about germ theory, comparing the CDC to “Nazi death camps,” and his refusal to answer a question from Senator Bernie Sanders about whether or not healthcare is a human right. This hearing has further demonstrated not just Kennedy’s lack of qualifications and experience, but also his apparent detachment from reality and inability to answer key questions concerning the role he seeks to take on.

Further Reading on Other Relevant Trump Nominees:

CDC Ordered to Stop Working with WHO, Removes Data Sets from Website

Staff at the CDC were ordered to cease engagements with the WHO immediately on Monday, despite an expected extended withdrawal. In an email to staff, the deputy director for global health wrote, “effective immediately all CDC staff engaging with WHO through technical working groups, coordinating centers, advisory boards, cooperative agreements or other means — in person or virtual — must cease their activity and await further guidance.”

The memo continued with “Please ensure your impacted staff receive this message. CDC detailees to WHO have been instructed to pause engaging in any work on behalf of WHO as part of their respective details, and to no longer go to WHO offices until further notice.”

The WHO currently has 71 collaborating centers based in the US, including 18 at CDC alone. One federal health official who spoke to The Washington Post indicated that one of the biggest effects CDC will feel from this will be in its global immunization division. This division typically has 20-30 staff assigned to WHO regional offices in several countries.

Reports are also emerging of CDC datasets now being unavailable on the agency’s website. This includes the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, which now returns a page error when accessed. STAT News explains in their reporting from today that this appears to be the result of agency efforts to remove “gender ideology” from their websites ahead of a deadline today.

In anticipation of the Trump administration, many organizations have issued warnings about the possibility of datasets becoming unavailable. This includes the Arizona Public Health Association, which said in a statement just two days ago, “If your work depends on federal public health data, now is the time to act. In the two weeks since President Trump took office, multiple federal websites have already removed key reports, datasets, and surveillance tools that public health practitioners and nonprofit organizations rely on. More and more data are being deleted from servers in several agencies daily – even hourly…If you use these resources, don’t assume they’ll still be there next week or that some archive website will have captured and preserved them — download and save them now before it’s too late.”

Further Reading:

Trump Ends Fauci’s Security Detail

President Trump has ended the federal security detail assigned to Anthony Fauci, the former NIAID head who advised the president during the United States’ COVID-19 pandemic response. This makes Fauci another former aid to the president who has had their federal protection ended despite ongoing threats to their lives. Others who have recently had their protection ended by this administration include Mike Pompeo, John Bolton, and Mark Milley. Trump told reporters in North Carolina last week that he would not feel any responsibility if Fauci were harmed. Fauci has reportedly hired private security.

Small Farms and H5N1

By Meredith Fletcher, Pandora Report Associate Editor

H5N1 or “bird flu” cases are on the rise in the United States, with over 147 million birds being reported infected. Apoorva Mandavilli from the New York Times stated that the response to this outbreak echoes the mistakes of the COVID-19 pandemic, and notes that officials need to start taking the bird flu seriously. In the case of Chris, who has a small flock of chickens in Colorado, many flock owners share his concerns of the implications of their family chickens. The USDA sponsors an initiative under the name “Defend the Flock” where they recommend monitoring for signs of the disease in personal chickens, limiting visitors, locking and covering feed and water, and avoiding wild birds. Symptoms include, lack of energy, swelling of eyes, twisting of the head/neck, stumbling and diarrhea. If these symptoms are spotted, call the USDA for lab testing and remove the bird from your flock.

There have currently been 67 reported human cases and one death. Despite these cases, the CDC currently reports the public health risk as low, but states they are monitoring the outbreak.

Ebola Outbreak Reported in DRC, Case Confirmed in Uganda

The DRC has reported 12 suspected cases of Ebola virus disease in Equateur province, which last suffered an Ebola outbreak in 2022. Furthermore, the WHO recently confirmed that 12 cases, eight of which were fatal, were recorded in the Boyenge health area. These deaths occurred between January 10 and 22. WHO officials said samples have been sent to the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa.

Ugandan health officials confirmed yesterday a case of Ebola in the country’s capital city of Kampala. The patient was a nurse who sought care at multiple facilities before it was determined he had Ebola. This marks the country’s seventh Ebola outbreak. The nurse died on Wednesday at the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, the facility he worked in. Nobody else in the facility has shown signs of Ebola yet, according to the Ugandan health ministry.

“How a WHO Staff Member Turned the US Withdrawal into an Act of Solidarity”

This post by Sandra Sorial, Director of Campaigns and Supporter Engagement, WHO Foundation, explains how Tania Cernuschi, a WHO employee, launched a fundraising campaign for WHO in response to the United States’ withdrawal from the organization. Sorial writes in part, “Wow. As someone whose job it is to raise funding for the World Health Organization, the announcement this week that the US would withdraw its membership and funding was a major blow. Yet, out of really difficult circumstances can come solidarity and opportunity. My personal belief has always been that in a time of crisis, we see the best in humanity and the best in us.”

“Yesterday, a WHO staff member approached me saying that she would like to start her own appeal to attract support and funding. I was excited and at the same time, cautious of such an ambitious target. Then I thought to myself, the best ideas come from the people who want to make things happen because they care. Tania Cernuschi, who has worked at WHO for ten years wants to raise US $1 billion by 1 billion people giving a dollar. Just one. More is always welcome!”

“2025 Doomsday Clock Statement”

This statement from The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists provides background and justification for moving the Doomsday Clock to 89 seconds this year. It explains in part, “In 2024, humanity edged ever closer to catastrophe. Trends that have deeply concerned the Science and Security Board continued, and despite unmistakable signs of danger, national leaders and their societies have failed to do what is needed to change course. Consequently, we now move the Doomsday Clock from 90 seconds to 89 seconds to midnight—the closest it has ever been to catastrophe. Our fervent hope is that leaders will recognize the world’s existential predicament and take bold action to reduce the threats posed by nuclear weapons, climate change, and the potential misuse of biological science and a variety of emerging technologies.”

“Trust, but Verify: A ‘Just Culture’ Model for for Oversight of Potentially High-Risk Life Sciences Research”

In this article in Applied Biosafety, authors from the Biosecurity and Pandemic Policy Center at Texas A&M University and colleagues propose a new approach to overseeing potentially high-risk pathogen research: “A ‘just culture’ balances accountability for misconduct with transparency, collaboration, and proactive engagement to address the root causes of accidents and compliance issues. Fostering a just culture in the oversight of potentially high-risk life sciences research would allow the U.S. government to improve biosafety and biosecurity while promoting beneficial research.” Drawing on examples from the aviation industry and Canadian biosafety regulations, the article goes on to argue for embedding five elements of a “just culture” approach in U.S. government policy.

“The Quest for Universal Flu Vaccines”

Ryan Duncombe and Jasmin Kaur go through the history of influenza vaccine development and its future in this Long Read piece from Asimov Press: “Modern flu vaccines have an average efficacy of just 40 percent, and they must be revamped each year. How can we make vaccines that are “universal” — both broadly-protective and highly potent?”

“Patient Zero: How One Doctor Helped Uncover the Origin of the DRC’s Mpox Outbreak”

Sarah Newey discusses how Leandre Murhula Masirika was able to track down the origin of the DRC’s mpox outbreak using a WhatsApp message sent to him by another physician. The resulting epidemiological investigation demonstrated to Murhula Masirika that something abnormal was unfolding. Newey explains, “This raised alarm bells, as it didn’t fit with descriptions of clade 1. This strain of mpox has been endemic in the DRC since it was first discovered in a child in 1970. Generally, small transmission chains were sparked after the virus jumped from animals to people, but in recent years the pathogen had exploded in the western and central provinces…Yet clade 1 hits children hardest, with lesions mostly on their feet, hands and faces. That’s not what Dr Murhula Masirika and his colleagues were seeing in Kamituga.”

“Statement in Support of The Elders’ Policy Position Paper on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response”

This statement from The RH Helen Clark and HE Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Co-Chairs of The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response expresses support for The Elders’ new Policy Position Paper on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response. They write in part, “We are proud to be members of The Elders, who collectively have tackled, analysed and fostered diplomacy to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response for more than two decades. We fully support The Elders’ call for urgent focus on the need for leadership and collaboration to stop the next pandemic threat becoming a pandemic.”

“Roots of Resilience: Building Peace in an Era of Food and Climate Shocks”

Siena Cicarelli, Luca Cinciripini, Lukas Eichelter, Philip Novakovic-Wilke, and Lena von Zabern recently published this report with CRS: “In the context of the 2025 Munich Security Conference (MSC), it is critical that leaders, understandably consumed with state-centric geopolitical disruptions, pay close attention to transnational and systemic risks—one of the most significant of which is the food-climate-conflict nexus. This backgrounder unpacks the nexus and its associated risks while presenting near-term solutions, that range from the promotion of sustainable agri-food systems to empowering climate champions in defense institutions.”

“The Continuing Tragedy of Ghouta’s Chemical Attacks”

Nicole Di Ilio discusses how the 2013 CW attacks in Ghouta still affects the survivors, writing in part “Over a decade later, the terror of that night — ambulance sirens wailing, people screaming in agony and anguish, and the sound of babies crying in the still air — is still fresh in the city’s collective memory. “I can’t forget the gasps of the people rasping with distressed breaths, the foam coming out of their mouths, the terrified look in their eyes,” Khalife told me, sitting on a pile of rubble that had once been his neighbors’ house, where one destroyed building is still sliced in half from top to bottom, its empty walls and a small visible kitchen giving the space a strange verticality. “That night, even the narrow streets were packed with bodies. It was impossible not to step over the dead. It felt like the start of the apocalypse.”’

“Syria’s Chemical Weapons After Assad: A CAS Conversation”

This article includes an interview with American University Professor of Chemistry Stefano Costanzi regarding the history of CW in Syria, and what comes now after the fall of the Assad regime.

“International AI Safety Report”

This document from the UK Government is “A report on the state of advanced AI capabilities and risks – written by 100 AI experts including representatives nominated by 33 countries and intergovernmental organisations.” It includes a section on biological and chemical attacks in its portion focused on risks from malicious use of AI.

NEW: Biopower: Securing American Leadership in Biotechnology

“Biopower—a nation’s capacity to harness emerging biotechnologies to enhance national and economic security—is a growing if underappreciated force in geopolitics. Accelerating breakthroughs in biotechnologies could unlock potentially transformative applications in defense, energy, health, and manufacturing, bestowing considerable security and economic benefits.”

“Join the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) on Thursday, February 6, at 12 p.m. ET for a virtual event to highlight the stakes, challenges, and opportunities for securing U.S. biotechnology leadership as we transition to new leadership in the White House and Congress.”

“The event will feature keynote remarks from Senator Todd Young (R-IN), chair of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, followed by an expert panel with Doug Friedman, CEO of BioMADE, Jessica Dymond, vice president of technology at In-Q-Tel, and Vivek Chilukuri, senior fellow and director of the Technology and National Security Program at CNAS. The conversation will be moderated by Alison Snyder, managing editor at Axios.”

Register here.

NEW: Gaming Weapons of Mass Destruction Course – From Policy to Practice

From MORS: “Gaming Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD – defined as Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological agents) will be a three-day course focused on developing and executing games related to WMD in all its forms. While the basics of WMD capabilities and game design will be discussed, this will be a course focused on the intersection of WMD and gaming. It will not be either a WMD or gaming course; for those topics see other offerings.”

“No prior experience is required for this course, though a basic familiarity with various agents and their effects would be helpful, as would a basic understanding of professional gaming and how it is used.  The instructors will adapt in real time to class requirements (e.g., if the class is interested in animal and plant targets, the instructors have extensive experience in designing games on those subjects as well).”

This course will take place March 18-20 on Zoom. Learn more and register here.

Schar School Open House

The Schar School of Policy and Government will be hosting an in-person Arlington Graduate Open House along with the Costello College of Business, Antonin Scalia Law School, and the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. Explore the different degree programs we offer at the master’s, doctoral, and professional levels, as well as our graduate-level certificates. Representatives will be in attendance to discuss our various graduate programs and how you can further your studies while continuing to work. Gregory Koblentz, Director of the Biodefense Graduate Program, will also be in attendance.

This event will take place on February 4 between 5:30 and 7 pm EST. Register here.

Biodefense MS Information Session

“Prospective students are invited to attend a information session to hear more about the Biodefense M.S. program offered at the Schar School. The online session will provide an overview of the program, as well as the application process, student experience and graduate outcomes. This session admissions will be led by the Graduate Admissions team.”

This sessions will take place at 12 pm EST on February 13. Learn more and register here.

Cyberbiosecurity Summit

From Johns Hopkins APL and Bio-ISAC: “Advancements in biomanufacturing and biotechnology drive the science we need to thrive, everything from apples to vaccines. The Cyberbiosecurity Summit 2025 convenes leading experts in biotechnology, biosecurity, and cybersecurity to explore the intersection of these fields and discuss the strategies to create a safe, secure future for us all.”
This event will take place February 25-26 in Laurel, MD. Register here and review the call for sessions here (closes 12/12).

Sustainable Manufacturing: Building and Preserving a Resilient Medical Industrial Base

“Join industry and government partners for our second annual industry summit! During this event, leaders from IBMSC will share our strategic vision and organizational priorities. Speakers will also share potential opportunities for building and preserving the medical industrial base.  This event will be in-person only and space is limited!”

This event will take place March 11-12 in Washington, DC. Learn more and register here.

Enhancing UK Biosecurity: DASA Launches Microbial Forensics Competition

“On behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory(Dstl), the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called Future-proofing Biosecurity by Strengthening the UK’s Microbial Forensic Capability. The competition is being run in response to the 2023 UK Biological Security Strategy which aims to implement a UK-wide approach to biosecurity that will strengthen deterrence and resilience to a spectrum of biological threats.”

“Dstl is leading the creation of the United Kingdom Microbial Forensics Consortium (UKMFC) which is being developed in support of the Detect Pillar of the Biological Security Strategy. It will comprise a network of biosurveillance laboratories from all four nations of the UK, operating under a One Health doctrine. This competition seeks novel technology options or technical approaches that can directly support the UKMFC initiative.”

Learn more and submit proposals here.

Pandora Report 1.24.2025

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This edition of the Pandora Report focuses on public and global health developments from the first week of the second Trump administration. This includes the executive order to withdraw the US from the WHO, the pause on communications from the Department of Health and Human Services, and more.

HHS Formally Debars Peter Daszak and EcoHealth Alliance

Last week, following eight months of investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) severed all funding and formally debarred EcoHealth Alliance Inc. and its former president, Dr. Peter Daszak, for a period of five years. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer said in a statement about the formal announcement that, “Justice for the American people was served today. Bad actor EcoHealth Alliance and its corrupt former President, Dr. Peter Daszak, were formally debarred by HHS for using taxpayer funds to facilitate dangerous gain-of-function research in China. Today’s decision is not only a victory for the U.S. taxpayer, but also for American national security and the safety of citizens worldwide.”

He continued, “In May 2024, Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman Brad Wenstrup released evidence that EcoHealth repeatedly violated the terms of its NIH grant. EcoHealth routinely ignored government oversight requests, failed to report dangerous gain-of-function experiments conducted at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and produced a required research report two years late. HHS cited all of these discoveries as key reasons for formally debarring EcoHealth and Dr. Daszak. Given that a lab-related incident involving gain-of-function research is the most likely origin of COVID-19, EcoHealth and its former President should never again receive a single cent from the U.S. taxpayer.”

RFK Jr. Petitioned FDA to Revoke COVID-19 Vaccine EUAs

The New York Times reported last week that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s pick to lead HHS, filed a petition with the FDA in May 2021 that demanded the agency rescind emergency use authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines and refrain from approving any such vaccines in the future. In the petition, Kennedy and Meryl Nass (a physician on the Children’s Health Defense Scientific Advisory Board, an organization founded by Kennedy), claimed, in reference to COVID-19 vaccines in 2021, that “…the current risks of serious adverse events or deaths outweigh the benefits, and because existing, approved drugs provide highly effective prophylaxis and treatment against COVID, mooting the EUAs.”

These “effective prophylaxis and treatment” drugs include ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, both of which had already been proven ineffective against COVID-19. Furthermore, at the time the petition was filed, some estimates were already showing that the rapid rollout of these vaccines had saved around 140,000 lives in the US alone. While the petition garnered little attention at the time, it is now a demonstration of the profound lack of understanding RFK Jr. has of medicine and public health. His confirmation hearing as the nominee to become the Secretary of HHS is scheduled for January 29.

Trump Issues Executive Order to Withdraw the US from the WHO

On January 20, President Trump issued an executive order stating the intention of the US to withdraw from the World Health Organization. The order explains in part, “The United States noticed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 due to the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states.  In addition, the WHO continues to demand unfairly onerous payments from the United States, far out of proportion with other countries’ assessed payments.  China, with a population of 1.4 billion, has 300 percent of the population of the United States, yet contributes nearly 90 percent less to the WHO.”

However, these numbers are at odds with those tallied by the WHO itself. While President Trump asserted that the US gives the WHO $500 million in contrast to $39 million from China, the US was set to contribute $706 million while China is at $184 million in the organization’s 2024-25 budget.

Furthermore, WHO funding comes from two pots. The first is based on the UN’s assessment of a country’s “capacity to pay,” which is calculated based on countries’ populations and wealth. For the US and China, these numbers are sat at $264 million and $181 million respectively. This pot makes up less than 20% of WHO’s budget. The other, much larger pot, involved voluntary contributions that come not just from member states, but from philanthropic organizations, corporations, NGOs, and even private citizens. The US is projected to contribute $442 million to this fund, while China is on track to contribute just $2.5 million. While China is not contributing as much as the US, it is meeting its assessed contributions capacity to pay as determined by the UN. (Source: NPR)

Chart showing total assessed and voluntary contributions to WHO from 2022-23| Source: Statista, https://www.statista.com/chart/33800/top-contributors-to-the-world-health-organization/

As the EO alludes to, Trump tried to withdraw the US from the WHO during his first administration, with his administration formally notifying the UN Secretary-General of this intention on July 6, 2020. The United States entered into WHO membership in 1948 following a joint resolution of Congress. This resolution was signed by President Truman, who then used this to sign the Instrument of Acceptance of the Constitution of the World Health Organization. Because of this, there are questions about the legality of this 2020 order.

Some have cited the ruling in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer as a legal precedent that would prevent Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from WHO. In this case, the US Supreme Court found that President Truman lacked statutory authority conferred by Congress (or the Constitution) in seizing control of steel production during the Korean War. Justice Hugo Black wrote in the majority opinion, “When the President takes measures incompatible with the expressed or implied will of Congress, his power is at its lowest ebb…”

This has formed the basis for legal arguments against Donald Trump’s previous efforts to withdraw the US from WHO membership as withdrawing without express approval from Congress would therefore violate US law. This is in addition to requirements for the US to pay its financial obligations to the WHO for the current fiscal year.

Perhaps most importantly, US withdrawal from the WHO would harm global health as a whole and represent yet further decline of US global leadership. Severing this relationship would only be detrimental to global health, which certainly cannot be good for the United States as it will undermine the country’s capacity to respond to health emergencies. Furthermore, this move would weaken US influence and diplomacy. This would also potentially present China with a greater opportunity to take leadership and reshape global norms to suit its interests, something that President Trump should be worried about.

The World Health Organization is not perfect, and it never will be. The way to address problems in the WHO, however, is by working collaboratively with the organization itself and other Member States. This has proven effective over the last several years, during which WHO has implemented the largest set of reforms in its history. The US will lose its leverage in pushing for reform by abandoning its membership, and it will also lose its place in an organization that has helped make the world a safer, healthier place for everyone.

Further Reading: “Memo to Trump: Invest in Global Health Security,” Saskia Popescu, The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Trump Administration Halts Federal Health Agencies’ Communications

The Trump administration has ordered federal health agencies to pause all external communications through February 1, including health advisories, weekly scientific reports, updates to websites, and social media posts. The instructions provided to staff at HHS agencies (including the FDA, CDC, and NIH) cited a review as the reason for this pause, though it is broader in scope than expected.

As The Washington Post explains, “The pause on communications includes scientific reports issued by the CDC, known as the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR); advisories sent out to clinicians on CDC’s health alert network about public health incidents; data updates to the CDC website; and public health data releases from the National Center for Health Statistics, which tracks myriad health trends, including drug overdose deaths.”

One anonymous official told the Post that CDC was scheduled to publish several MMWR reports this week, three of which are about H5N1 avian influenza. It remains unclear if this guidance exempts urgent communications for things like foodborne disease outbreaks, drug approvals, or new bird flu cases, though the memo explains some exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.

Trump Freezes NIH Meetings, Travel, and Hiring

President Trump’s administration has also implemented far-reaching pauses at the NIH. In addition to the overarching pause on HHS communications, the administration has cancelled NIH meetings like grant review panels in addition to placing a freeze on hiring (which is in effect across the federal government) and an indefinite ban on travel. Science Insider describes the confusion and uncertainty this has caused, writing in part “…officials halted midstream a training workshop for junior scientists, called off a workshop on adolescent learning minutes before it was to begin, and canceled meetings of two advisory councils. Panels that were scheduled to review grant proposals also received eleventh-hour word that they wouldn’t be meeting.”

These pauses have reportedly left many at NIH and elsewhere with great uncertainty and unease. Many research meetings with teams of people at numerous institutions were cancelled suddenly, delaying important work. The travel pause can be especially damaging for younger scientists, including graduate students and postdocs, who need conference presentations to get feedback on their work and network in their fields. The travel pause also prevents NIH employees from traveling to other NIH locations, and has required some already traveling to return home prematurely.

Possible Executive Order Pausing Gain of Function Research Funding Ahead

The Trump administration is reportedly drafting an executive order that would pause federal funding for gain of function research. In 2014, the NIH imposed a moratorium on federal funding for certain studies involving GoF research. This stemmed from concerns about two studies involving modified H5N1 viruses and concerns about safety issues at CDC and NIH. Furthermore, the NIH stated at the time that this moratorium would “…be effective until a robust and broad deliberative process is completed that results in the adoption of a new US Government gain-of-function research policy.” By 2017, the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) had developed a framework for assessing funding decisions for research that involved enhanced potential pandemic pathogens.

Debate over federal funding for this kind of research grew once again amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This has included multiple congressional hearings, commentary, and the introduction of a bill in the Senate, the Viral Gain-of-Function Research Moratorium Act. The Biden administration released in May 2024 the United States Government Policy for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential, which the NIH recently released guidance on. However, the executive order is expected to supersede at least a portion of this policy.

New Book on Gain of Function

Nicholas Evans, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, has a new book out that examines the controversial and poorly understood domain of “gain of function” research. Published by MIT Press, Gain of Function describes what this kind of research is, what it isn’t, and why a small number of scientific experiments continue to make headlines. The book explains what gain-of-function research means in science and in the context of government policy, traces the history of the original research that sparked the initial controversy, and describes efforts to assess the risks and benefits of this research and to regulate it. The book concludes with Evans’ assessment of the future of gain of function, including how debates about this type of research will influence politics, science and public health for years to come. Use the promo code MITPCONF for a 30% discount.

New NSABB Working Group on in silico Research and Computational Models

The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) has established a new Working Group on in silico Research and Computational Models. The working group, co chaired by Rachel Levinson of Arizona State University (and chair of the NSABB) and Sarah Carter of Science Policy Consulting LLC, is “charged with developing strategies for identifying, and options for mitigating, potential risks associated with in silico research, computational models (including biological design tools), and datasets in life sciences settings. The NSABB is to especially focus on identifying approaches  that could inadvertently or deliberately result in the development of dual-use information or models directly enabling the design of a pathogen with enhanced pandemic potential (PEPP) or a novel biological agent or toxin that could pose significant threat to public health, including datasets that could be used to develop such models and in silico experiments that could meet the definition of dual use research of concern (DURC) outlined in the Policy. In conducting this evaluation, the NSABB should consider how in silico research and computational models could enable the design, development, enhancement, or acquisition of transmissible biological agents with specific attributes, such as increased virulence, transmissibility, environmental survivability, immune evasion, difficulty of detection and attribution, or similar characteristics.”

“Envisioning an Independent Bioresponsibility Authority to Safeguard U.S. Leadership in the Life Sciences”

From the Scowcroft Institute: “This report by the Texas A&M Biosecurity and Pandemic Policy Center proposes an independent federal agency to oversee the safety and security of pathogen research conducted in the United States or funded by the U.S. government. Taking a more comprehensive and collaborative approach, the agency would pair expanded regulatory oversight with technical assistance, non-punitive incident reporting, funding for biosafety and biosecurity research, and education and training efforts. It would consolidate and streamline requirements and remain flexible as technology advances. This approach to the safe, secure, and ethical conduct of life science research merits a new term: bioresponsibility.”

“Global Risks Report 2025”

This edition of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report “…reveals an increasingly fractured global landscape, where escalating geopolitical, environmental, societal and technological challenges threaten stability and progress.” It includes a section on biotech and the challenges posed by the current lack of global ethical boundaries for biotech developments.

“Russia Used Chemical Weapons 434 Times in December, Ukraine’s General Staff Says”

This article from the Kyiv Independent analyzes recent reporting from the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. It explains in part, “Russia has been intensifying its use of chemical agents on the battlefield in Ukraine. A Kyiv Independent investigation from August 2024 showed that instances of gas attacks are rising, and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confirmed on Nov. 18 that a riot control agent known as CS has been used in Ukraine.”

“Fact-Checking Russia’s Claims on Chemical Weapons”

In this piece from Vox Ukraine, John V. Parachini, Khrystyna Holynska, and Kateryna Ionova breakdown Russia’s CW disinformation and attempts to abuse its leadership position within OPCW: “For years, Russia positioned itself as a staunch advocate for the nonproliferation of chemical weapons. By asserting that it had eliminated the largest stockpile of chemical weapons and actively worked to deter other countries from developing and using them, Russia claimed to have a right to a leadership position in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). When accusations arose against Russia or its allies regarding the contrary, Russia vehemently denied all such claims and accused Western nations of orchestrating disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting it.”

NEW: Advanced Data Sharing to Strengthen One Health Effectiveness: Building Trust for Effective Collaboration

From NASEM: “Applying a One Health approach requires collaboration at multiple levels to address complex challenges. Actors, such as government agencies, non-government and private entities, citizens, and the research community must have reason to believe that they will receive benefits and credit for data shared without threat of retaliation, exploitation, or misapplication. Trust enables the free flow of information and resources between stakeholders and fosters an environment where diverse groups can unite towards a common goal. Without trust, efforts to tackle these challenges become fragmented and inefficient. In this webinar, invited speakers will share how their successful One Health programs establish and maintain trust, thereby supporting innovative solutions that no single discipline could achieve alone.”

This event will take place on January 28 at 4 pm EST. Learn more and register here.

NEW: The Future of Syria’s Chemical Weapons Stockpile

From the Arms Control Association: “The CWC Coalition will host a webinar on Wednesday, January 29 on the future of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile after the fall of the Assad regime.”

“The collapse of the Assad regime and the resulting political transition in Syria leaves questions about the fate of the country’s remaining chemical weapons stockpile. Since 2022, high level disarmament discussions at the UN have repeatedly remarked on the “gaps, inconsistencies, and discrepancies” remaining in Syria’s declaration of its chemical stockpile, while human rights groups have pressed for justice for victims of the chemical attacks.”

“We will discuss how can the OPCW, CWC member states, and civil society can approach the transitional government as an opportunity to bring Syria into compliance with its obligations under the CWC, have accountability for perpetrators, and justice for victims.”

Gregory Koblentz, Director of the Biodefense Graduate Program, will be one of the speakers. His commentary will be based on his recent article with Natasha Hall, the other speaker, in Foreign Affairs.

This webinar will take place 10-11 am EST. RSVP here.

NEW: Schar School Open House

The Schar School of Policy and Government will be hosting an in-person Arlington Graduate Open House along with the Costello College of Business, Antonin Scalia Law School, and the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. Explore the different degree programs we offer at the master’s, doctoral, and professional levels, as well as our graduate-level certificates. Representatives will be in attendance to discuss our various graduate programs and how you can further your studies while continuing to work. Gregory Koblentz, Director of the Biodefense Graduate Program, will also be in attendance.

This event will take place on February 4 between 5:30 and 7 pm EST. Register here.

NEW: Biodefense MS Information Session

“Prospective students are invited to attend a information session to hear more about the Biodefense M.S. program offered at the Schar School. The online session will provide an overview of the program, as well as the application process, student experience and graduate outcomes. This session admissions will be led by the Graduate Admissions team.”

This sessions will take place at 12 pm EST on February 13. Learn more and register here.

Upcoming PACCARB Public Meeting

“The Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB) provides advice, information, and recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary). The council supports and evaluates U.S. government activities focused on fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human health, animal health, and environmental health. Using this One Health approach, members of the PACCARB have a wide range of backgrounds, including academia, industry, public health, advocacy, veterinary, and agricultural production.”

“The PACCARB was established under Executive Order 13676 and is included in the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019 (PAHPAIA). Since 2019, the President of the United States has given authority to the HHS Secretary as the primary recipient of PACCARB recommendations. Additional information on the authority and activities of the PACCARB can be found on the About Us page in the charter.”

“As a federal advisory committee, the PACCARB looks to engage with the public and all AMR stakeholders. The council holds several public meetings every year both in person and live streamed on the HHS.gov website. These meetings are open to anyone with an interest in combating AMR.”

The next PACCARB Public Meeting will take place January 28-29 at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. Learn more and register to attend here.

Preparedness in Rural Communities: National and State/Local Perspectives and Plans

From Penn State: “The COVID-19 pandemic and recent hurricanes have thrust the preparedness of rural communities into the national spotlight. At the federal level, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently released national goals and plans for preparedness of rural communities. The overall objective of this virtual, 2-day mini-symposium is to identify opportunities in public health and agricultural preparedness and response in rural communities. The mini-symposium will focus upon national perspectives on Thursday, January 30 and the state/local perspectives on Friday, January 31. Speakers include representatives of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, the Department of Homeland Security, US Department of Agriculture, the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness, and state/local leaders.”

This event will take place on January 30 and 31, from 11 am to 2 pm ET each day. Learn more and register here.

Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control

Johns Hopkins APL’s colloquium will feature Mindy Weisberger, author of the upcoming book Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control: “Zombies are all around us—insect zombies, that is. In Rise of the Zombie Bugs, Mindy Weisberger explores the eerie yet fascinating phenomenon of real-life zombification in the insect class and among other invertebrates. Zombifying parasites reproduce by rewriting their victims’ neurochemistry, transforming them into the “walking dead”: armies of cicadas, spiders, and other hosts that helplessly follow a zombifier’s commands, living only to serve the parasite’s needs until death’s sweet release (and often beyond).”

Learn more about this January 31 event here.

Cyberbiosecurity Summit

From Johns Hopkins APL and Bio-ISAC: “Advancements in biomanufacturing and biotechnology drive the science we need to thrive, everything from apples to vaccines. The Cyberbiosecurity Summit 2025 convenes leading experts in biotechnology, biosecurity, and cybersecurity to explore the intersection of these fields and discuss the strategies to create a safe, secure future for us all.”
This event will take place February 25-26 in Laurel, MD. Register here and review the call for sessions here (closes 12/12).

Sustainable Manufacturing: Building and Preserving a Resilient Medical Industrial Base

“Join industry and government partners for our second annual industry summit! During this event, leaders from IBMSC will share our strategic vision and organizational priorities. Speakers will also share potential opportunities for building and preserving the medical industrial base.  This event will be in-person only and space is limited!”

This event will take place March 11-12 in Washington, DC. Learn more and register here.

Exciting Update: The BWC NIM Database Is Complete!

UNIDIR is glad to announce that the BWC National Implementation Measures Database, developed in partnership with VERTIC, has reached a significant milestone: profiles for all 187 States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention are now live! This comprehensive online tool provides detailed insights into each country’s national implementation measures under the BWC, supporting transparency, trust, and international cooperation.

All profiles are available in English, and the team is committed to translating them into all official UN languages throughout 2025. Updates to the profiles will also be made regularly to ensure they remain accurate and relevant.

Explore the database at bwcimplementation.org.

Enhancing UK Biosecurity: DASA Launches Microbial Forensics Competition

“On behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory(Dstl), the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called Future-proofing Biosecurity by Strengthening the UK’s Microbial Forensic Capability. The competition is being run in response to the 2023 UK Biological Security Strategy which aims to implement a UK-wide approach to biosecurity that will strengthen deterrence and resilience to a spectrum of biological threats.”

“Dstl is leading the creation of the United Kingdom Microbial Forensics Consortium (UKMFC) which is being developed in support of the Detect Pillar of the Biological Security Strategy. It will comprise a network of biosurveillance laboratories from all four nations of the UK, operating under a One Health doctrine. This competition seeks novel technology options or technical approaches that can directly support the UKMFC initiative.”

Learn more and submit proposals here.

Pandora Report 1.17.2025

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This week’s Pandora Reports includes news from the Biodefense Graduate Program in addition to discussion of China’s newly-implemented export control regulations, recently-announced US export controls on biotechnology, and the United States’ new National One Health Framework.

Two Biodefense Students Earn Distinguished Fellowship

This portion was written by Meredith Fletcher, a first-year student in the Biodefense MS program with a special interest in terrorism and the use of pathogens as weapons.

The Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity (ELBI) fellowship, offered by the Center for Health Security at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, is the most distinguished and prestigious fellowship available to those in the biosecurity profession. Two students in the Schar School of Policy and Government’s Biodefense PhD program, Janet Marroquin and Katie Dammer, were chosen for this honor and will be joining 29 other young professionals in the fellowship’s 2025 cohort. During their fellowship, participants will participate in biosecurity workshops, networking events, and research symposiums, both in Washington DC and abroad. Dr. Gregory Koblentz, director of the Biodefense Graduate Program, congratulated both students on this impressive accomplishment, “Janet and Katie are rising stars in biosecurity so it’s very gratifying to see their potential recognized by the leading think tank in the field.”

Janet graduated in 2019 with her M.S. in Biodefense and is currently pursuing a PhD in Biodefense. Her dissertation examines Russia’s motivation and strategy for using vaccine-related narratives in its disinformation operations. She currently works as a full-time research analyst for a federally funded research and development center. Her work focuses on analyzing national security challenges related to emerging biotechnologies and CBRNE weapons.  Janet says, “I’m most excited to engage with international perspectives on common problems, especially science communication and public trust in state institutions.” Her time at George Mason helped prepare her for both her career and the fellowship because of the nature of the program, the diverse student backgrounds and its comprehensive approach to biosecurity. According to Janet, “The biodefense courses exposed me to the vulnerabilities that we as a global society have to the spread of disease due, in no small part, to inadequate preparedness.” Her favorite classes were Dr. Koblentz’s course on biodefense strategy and Dr. Estela Blaisten’s challenging, but rewarding, course on numerical methods.

Katie is a first-year student in the Biodefense PhD program. The ELBI program and those who speak highly of it have surrounded her since her undergraduate studies, so she jumped at the chance to learn more about this ever-changing field. She says, “I am so grateful to the Center for Health Security for the acceptance and to colleagues and ELBI alumni for all of the kind words I have received since this year’s cohort was announced. Every year brings changes, but it is exciting to know that this will be a key piece of my professional development throughout 2025.” Her focus is on the intersection of national security and science policy, and her current role covers a variety of natural, accidental, and deliberate threats. Katie is most excited to build a biosecurity community and take time away from her career to “nerd out” over the many topics presented during the fellowship. Katie hopes that her time as a fellow will both complement and enhance her research and discussion skills, and she looks forward to engaging with pioneers across the public health and policy fields. Katie feels she owes a special thanks to her dad, who as a career academic has been an inspiration as she started her PhD journey and the fellowship ahead of her.

Janet and Katie join a number of other Biodefense students and alum who have served as ELBI fellows including Siddha Hover MS ’14 (ELBI Class of 2016), Francisco Cruz MS ’15 (ELBI Class of 2016), Saskia Popescu PhD ’19 (ELBI Class of 2017), Yong-Bee Lim MS ‘13 PhD ’21 (ELBI Class of 2018), Justin Hurt PhD ’23 (ELBI Class of 2019), and Matthew Ferreira MS ’22 (ELBI Class of 2023).

Janet Marroquin:

Katie Dammer:

China Implements New Export Control Regulations

The Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Export Control of Dual-Use Items, which were adopted in September of last year, went into effect on December 1, 2024. These regulations are designed to support the existing Export Control Law, which went into effect in late 2020 and was the country’s first comprehensive framework aimed at controlling exports of military and dual-use items as well as technology for national security purposes. The new regulations provide more specific guidance on jurisdiction, restricted party lists, export licensing systems, and end-user/user-end requirements. Furthermore, they require third parties to report suspected violations of the regulations. They also offer a framework for extraterritorial regulation.

These regulations will repeal and replace existing rules on dual-use exports from the PRC. These previous rules include Regulation on Export Control of Nuclear Dual-Use Items and Related Technologies (2007), Regulations on Export Control of Missiles and Related Items and Technologies (2002), Regulation on Export Control of Biological Dual-Use Items and Related Equipment and Technologies (2002), and Measures for Export Control of Relevant Chemicals and Related Equipment and Technologies (2002). However, the 2011 Controlled Chemicals Regulations and 2002 Military Products Regulation will still apply in two cases: “For the export control of dual-use controlled chemicals, the Controlled Chemicals Regulation shall apply; matters not provided for in the Controlled Chemicals Regulation shall be analogically governed by the Export Control Law and the Regulation.” AND “For the export control of certain missiles and related items and technologies listed on the first part of the “Export Control List of Missiles and Related Items and Technologies”, the Military Products Regulation shall apply.”

These regulations also established a Watch List, similar to the United State’s Unverified List. Using this new system, Chinese authorities will be able to designate parties who are not cooperative with end-user/user-end verification requirements. Exporters who are working with entities on the Watch List are barred from applying for general licenses and obtaining export certificates. Rather, they must submit risk assessment reports and compliance commitments before applying for licenses.

Importantly, these regulations allow China’s Ministry of Commerce to extend its reach extraterritorially. They allow authorities to regulate and investigate the exportation of Chinese dual-use items, including those that originate from, contain, or are manufactured using Chinese dual-use items. This is true even if they are produced or traded outside of China, potentially leaving foreign entities and individuals subject to these regulations.

Shi Xiaoli of China University of Political Science and Law wrote of the new regulations, “Preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear weapons, biological weapons, chemical weapons) and their delivery vehicles is important to international peace, security and stability. In order to encourage the international community to strengthen non-proliferation efforts to meet global challenges, the United Nations has adopted a series of resolutions and treaties. China has actively participated in and conscientiously fulfilled its obligations, transformed important international obligations into domestic laws, and established and improved an effective export control legal system to prevent related items from being used for purposes related to weapons of mass destruction after export.”

A machine translation of China’s new regulations is available here.

US Announces New Export Controls on Biotechnology, Citing China Concerns

Last week, a bipartisan group of lawmakers called on the Biden administration to consider restricting the export of US biotechnology to China’s military. In a letter sent last Thursday to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, lawmakers asked her “to study imposing a licensing restriction on U.S. pharmaceutical companies working with Chinese medical entities under military ownership.”

While it is too late for Raimondo to make much progress on this request, the Department of Commerce did announce this week it is imposing new export controls on biotechnology equipment and related technology due to national security concerns related to AI and data science. These new export controls restrict shipments to China and other countries without a US license. They are for high-parameter flow cytometers and certain mass spectrometry equipment, which the Department says can “generate high-quality, high-content biological data, including that which is suitable for use to facilitate the development of AI and biological design tools.”

This is the latest effort on the part of the Biden administration to restrict China’s access to US technology and part of a broader environment of concern and distrust surrounding US dealings with the PRC. Just this Monday, the Department of Commerce announced new regulations that will cap the number of AI chips that can be exported to most countries and allow unlimited access to US AI technology for the United States’ closest allies. The aim of this is to maintain a firm block on exports to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. This also all coincides with steady concerns about China’s access to Americans’ personal health and genetic information. Furthermore, lawmakers renewed calls in August for the FDA to increase scrutiny of US clinical trials conducted in China, citing concerns about intellectual property theft and the possibility of forced Uyghur participation in such trials.

Further Reading:

USG Releases First National One Health Plan

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and US Department of the Interior (DOI) released the first ever National One Health Framework to Address Zoonotic Diseases and Advance Public Health Preparedness in the United States. The CDC’s press release explains that, “At the direction of Congress in the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, CDC, USDA, and DOI developed this framework to address zoonotic diseases and advance public health preparedness in the United States. CDC, USDA, and DOI are responsible for protecting public health, domestic animal health, and wildlife and environmental health, respectively, and as such are representatives of key One Health sectors for the US government. All three agencies historically address One Health issues and work to help control zoonotic diseases that affect both people and animals. The framework seeks to inform One Health collaboration across the U.S. government for the next five years, describing a common vision, mission, and goals for key federal partners involved in implementing the One Health approach to address zoonotic diseases within the United States.”

Biopower: Securing American Leadership in Biotechnology

Vivek Chilukuri and Hannah Kelley recently authored this report from the Center for New American Security. “The report identifies key strengths and challenges for U.S. biotechnology leadership, surveys biotechnology-leading nations abroad—with a particular focus on China—and outlines an ambitious strategy to help secure U.S. biotechnology leadership for a generation. For the first time, the report introduces the concept of “biopower”—a nation’s capacity to harness emerging biotechnologies to enhance national and economic security—and describes its vast potential applications for defense, health, energy, and food security.”

“Joint External Evaluation of the International Health Regulations (2005) Core Capacities of the United States of America: Mission Report”

The WHO recently released the United States’ most recent Joint External Evaluation (JEE). The report explains in its executive summary that, “During the JEE mission, which took place in Washington, DC and Atlanta, Georgia from 18 to 25 September 2024, the United States’ capacities in 19 technical areas were evaluated through a peer-topeer, consultative process. This process brought together a multisectoral group of national subject matter experts and the multinational, multidisciplinary expert JEE team for a week of discussion, interaction and selected site visits…After a week of collaborative talks this process led to consensus on scores, as well as JEE recommendations for priority actions across the 19 technical areas.”

“The evaluation also generated eight wider, overarching recommendations that, if implemented, will consolidate the United States’ progress and remove bottlenecks that might impede implementation of the agreed priority actions. These recommendations, outlined below, address cross-cutting challenges affecting the capacities of the United States across many of the different technical areas that were explored in greater depth in the JEE process.”

Read the JEE here.

“The Second Trump White House Could Drastically Reshape Infectious Disease Research. Here’s What’s at Stake.”

ProPublica’s Anna Maria Barry-Jester parses out what may lie ahead for infectious disease research under the incoming Trump administration in this article, explaining in part, “Donald Trump’s pick to lead the federal health agency has vowed to replace hundreds of staffers and shift research away from infectious diseases and vaccines. Such an overhaul could imperil the development of life-saving treatments, experts warn.”

“REPORT: The Biden-⁠Harris Administration Roadmap for Pandemic Preparedness and Response”

The White House released this report this week that, “outlines the numerous actions the Biden-Harris Administration took to combat COVID-19 both nationally and globally, and it serves as a roadmap for how the U.S. can effectively respond to pandemics and public health threats in the future. In addition to this public-facing report, this Administration is leaving behind a three-step playbook that future Administrations can use to continue to protect the nation and effectively respond to any future biological threat.”

“Bird Flu Is a National Embarrassment”

Jatherine J. Wu makes the argument that the US should have been taking steps to respond to avian influenza more than a year ago in this piece from The Atlantic.

“The Teeth and Bones That Hold the Key to This Century’s Worst Chemical Weapons Attack”

Henry Bodkin and Heathcliff O’Malley report on how the families of 1,500 victims of a 2013 sarin gas attack in Eastern Ghouta are hunting for justice. Read this article from The Telegraph here.

“Victims of Chemical Weapons Attacks Gather in Damascus to Demand Accountability”

This post from the Middle East Monitor describes a gathering in Damascus on Tuesday during which victims of the Assad regime’s use of CW demanded that those responsible for those “chemical massacres” be held accountable. Read here.

“Sudan’s Military Has Used Chemical Weapons Twice, U.S. Official Say”

Declan Walsh and Julian E. Barnes discuss on recent revelations about CW use in Sudan in this article from The New York Times. They explain that, “Sudan’s military has used chemical weapons on at least two occasions against the paramilitary group it is battling for control of the country, four senior United States officials said on Thursday…The weapons were deployed recently in remote areas of Sudan, and targeted members of the Rapid Support Forces paramilitaries that the army has been fighting since April 2023. But U.S. officials worry the weapons could soon be used in densely populated parts of the capital, Khartoum.”

“The revelations about chemical weapons came as the United States announced sanctions on Thursday against the Sudanese military chief, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, for documented atrocities by his troops, including indiscriminate bombing of civilians and the use of starvation as a weapon of war.”

NEW: Upcoming PACCARB Public Meeting

“The Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB) provides advice, information, and recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary). The council supports and evaluates U.S. government activities focused on fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human health, animal health, and environmental health. Using this One Health approach, members of the PACCARB have a wide range of backgrounds, including academia, industry, public health, advocacy, veterinary, and agricultural production.”

“The PACCARB was established under Executive Order 13676 and is included in the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019 (PAHPAIA). Since 2019, the President of the United States has given authority to the HHS Secretary as the primary recipient of PACCARB recommendations. Additional information on the authority and activities of the PACCARB can be found on the About Us page in the charter.”

“As a federal advisory committee, the PACCARB looks to engage with the public and all AMR stakeholders. The council holds several public meetings every year both in person and live streamed on the HHS.gov website. These meetings are open to anyone with an interest in combating AMR.”

The next PACCARB Public Meeting will take place January 28-29 at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. Learn more and register to attend here.

How to Avoid Human-Made Pandemics

From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “Studying viruses that could potentially cause outbreaks is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of pandemics. However, this type of research—especially when it involves collecting samples from the field and manipulating pathogens—can unintentionally lead to a pandemic if not managed carefully. Dr Lentzos will discuss her findings from the Pathogen Project, which brought together an international taskforce of scientists, biosecurity and public health experts, ethicists, and civil society leaders to seek consensus on this question: Can we agree on ways to manage research that carries pandemic risk as safely, securely and responsibly as possible?”

This event will take place on January 23 at 8 pm (GMT +8:00) via Zoom. RSVP here.

Preparedness in Rural Communities: National and State/Local Perspectives and Plans

From Penn State: “The COVID-19 pandemic and recent hurricanes have thrust the preparedness of rural communities into the national spotlight. At the federal level, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently released national goals and plans for preparedness of rural communities. The overall objective of this virtual, 2-day mini-symposium is to identify opportunities in public health and agricultural preparedness and response in rural communities. The mini-symposium will focus upon national perspectives on Thursday, January 30 and the state/local perspectives on Friday, January 31. Speakers include representatives of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, the Department of Homeland Security, US Department of Agriculture, the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness, and state/local leaders.”

This event will take place on January 30 and 31, from 11 am to 2 pm ET each day. Learn more and register here.

Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control

Johns Hopkins APL’s colloquium will feature Mindy Weisberger, author of the upcoming book Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control: “Zombies are all around us—insect zombies, that is. In Rise of the Zombie Bugs, Mindy Weisberger explores the eerie yet fascinating phenomenon of real-life zombification in the insect class and among other invertebrates. Zombifying parasites reproduce by rewriting their victims’ neurochemistry, transforming them into the “walking dead”: armies of cicadas, spiders, and other hosts that helplessly follow a zombifier’s commands, living only to serve the parasite’s needs until death’s sweet release (and often beyond).”

Learn more about this January 31 event here.

Cyberbiosecurity Summit

From Johns Hopkins APL and Bio-ISAC: “Advancements in biomanufacturing and biotechnology drive the science we need to thrive, everything from apples to vaccines. The Cyberbiosecurity Summit 2025 convenes leading experts in biotechnology, biosecurity, and cybersecurity to explore the intersection of these fields and discuss the strategies to create a safe, secure future for us all.”
This event will take place February 25-26 in Laurel, MD. Register here and review the call for sessions here (closes 12/12).

Sustainable Manufacturing: Building and Preserving a Resilient Medical Industrial Base

“Join industry and government partners for our second annual industry summit! During this event, leaders from IBMSC will share our strategic vision and organizational priorities. Speakers will also share potential opportunities for building and preserving the medical industrial base.  This event will be in-person only and space is limited!”

This event will take place March 11-12 in Washington, DC. Learn more and register here.

Exciting Update: The BWC NIM Database Is Complete!

UNIDIR is glad to announce that the BWC National Implementation Measures Database, developed in partnership with VERTIC, has reached a significant milestone: profiles for all 187 States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention are now live! This comprehensive online tool provides detailed insights into each country’s national implementation measures under the BWC, supporting transparency, trust, and international cooperation.

All profiles are available in English, and the team is committed to translating them into all official UN languages throughout 2025. Updates to the profiles will also be made regularly to ensure they remain accurate and relevant.

Explore the database at bwcimplementation.org.

Enhancing UK Biosecurity: DASA Launches Microbial Forensics Competition

“On behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory(Dstl), the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called Future-proofing Biosecurity by Strengthening the UK’s Microbial Forensic Capability. The competition is being run in response to the 2023 UK Biological Security Strategy which aims to implement a UK-wide approach to biosecurity that will strengthen deterrence and resilience to a spectrum of biological threats.”

“Dstl is leading the creation of the United Kingdom Microbial Forensics Consortium (UKMFC) which is being developed in support of the Detect Pillar of the Biological Security Strategy. It will comprise a network of biosurveillance laboratories from all four nations of the UK, operating under a One Health doctrine. This competition seeks novel technology options or technical approaches that can directly support the UKMFC initiative.”

Learn more and submit proposals here.

Connecting and Building Collaborations between AI and Synthetic Biology Communities

From AI for SynBio: “Our primary goal for this symposia is to begin to connect and build mutually beneficial collaborations between the AI and the synthetic biology communities.”

“Synthetic biology is the systematic design and engineering of biological systems. Synthetic biology holds the potential for revolutionary advances in medicine, environmental remediation, and many more. For example, some synthetic biologists are trying to develop cellular programs that will identify and kill cancer cells, while others are trying to design plants that will extract harmful pollutants like arsenic from the ground.”

Read more and submit abstracts here.

Biosecurity Game Changers Fellowship

“A new fellowship at the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health launches with the announcement of the inaugural class of Biosecurity Game Changers, eight individuals who represent the next generation of leaders responsible for preventing and preparing for the worst case health security challenges.”

“The Brown Pandemic Center is partnering with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS), Pandemic Action Network (PAN), and the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit (BWC ISU) to provide an operational base for the fellows, selected for their potential to impact and lead in biosecurity and pandemic preparedness and response. The program is informed by consultation with international and normative entities, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization Global Health Emergency Corps.”

“The year-long fellowship kicks off in September with an in-person meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and a policymaking workshop for early-to-mid-career public health champions, including the fellows. During the year, fellows will collaborate on an operational project with either the Pandemic Center or one of the partner organizations focused on a specific aspect of improving biosecurity, biosafety and/or pandemic preparedness and response. Each fellow will also receive a Brown faculty appointment for the duration of their fellowship.”

Learn more here.

TWO BIODEFENSE STUDENTS EARN DISTINGUISED FELLOWSHIP

by dkellogg97, posted in Program News

Meredith Fletcher is a first-year student in the Biodefense MS program with a special interest in terrorism and the use of pathogens as weapons.

The Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity (ELBI) fellowship, offered by the Center for Health Security at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, is the most distinguished and prestigious fellowship available to those in the biosecurity profession. Two students in the Schar School of Policy and Government’s Biodefense PhD program, Janet Marroquin and Katie Dammer, were chosen for this honor and will be joining 29 other young professionals in the fellowship’s 2025 cohort. During their fellowship, participants will participate in biosecurity workshops, networking events, and research symposiums, both in Washington DC and abroad. Dr. Gregory Koblentz, director of the Biodefense Graduate Program, congratulated both students on this impressive accomplishment, “Janet and Katie are rising stars in biosecurity so it’s very gratifying to see their potential recognized by the leading think tank in the field.”

Janet graduated in 2019 with her M.S. in Biodefense and is currently pursuing a PhD in Biodefense. Her dissertation examines Russia’s motivation and strategy for using vaccine-related narratives in its disinformation operations. She currently works as a full-time research analyst for a federally funded research and development center. Her work focuses on analyzing national security challenges related to emerging biotechnologies and CBRNE weapons.  Janet says, “I’m most excited to engage with international perspectives on common problems, especially science communication and public trust in state institutions.” Her time at George Mason helped prepare her for both her career and the fellowship because of the nature of the program, the diverse student backgrounds and its comprehensive approach to biosecurity. According to Janet, “The biodefense courses exposed me to the vulnerabilities that we as a global society have to the spread of disease due, in no small part, to inadequate preparedness.” Her favorite classes were Dr. Koblentz’s course on biodefense strategy and Dr. Estela Blaisten’s challenging, but rewarding, course on numerical methods.

Katie is a first-year student in the Biodefense PhD program. The ELBI program and those who speak highly of it have surrounded her since her undergraduate studies, so she jumped at the chance to learn more about this ever-changing field. She says, “I am so grateful to the Center for Health Security for the acceptance and to colleagues and ELBI alumni for all of the kind words I have received since this year’s cohort was announced. Every year brings changes, but it is exciting to know that this will be a key piece of my professional development throughout 2025.” Her focus is on the intersection of national security and science policy, and her current role covers a variety of natural, accidental, and deliberate threats. Katie is most excited to build a biosecurity community and take time away from her career to “nerd out” over the many topics presented during the fellowship. Katie hopes that her time as a fellow will both complement and enhance her research and discussion skills, and she looks forward to engaging with pioneers across the public health and policy fields. Katie feels she owes a special thanks to her dad, who as a career academic has been an inspiration as she started her PhD journey and the fellowship ahead of her.

Janet and Katie join a number of other Biodefense students and alum who have served as ELBI fellows including Siddha Hover MS ’14 (ELBI Class of 2016), Francisco Cruz MS ’15 (ELBI Class of 2016), Saskia Popescu PhD ’19 (ELBI Class of 2017), Yong-Bee Lim MS ‘13 PhD ’21 (ELBI Class of 2018), Justin Hurt PhD ’23 (ELBI Class of 2019), and Matthew Ferreira MS ’22 (ELBI Class of 2023).

Janet Marroquin:

Katie Dammer:

Pandora Report 1.10.2025

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

Happy New Year! This week’s Pandora Report covers late former President Jimmy Carter’s decades of global health work, updates on H5N1 in the United States, the launch of the Biosafety and Biosecurity Innovation Initiative, and more.

Former President Carter’s Global Health Legacy

The passing of former US President Jimmy Carter marks the end of an incredible life dedicated to serving others. Carter leaves behind a beautiful legacy that stems from much more than his time in the White House. In the decades after his presidency, Carter oversaw many initiatives focused on improving global health through the Carter Center. One example is his work to eradicate Guinea worm disease of which, as the WHO explained in a statement, “Under his championship cases dropped from 3.5 million in the mid-1980s to just 11 so far in 2024.”

Carter also supported WHO’s African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control, trachoma elimination programs across sub-Saharan Africa, mass drug administration campaigns for schistosomiasis, and the International Task Force for Disease Eradication, helping set the global agenda for eliminating multiple NTDs. In addition to this, Carter spent his life post-presidency doing everything from negotiating with the likes of Kim Il-sung to building homes as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, continuously demonstrating his dedication to helping others.

Further Reading:

H5N1 Updates

First US Bird Flu Death Reported

A person has died in Louisiana after being admitted to the hospital with a severe case of avian influenza. This marks the first death in the US as a result of an H5 infection. The person fell ill after exposure to a backyard flock and wild birds. They were over the age of 65 and had multiple underlying medical conditions. There is no sign yet that the virus is spreading from person-to-person in the United States. As of January 6, 2025, there have been 66 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the United States since 2024 and 67 since 2022.

Biden Administration Ramps Up Preparedness Efforts

The Biden administration is making a final effort to improve the country’s pandemic preparedness ahead of President-elect Trump’s inauguration by announcing it will nearly double the amount of money committed to addressing bird flu in humans. The administration announced this week that it is committing $306 million to improving hospital preparedness, early stage research on therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines. Furthermore, $103 million of this will be aimed at helping state and local efforts to track cases and test people exposed to infected animals, in addition to worker outreach for those handling livestock and others at higher risk.

Further Reading:

Launch of the Biosafety and Biosecurity Innovation Initiative

In December 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched the Biosafety and Biosecurity Innovation Initiative (BBII) to reduce biological risks associated with advances in biotechnology and biomanufacturing in accordance with the September 2022 Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy.

The BBII is designed to coordinate and prioritize support for biorisk research and incentivize biosafety and biosecurity innovation across all sectors that support the bioeconomy. The BBII Plan for the Bioeconomy serves as a framework for U.S. government coordination of BBII, led by NIH, and recommends investment in strengthening opportunities for biosafety and biosecurity research and innovation; incentivizing development and implementation of evidence-based best biological risk management practices, carried out by a competent workforce; and fostering a culture of biosafety and biosecurity to encourage trust and norms. 

United Nations Human Rights Office Says Israeli Attacks on Gaza Push Healthcare in Enclave “to Brink of Collapse”

The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) issued a report late last month documenting attacks carried out by Israel in Gaza between October 12, 2023, and June 30, 2024, and their impact on healthcare facilities and personnel. The report raises serious concerns about Israel’s compliance with international law, under which medical personnel and hospitals are specifically protected. In a statement, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said, “As if the relentless bombing and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza were not enough, the one sanctuary where Palestinians should have felt safe in fact became a death trap…The protection of hospitals during warfare is paramount and must be respected by all sides, at all times.”

Read more about the report here.

“Development of Effective Medical Countermeasures Against the Main Biowarfare Agents: The Importance of Antibodies”

Arnaud Avril, Sophie Guillier, and Christine Rasetti-Escargueil  recently published this article in Microorganisms: “The COVID-19 and mpox crisis has reminded the world of the potentially catastrophic consequences of biological agents. Aside from the natural risk, biological agents can also be weaponized or used for bioterrorism. Dissemination in a population or among livestock could be used to destabilize a nation by creating a climate of terror, by negatively impacting the economy and undermining institutions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classify biological agents into three categories (A or Tier 1, B and C) according to the risk they pose to the public and national security. Category A or Tier 1 consists of the six pathogens with the highest risk to the population (Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, botulinum neurotoxins, smallpox and viral hemorrhagic fevers). Several medical countermeasures, such as vaccines, antibodies and chemical drugs, have been developed to prevent or cure the diseases induced by these pathogens. This review presents an overview of the primary medical countermeasures, and in particular, of the antibodies available against the six pathogens on the CDC’s Tier 1 agents list, as well as against ricin.”

“Research and Development of Medical Countermeasures for Emerging Infectious Diseases, China, 1990–2022”

Jiyan Ma, Yang Yang, and Yangmu Huang published this article in Emerging Infectious Diseases: “Since the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in 2003, China has invested substantial efforts in promoting scientific and technological advances for medical countermeasures against high-threat pathogens. The examination of China’s landscape identifies progress and gaps in research and development (R&D) and also highlights management and regulatory issues that should be of concern to other countries. Our study examined the current state of R&D of medical countermeasures in China during 1990–2022. The findings showed a robust and diversified pipeline responding quickly to disease outbreaks and policy changes. However, proactive and highly innovative candidates are limited, and a large proportion of vaccines and drugs stagnate at the early development stage. A paradigm shift involving a preemptive R&D agenda and persistent investment, innovative technology development, and accelerated research translation is urgently needed to prepare for the next pandemic.”

“Strategic Report on Research and Development in Biotechnology for Defense Innovation”

From NASEM: “At the request of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, Strategic Report on Research and Development in Biotechnology for Defense Innovation provides an overview of the current landscape of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML)-enabled biotechnology, the opportunities it presents, and the challenges it poses. This report offers a strategic vision for connecting scientists and technologists to build on, leverage, and tailor advances at the intersection of AI/ML, automated experimentation, and biotechnology to drive innovation in defense-related biotechnologies. Strategic Report on Research and Development in Biotechnology for Defense Innovation makes recommendations to address long-standing challenges that have limited research, development, prototyping, testing and evaluation, and eventual use of biotechnologies. Addressing these challenges will help to advance U.S. national security and defense by improving the performance of existing capabilities, enabling the creation of domestic supply chains of valuable products, reducing reliance on processes and chemicals that are harmful to the environment, and/or adding new capabilities not currently possible with established technologies.”

“COVID 5 Years Later: Learning from a Pandemic Many Are Forgetting”

Jon Cohen discusses reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic in the scientific community in this piece from Science, writing in part “Yet 5 years after a coronavirus dubbed SARS-CoV-2 first surfaced in Wuhan, China, scientists are still intensively trying to make sense of COVID-19. “We would each have to read over 240 papers every single day to actually keep up with all of the [COVID-19] literature that’s come out” in 2024, Cherilyn Sirois, an editor at Cell, noted…Despite the flood of insights into the behavior of the virus and how to prevent it from causing harm, many at the meeting worried the world has turned a blind eye to the lessons learned from the pandemic. “I feel this massive gravitational pull to go back to what we were doing before,” Van Kerkhove said. “There’s no way we should be going back.”’

“The SARS-CoV-2 Test Scale-Up in the USA: An Analysis of the Number of Tests Produced and Used Over Time and Their Modelled Impact on the COVID-19 Pandemic”

Santos et al. recently published this article in The Lancet Public Health: “Background: Rapid, accessible, and accurate testing was paramount to an effective US COVID-19 response. Federal partners supported SARS-CoV-2 testing scale-up through an interagency-coordinated approach that focused on expanding supply chains, research and development, validation, and improving patient access. We aimed to provide an overview of the federal efforts to scale up the testing response and study the impact of scale-up.”

“Methods: In this descriptive analysis, we mapped federal partner activities and milestones using the US Government Testing and Diagnostics Working Group (TDWG) and participating agency and department data from Jan 1, 2020, to Dec 31, 2022. Tests produced (TDWG), reported test positivity (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]’s COVID-19 Electronic Laboratory Reporting system and the Federal Direct Report testing data), reported COVID-19 case counts (CDC), hospitalisations (Department of Health and Human Services Unified Hospital Data Surveillance System and the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network), and deaths (CDC) were analysed over time. We then developed an agent-based model to evaluate the impact testing had on COVID-19 outcomes using different scenarios. The scenarios were (1) if efforts led to substantially fewer tests produced, (2) if scale-up was delayed, affecting test access, and (3) if efforts led to substantially more tests produced.”

“Findings: Approximately 6·7 billion SARS-CoV-2 tests, including over 1·5 billion laboratory-based, 1·9 billion point-of-care (POC), and 3·2 billion over-the-counter (OTC) tests, were produced, and approximately 2·7 billion tests were performed between Jan 1, 2020, and Dec 31, 2022. Testing capacity exhibited various expansion phases, with laboratory-based capacity growing from approximately 6 million tests per month in March, 2020 to approximately 34 million tests per month in July, 2020; POC increased to approximately 126 million tests per month by December, 2020, and OTC increased to approximately 986 million tests per month by February, 2022. Comparison between the baseline (actual) and delay-in-testing scenario suggests the increased testing capacity potentially saved upwards of 1·4 million lives and averted 7 million hospitalisations.”

“Interpretation: Our study suggests that early development, manufacturing, and distribution of tests had a great impact on reducing severe COVID-19 outcomes. These results highlight the importance of robust and rapid test development, production, and distribution when addressing future public health threats.”

“Global Health’s Evolution and Search for Identity”

Kevin M. De Cock recently published this article in Emerging Infectious Diseases: “Despite earlier attempts to define global health, the discipline’s boundaries are unclear, its priorities defined more by funding from high-income countries from the Global North than by global health trends. Governance and resource allocation are challenged by movements such as decolonizing global health. Inherent contradictions within global health derive from its historical evolution from tropical medicine and international health, as well as recent trends in infectious diseases. Demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiologic transitions, including the rise in noncommunicable diseases, have eroded the concept of a binary world of developed and developing countries. Competitive tension has emerged between aspirations for global health security and health equity. Dominant principles should focus on vulnerable populations, transnational challenges such as migration and climate change, appropriate prevention and care, and epidemic preparedness and response capacity. As the 2030 target date for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals approaches, reconceptualization of global health is required, or the discipline risks losing identity and relevance.”

“The Elusive Payoff of Gain-of-Function Research”

Charles Schmidt discusses the potential risks of GOF research in this piece for Undark, writing in part “But that’s not necessarily true of studies that alter dangerous pathogens to assess how they might become more virulent or transmissible. Public controversies have erupted over this sort of research, but in fact few such studies have been performed so far. The research might reveal mutations that turn pathogens into bigger human health problems. Armed with that knowledge, scientists could look for those genetic changes during disease surveillance, with an aim to identify and prepare for looming outbreaks.”

“Interview: Overseeing the Research That Might Start a Pandemic”

“Biosecurity expert Gerald Epstein discusses how certain high-risk science should be regulated,” in this Undark piece by Sara Talpos: “The risks of this research “do not disappear merely because no government funds are involved,” wrote Epstein in an article published last year in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Epstein isn’t sure if this type of work is happening in the private sector, but if it is, it is largely unregulated. Epstein would like to see oversight broadened, possibly through new legislation, expansion of certain government regulations, or increased scrutiny from companies that provide liability insurance.”

“For Science That Comes With Risks, a Key Question: Who Decides?”

Michael Schulson and Peter Andrey Smith discuss research oversight in this piece for Undark, explaining in part “The extent of oversight also varies across disciplines, both domestically and across the globe, with pathogen research being much more regulated than the more emergent fields of AI and geoengineering. For AI and pathogen research, our focus is limited to the United States — reflecting both a need to limit the scope of our reporting, and the degree to which American science currently leads the world in both fields, even as it faces stiff competition on AI from China.”

“With those caveats in mind, we offer a sampling — illustrative but by no means comprehensive — of people who are part of the decision-making chain in each category as of late 2024. Taken as a whole, they appear to be a deeply unrepresentative group — one disproportionately White, male, and drawn from the professional class. In some cases, they occupy the top tiers of business or government. In others, they are members of lesser-known organizational structures — and in still others, the identities of key players remain entirely unknown.”

Pathogenesis: How Germs Made History

In this revelatory book, Dr Jonathan Kennedy argues that germs have shaped humanity at every stage, from the first success of Homo sapiens over the equally intelligent Neanderthals to the fall of Rome and the rise of Islam.

How did an Indonesian volcano help cause the Black Death, setting Europe on the road to capitalism? How could 168 men extract the largest ransom in history from an opposing army of eighty thousand? And why did the Industrial Revolution lead to the birth of the modern welfare state?

The latest science reveals that infectious diseases are not just something that happens to us, but a fundamental part of who we are. Indeed, the only reason humans don’t lay eggs is that a virus long ago inserted itself into our DNA, and there are as many bacteria in your body as there are human cells. We have been thinking about the survival of the fittest all wrong: evolution is not simply about human strength and intelligence, but about how we live and thrive in a world dominated by microbes.

By exploring the startling intimacy of our relationship with infectious diseases, Kennedy shows how they have been responsible for some of the seismic revolutions of the past 50,000 years. Provocative and brimming with insight, Pathogenesis transforms our understanding of the human story.

Learn more about this book here.

“Best Biosecurity Coverage of 2024”

Matt Field highlights last year’s biosecurity coverage in this piece for The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, explaining in his intro “A through line in much of the Bulletin’s biosecurity coverage of 2024 was a focus on infectious diseases—the toll they can exact (did one fell the mighty Roman empire?), the role climate change is playing in their spread, and even the non-natural routes by which they may jump into humans.”

“Richard Hatchett Reflects on a “Banner Year for Viruses” and Looks Ahead to 2025″

CEPI’s CEO Dr Richard Hatchett shares his personal reflections on the year and looks ahead to 2025 in this post, writing in part “One can always choose to be discouraged.  The context in which we are working to prevent epidemics and pandemics is shaped by the polarization of our societies and pathologies of our geopolitics. And these are genuinely discouraging.  Some of the governments that have done most to support this work are in transition, with the uncertainty that all democratic change brings. Others are in disarray due to the splintering of governing coalitions or loss of public confidence. Others face elections in the coming year, at a moment when anti-incumbent sentiment is high.  All are grappling with serious fiscal constraints and security challenges that demand attention and resources.  Global health institutions are struggling to secure funding, and major initiatives are in jeopardy.  Just one example are the intractable differences between the negotiating parties on certain key issues that have stymied progress and paralyzed negotiations on the Pandemic Accord for months. The prospects for a successful conclusion to this critical process seem increasingly dim.”

“All these facts acknowledged and notwithstanding, I have arrived at the end of this complicated year feeling upbeat.  Progress, particularly in areas driven by the evolution of science and technology, seldom follows a neat and linear course (think, for example, of the creative destruction that has characterized the growth of the internet and our digital economy over the last several decades).  Progress is organic.  It grows. Its roots extend continuously and often out of sight, even in the cold and bleak times. Progress materializes – emerges – in ways that can be surprising and sudden, like the spring after winter’s dreariness.  In my effort to describe the year that has been, I will point repeatedly at signs and signifiers of this global organic development. It is these, rather than the foam of political processes, that give cause for optimism.”

Written in DNA

“Asimov Press’ latest anthology features nine essays and three works of science fiction. Embracing the book’s technology theme, we did something very special: With the help of three companies — CATALOG, Imagene, and Plasmidsaurus — we’ve encoded a complete copy of the book into DNA, thus merging bits with atoms.”

“This is the first commercially-available book to be written in DNA and sold in both mediums; as physical books and nucleic acids. We are deeply grateful to those who helped make it possible.”

Learn more here.

“Trump Should Get Tough Again on Chemical Weapons States”

FDD’s Andrea Stricker discusses her thoughts on US foreign policy towards CW states in this piece, writing in part of the incoming Trump administration, “The team should announce a new policy to enact targeted financial sanctions against states that develop and use chemical weapons. In practice, this means the U.S. would freeze assets held by financial institutions that transact with foreign chemical weapons-related entities and individuals and would restrict those institutions from accessing the U.S. financial system. Executive Order 13382, already on the books since 2005, authorizes the president to sanction weapons of mass destruction proliferators and supporters and block related property and transactions, but a new executive order specific to chemical weapons could help.”

“Future for Syria and the Chemical Weapons Convention: The Legislative Implications”

From VERTIC: “This article, by Eliza Walsh, Thomas Brown and Larry MacFaul, identifies priorities and actions addressing chemical weapons and Syria, from the perspective of implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention and reviewing national legislation both in Syria itself and other countries.”

“Syrian Medics Say Were Coerced Into False Chemical Attack Testimony”

Layal Abou Rahal reports in this piece from AFP, explaining in part “Two Syrian doctors and a nurse told AFP in a series of interviews over the weekend that Bashar al-Assad’s government coerced them into providing false testimony to international investigators after a deadly 2018 chlorine attack…The three, who treated the wounded at a field hospital in the rebel-held town of Douma near Damascus after the April 7, 2018 attack, said they were summoned to national security headquarters in the capital.”

“‘Nobody Was Spared’: Damascus Suburbs Still Haunted by Assad Regime’s Chemical Attacks”

Johan Bodin’s reporting for FRANCE 24: “The Ghouta area east of Damascus witnessed some of the most vicious and sustained fighting of the Syrian civil war, including deadly chemical weapons attacks launched by ousted strongman Bashar al-Assad’s regime. FRANCE 24 reporters visited Ghouta’s bombed-out ruins and spoke to residents haunted by the horror they endured.”

“If Syrian Chemical Weapons Were Found, the U.S. Army Could Safely Destroy Them”

John Ismay discuss the US’s ability to destroy chemical weapons and how it may apply to Syria’s remaining stock in this piece for The New York Times: “For decades chemical weapons were usually destroyed by incinerating them, but the United States largely abandoned the practice because of safety concerns near disposal sites raised by the public.”

“A process called hydrolysis became the preferred technique. That involves chemically breaking apart the lethal properties of liquid agents by combining them with hot water and a substance akin to commercially available drain cleaner.”

“It is the same method the Pentagon used to destroy the last of its own chemical weapons stockpile last year. But while that process took place in a series of warehouses spread over dozens of acres, a new portable hydrolysis system developed in Aberdeen was packed into just two standard 20-foot shipping containers.”

Compass Issue 3

The third issue of Compass, UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute’s journal dedicated to the objectives of UNSCR 1540, is available now here. This issue includes articles like “Ensuring Compliance with UNSCR 1540 through Kenya’s Nuclear Regulatory Framework,” “Japan’s Practice to Secure Nuclear Facilities: Evolving Implementation of OP 3 (a) and (b),” and “Supporting Resolution 1540 with CISA Chemical Security’s ChemLock Programme.”

NEW: Sustainable Manufacturing: Building and Preserving a Resilient Medical Industrial Base

“Join industry and government partners for our second annual industry summit! During this event, leaders from IBMSC will share our strategic vision and organizational priorities. Speakers will also share potential opportunities for building and preserving the medical industrial base.  This event will be in-person only and space is limited!”

This event will take place March 11-12 in Washington, DC. Learn more and register here.

Understanding the Introduction of Pathogens into Humans- Preventing Patient Zero: A Workshop

“The past few decades have seen the emergence of several diseases with drastic public health and economic consequences. Understanding routes of pathogen emergence and transmission is critical to preventing and mitigating disease spillover and amplification. The National Academies Forum on Microbial Threats will host a hybrid public workshop to address gaps in understanding of disease emergence, with a focus on human-animal interaction and laboratory biosafety. The workshop will explore how applications of existing policy structures, emerging technologies, and actionable research can improve biosecurity measures and prevention of future disease emergence.”

This event will take place on January 15 and 16. Learn more and register here.

How to Avoid Human-Made Pandemics

From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “Studying viruses that could potentially cause outbreaks is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of pandemics. However, this type of research—especially when it involves collecting samples from the field and manipulating pathogens—can unintentionally lead to a pandemic if not managed carefully. Dr Lentzos will discuss her findings from the Pathogen Project, which brought together an international taskforce of scientists, biosecurity and public health experts, ethicists, and civil society leaders to seek consensus on this question: Can we agree on ways to manage research that carries pandemic risk as safely, securely and responsibly as possible?”

This event will take place on January 23 at 8 pm (GMT +8:00) via Zoom. RSVP here.

Preparedness in Rural Communities: National and State/Local Perspectives and Plans

From Penn State: “The COVID-19 pandemic and recent hurricanes have thrust the preparedness of rural communities into the national spotlight. At the federal level, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently released national goals and plans for preparedness of rural communities. The overall objective of this virtual, 2-day mini-symposium is to identify opportunities in public health and agricultural preparedness and response in rural communities. The mini-symposium will focus upon national perspectives on Thursday, January 30 and the state/local perspectives on Friday, January 31. Speakers include representatives of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, the Department of Homeland Security, US Department of Agriculture, the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness, and state/local leaders.”

This event will take place on January 30 and 31, from 11 am to 2 pm ET each day. Learn more and register here.

Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control

Johns Hopkins APL’s colloquium will feature Mindy Weisberger, author of the upcoming book Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control: “Zombies are all around us—insect zombies, that is. In Rise of the Zombie Bugs, Mindy Weisberger explores the eerie yet fascinating phenomenon of real-life zombification in the insect class and among other invertebrates. Zombifying parasites reproduce by rewriting their victims’ neurochemistry, transforming them into the “walking dead”: armies of cicadas, spiders, and other hosts that helplessly follow a zombifier’s commands, living only to serve the parasite’s needs until death’s sweet release (and often beyond).”

Learn more about this January 31 event here.

Cyberbiosecurity Summit

From Johns Hopkins APL and Bio-ISAC: “Advancements in biomanufacturing and biotechnology drive the science we need to thrive, everything from apples to vaccines. The Cyberbiosecurity Summit 2025 convenes leading experts in biotechnology, biosecurity, and cybersecurity to explore the intersection of these fields and discuss the strategies to create a safe, secure future for us all.”
This event will take place February 25-26 in Laurel, MD. Register here and review the call for sessions here (closes 12/12).

Exciting Update: The BWC NIM Database Is Complete!

UNIDIR is glad to announce that the BWC National Implementation Measures Database, developed in partnership with VERTIC, has reached a significant milestone: profiles for all 187 States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention are now live! This comprehensive online tool provides detailed insights into each country’s national implementation measures under the BWC, supporting transparency, trust, and international cooperation.

All profiles are available in English, and the team is committed to translating them into all official UN languages throughout 2025. Updates to the profiles will also be made regularly to ensure they remain accurate and relevant.

Explore the database at bwcimplementation.org.

Enhancing UK Biosecurity: DASA Launches Microbial Forensics Competition

“On behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory(Dstl), the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called Future-proofing Biosecurity by Strengthening the UK’s Microbial Forensic Capability. The competition is being run in response to the 2023 UK Biological Security Strategy which aims to implement a UK-wide approach to biosecurity that will strengthen deterrence and resilience to a spectrum of biological threats.”

“Dstl is leading the creation of the United Kingdom Microbial Forensics Consortium (UKMFC) which is being developed in support of the Detect Pillar of the Biological Security Strategy. It will comprise a network of biosurveillance laboratories from all four nations of the UK, operating under a One Health doctrine. This competition seeks novel technology options or technical approaches that can directly support the UKMFC initiative.”

Learn more and submit proposals here.

Connecting and Building Collaborations between AI and Synthetic Biology Communities

From AI for SynBio: “Our primary goal for this symposia is to begin to connect and build mutually beneficial collaborations between the AI and the synthetic biology communities.”

“Synthetic biology is the systematic design and engineering of biological systems. Synthetic biology holds the potential for revolutionary advances in medicine, environmental remediation, and many more. For example, some synthetic biologists are trying to develop cellular programs that will identify and kill cancer cells, while others are trying to design plants that will extract harmful pollutants like arsenic from the ground.”

Read more and submit abstracts here.

Biosecurity Game Changers Fellowship

“A new fellowship at the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health launches with the announcement of the inaugural class of Biosecurity Game Changers, eight individuals who represent the next generation of leaders responsible for preventing and preparing for the worst case health security challenges.”

“The Brown Pandemic Center is partnering with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS), Pandemic Action Network (PAN), and the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit (BWC ISU) to provide an operational base for the fellows, selected for their potential to impact and lead in biosecurity and pandemic preparedness and response. The program is informed by consultation with international and normative entities, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization Global Health Emergency Corps.”

“The year-long fellowship kicks off in September with an in-person meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and a policymaking workshop for early-to-mid-career public health champions, including the fellows. During the year, fellows will collaborate on an operational project with either the Pandemic Center or one of the partner organizations focused on a specific aspect of improving biosecurity, biosafety and/or pandemic preparedness and response. Each fellow will also receive a Brown faculty appointment for the duration of their fellowship.”

Learn more here.

Pandora Report 12.20.2024

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This week’s Pandora Report covers the first severe H5N1 case in the US, growing numbers of mpox cases in the DRC, updates to the BSAT list, the killing of Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, and more. The Pandora Report will return from the holiday break on January 10.

Congrats to Our December Biodefense MS Grads!

Mpox Cases Rise Steadily

Mpox cases in Africa rose steadily in the last week with 3,095 more cases reported, 2,632 of which were in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Africa CDC reports that 31 more people have died, 29 of which were in the DRC. Nearly 70,000 cases have been reported in 20 countries is the region this year. Guinea has also moved recently from the controlled stage to active transmission. Read more about mpox’s spread in Africa here.

CDC Confirms First Severe H5N1 Case in the United States

The CDC announced yesterday that a patient has been hospitalized with a severe case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in Louisiana, marking the first instance of severe illness linked to the virus in the United States. The case was confirmed by CDC on December 13. The CDC’s press release on this matter explains that, “Partial viral genome data of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that infected the patient in Louisiana indicates that the virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype related to other D1.1 viruses recently detected in wild birds and poultry in the United States and in recent human cases in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington state. This H5N1 bird flu genotype is different than the B3.13 genotype detected in dairy cows, sporadic human cases in multiple states, and some poultry outbreaks in the United States. Additional genomic sequencing and efforts to isolate virus from clinical specimens from the patient in Louisiana are underway at CDC.”

An investigation is ongoing, but it has already been determined that the patient was exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. No person to person spread of H5 bird flu has been detected at this time. This is the first case of H5N1 avian influenza in the US that has been linked to exposure to a backyard flock. The agency explains that, “A sporadic case of severe H5N1 bird flu illness in a person is not unexpected; avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection has previously been associated with severe human illness in other countries during 2024 and prior years, including illness resulting in death.”

APHIS Updates Select Agents and Toxins Registration List

The US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently completed it biennial review of the Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) list. As a result of this review, the agency is removing five select agents from the BSAT list, including Brucella abortus, Brucella suis, and Brucella melitensis, African horse sickness virus, and Peronosclerospora philippinensis. The agency explained in a press release that, “Removing regulatory barriers will greatly advance research on vaccines and diagnostics, which will improve our efforts to control these diseases in animal populations.” Furthermore, it explained that the delisting of the Brucella spp. does not change the already recommended biosafety levels for work with this species of bacteria.

Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov Assassinated by Ukrainian Security Forces

LTG Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Chemical, Biological, and Nuclear Defense Troops, was killed this week just one day after Ukraine accused him of criminal activity in the “massive use of banned chemical weapons” in Ukraine. Kirillov and an aide died after an explosive device that was planted in a scooter by an entryway detonated as they passed by. According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU, chemical weapons have been used by Russia more than 4,800 times since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

Read more: “Protecting Our Precious Bodily Tissues. The Favourite Conspiracy Theories of General Kirillov, Assassinated in Moscow,” Nikita Sologub, Mediazona

Trump Nominees, Surrogates Continue to Disappoint

Washington Post Does Deep Dive on Dave Weldon’s Anti-Vaccine Past

The Washington Post recently published a piece on President-elect Trump’s pick to lead the CDC, Dave Weldon, and his longstanding history with anti-vaccination rhetoric and beliefs. The piece explains how Trump came to select the 71-year-old former Army physician to lead CDC on the advice of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s equally troubling pick to lead HHS. The piece explains in part, “A Washington Post review of Weldon’s public comments, media appearances and congressional letters along with accounts of those who worked with him reveal a portrait of a politician and physician who emphasized the experiences of individuals while dismissing dozens of studies based on data from hundreds of thousands of patients that showed no link between vaccines and autism.”

Furthermore, “In Congress, Weldon was “absolutely and completely dismissive” of data showing vaccines were not associated with autism, recalled Josh Sharfstein, a former Democratic staff member on the House Government Reform Committee in the early 2000s when the Republicans who were in charge held regular hearings questioning vaccine safety.”

Despite this, Weldon has previously expressed support for coronavirus and influenza vaccines, offering them to patients who want them. Sharfstein, who is now Vice Dean for Public Health Practices and Johns Hopkins University and a former top FDA official, explained further that Weldon “…appeared to have a closed mind on the issue…He didn’t seem to understand that the core tool of population data analysis is one of the pivotal aspects of the work of CDC.”

Musk Shares False ‘Bioweapons Lab’ Tweet

This Wednesday, the infamous anti-LGBTQIA+ X account, Libs of TikTok, posted a screenshot of a portion of the resolution introduced by Speaker Mike Johnson aimed at averting a government shutdown on December 21. The bill would fund the government through March 14, but both President-elect Donald Trump and X owner Elon Musk have spoken out against the bill. The portion of the bill shared by Libs of TikTok reads:

SEC. 629. REGIONAL BIOCONTAINMENT RESEARCH LAB-ORATORIES.

(a) IN GENERAL—The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the “Secretary”) shall make awards to establish or maintain, as applicable, not fewer than 12 regional biocontainment lab-oratories, for purposes of—

(1) conducting biomedical research to support public health and medical preparedness for, and rapid response to, biological agents, including emerging infectious diseases;

The Libs of TikTok account captioned the photo, “BREAKING: New Congressional Resolution bill includes funding for at least 12 new biolabs.” Must quote-tweeted it, adding “We’re funding bioweapon labs in this bill!” Musk’s post has been re-tweeted at least 60,000 times, yet the bill text says nothing about biological weapons. Furthermore, as noted by Politico, “The provision is part of a long-sought reauthorization of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness and Response Act.”

Musk, who was recently denied a clearance and has done his best to insert himself into the Trump team, was named co-chair of the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) by Donald Trump. DOGE, which is a nod to the meme coin-Doge Coin-promoted by Musk, is a proposed presidential advisory commission that would be tasked with restructuring the federal government and removing regulations. Despite Musk’s only involvement with the government so far being receiving at least $15.4 billion in federal contracts in the last decade, he seems poised to play a prominent role in the incoming administration. That being the case, Musk should brush up on the United States’ role as a State Party to the Biological Weapons Convention, which prohibits states from developing, producing, acquiring, transferring, stockpiling, or using biological and toxin weapons.

“The United States Needs to Step Up Its Response to Bird Flu”

Biodefense MS alumna Sophia Hirshfield recently co-authored this feature from the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The authors write in part, “Since the turn of the century, every presidential administration has highlighted gaps in U.S. public health capabilities, and every Congress has left them underfunded. The H5N1 outbreak has revealed the resulting and dangerous shortcomings in U.S. pandemic preparedness: lagging data, incomplete surveillance, sluggish coordination, considerable mistrust, and insufficient planning and stockpiling of vaccines and therapies. That poor performance cuts across political parties, the federal interagency, and state leadership. Multiple players have sought to downplay the threat: the dairy industry fears further economic setbacks, state leaders are wary of federal intervention, and the Biden administration did not want to aggravate relations during the 2024 election cycle.”

They continue, “It is not too late to change course. Strong interagency, interstate, and global coordination; better protections for farm workers; accelerated planning and investment in surveillance; and the development and promotion of better vaccines and therapies remain the essential elements to prevent the sustained spread of H5N1.”

“Syria Still Has Chemical Weapons: How to Get the Country’s New Rulers to Help Eliminate Assad’s Deadly Arsenal”

Biodefense Graduate Program Director Gregory Koblentz recently co-authored this article in Foreign Affairs. The article describes the threat posed by Syria’s remaining chemical weapons, calls up on the new Syrian government to eliminate these weapons, and provides policy recommendations to the United States and its allies and partners for how they can assist in the process of destroying these weapons and holding accountable members of the former regime who conducting chemical attacks.

Koblentz was also quoted in these articles about Syria’s CW:

“Researcher Daniel Gerstein on Security Threats Posed by Drones”

RAND Corporation Senior Policy Researcher and Biodefense PhD Program alumnus Daniel Gerstein discusses threats posed by unmanned aerial systems in this interview with C-SPAN.

“Chemical and Biological Defense Program Enterprise Strategy”

The Department of Defense released the 2024 Chemical and Biological Defense Program (2024 CBDP) Enterprise Strategy. “It replaces the 2020 CBDP strategy and positions the Department to ensure the total force to carry out its missions in the face of advanced chemical and biological threats…Taking its lead from the 2022 National Defense Strategy, this strategy prioritizes delivery of operationally relevant chemical and biological defense (CBD) capabilities at speed and scale, to sustain and strengthen U.S. deterrence against the People’s Republic of China as the pacing challenge and Russia as the acute threat. The new strategy reinforces other strategic guidance including the 2023 Strategy for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, inaugural National Defense Industrial Strategy, and the Biodefense Posture Review. It also calls for tighter integration of CBD capabilities with international Allies and partners to ensure our combined armed forces can deter or prevail against advanced chemical and biological threats.”

“The 2024 Seoul and Tokyo Biosecurity Dialogues”

Christopher East discusses dialogues held by the Council on Strategic Risks in November in this blog post, writing in part “On 18th and 20th November 2024 in Seoul and Tokyo respectively, the Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) convened dialogues with biosecurity experts from the Republic of Korea, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and NATO, concluding with a series of practicable recommendations for the governments of the Republic of Korea and Japan.”

“Securing Benchtop DNA Synthesizers”

Max Langenkamp recently published this report with IFP: “This report examines the present and future of benchtop synthesizers and provides quantitative forecasts. The concrete threat model in the report helps characterize the threat of attack and leads to certain technical mitigations. Modern cryptographic methods can enable secure and centralized screening, even for air-gapped devices…The current benchtop policy would benefit from a security certification system, as well as standardized processes for benchtop and reagent screening. Such safeguards manage to mitigate risk while enabling innovation.”

“DNA Sequencing, Synthesis and Screening in Biosecurity”

From the Cluster for National and Technical Science Arms Control Research: “The second CNTR Fact Sheet by Liska Suckau (CNTR/PRIF) provides an overview of the characteristics of DNA sequencing, synthesis and screening in biosecurity. It compares different sequencing methods and gives a basic overview of DNA synthesis. In addition, it highlights the technologies’ potentials and risks and outlines various application possibilities.”

CNTR Monitor 2024 Perspectives on Dual Use

From CNTR: “The CNTR Monitor is an annual open-access publication and the core product of CNTR’s research. It highlights technological innovations and developments in the natural sciences that are relevant to peace and security. In addition to analyses of individual technologies and reports on research and development (R&D) activities, the Monitor also explores opportunities for arms control and outlines options for political regulation.”

This year’s edition includes articles like “Technological Implications of AI in Biorisk,” “Implications of Technological Advancements for Biosecurity,” and more.

“Toward a Safer and More Secure US Bioeconomy”

Watson et al. recently published this comment in Nature Biotechnology, writing in part “To enhance the safety and security of the US bioeconomy, a new public–private partnership should be established to facilitate information sharing and threat analysis among industry, government and academia, and to develop and deploy safeguards.”

“Scientists Urge Halt to Research on Creating Synthetic “Mirror” Bacteria That Could Evade Human Immunity, Disrupt Ecosystems”

Matt Field breaks down concerns about research using mirror molecules in this piece for The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, writing in part “Although the capability to create organisms or bacteria that utilize mirror molecules remains at least a decade away by many estimations, 38 authors of an article published in Science Thursday said that investigation into creating such “mirror life” should not be pursued. The authors said they “were initially skeptical that mirror bacteria could pose major risks,” but have since grown “deeply concerned.”’

“A Framework for Effective Risk Assessment of AI-Biotechnology Convergence”

Lakshmy Ramakrishnan recently authored this issue brief for the Observer Research Foundation: “Advances in disruptive technologies have enabled scientists to engineer biological systems and create more efficient and sustainable products for a range of purposes. The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) with biotechnology has contributed to the development of therapeutics and vaccines, helped address food security, aided in generating innovative processes to mitigate the effects of climate change, and expanded the bioeconomy. However, there are concerns that AI-biotechnology tools can be misused to create harm, with catastrophic global consequences. This brief advocates for a nuanced approach to assess the risks associated with the convergence of AI with biotechnology and its potential for misuse and recommends a coordinated strategy.”

“U.S. Government Support for Global Health Security – Protecting Lives and Safeguarding Economies”

The Biden administration recently released its final annual global health security report-“U.S. Government Support for Global Health Security – Protecting Lives and Safeguarding Economies”. The report highlights progress in global health security and identifies remaining challenges in this area. A White House press release on the document’s announcement explains, “The Biden-Harris Administration has advanced a bold agenda to prevent the devastating toll of outbreaks and pandemics, including investing more than $3 billion in strengthening global health security (GHS) since 2020. These investments have helped to: prepare countries around the world to more effectively prevent, detect and respond to biological threats; build stronger and more effective regional and global institutions to support health emergency preparedness and response; and respond rapidly to numerous outbreaks – from Ebola to mpox – to limit the health and economic impacts on the American people, as well as people living around the world. U.S. leadership in global health security is built on decades of investments in global health and research and development, as well as strong partnerships with other countries, regional and multilateral institutions, civil society, and the private sector.”

ICYMI: In Conversation with Jon Finer: Recent Developments in the Biden Administration’s WMD Policies

Watch the recording of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s December 19 event here: “As the United States approaches the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) in February 2026, there are critical questions about the future of nuclear arms control, strategic stability, and global nonproliferation efforts.”

“Join the Arms Control Association and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace for remarks from U.S. Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer on the Biden administration’s efforts to reduce nuclear dangers and adapt U.S. nuclear weapons and nonproliferation policy to an uncertain world, as evidenced by the rapid changes occurring in Syria. Finer will take questions from the Arms Control Association’s Executive Director Daryl Kimball.” 

“Following Finer’s address, a distinguished panel will examine the implications of the looming expiration of New START. Madelyn Creedon, chair of the 2023 Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, Adam Mount, senior fellow and director of the Defense Posture Project at the Federation of American Scientists, and James Acton, co-director of Carnegie’s Nuclear Policy program, will explore key considerations surrounding U.S. nuclear forces and requirements, arms control, and nonproliferation policy.”   

ICYMI: “NTI | bio Proposes New Solutions to Prevent Bioweapons Development and Use”

“The dual-use nature of modern bioscience and biotechnology, combined with the significant resources available to many states, makes it challenging to prevent the development of biological weapons using traditional arms control measures and policy approaches. During the fifth session of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Working Group meetings from December 2-13 in Geneva, Switzerland, NTI | bio presented solutions that could effectively reduce the risk of bioweapons development and use by states and other powerful actors.”

Read more here.

Understanding the Introduction of Pathogens into Humans- Preventing Patient Zero: A Workshop

“The past few decades have seen the emergence of several diseases with drastic public health and economic consequences. Understanding routes of pathogen emergence and transmission is critical to preventing and mitigating disease spillover and amplification. The National Academies Forum on Microbial Threats will host a hybrid public workshop to address gaps in understanding of disease emergence, with a focus on human-animal interaction and laboratory biosafety. The workshop will explore how applications of existing policy structures, emerging technologies, and actionable research can improve biosecurity measures and prevention of future disease emergence.”

This event will take place on January 15 and 16. Learn more and register here.

How to Avoid Human-Made Pandemics

From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “Studying viruses that could potentially cause outbreaks is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of pandemics. However, this type of research—especially when it involves collecting samples from the field and manipulating pathogens—can unintentionally lead to a pandemic if not managed carefully. Dr Lentzos will discuss her findings from the Pathogen Project, which brought together an international taskforce of scientists, biosecurity and public health experts, ethicists, and civil society leaders to seek consensus on this question: Can we agree on ways to manage research that carries pandemic risk as safely, securely and responsibly as possible?”

This event will take place on January 23 at 8 pm (GMT +8:00) via Zoom. RSVP here.

Preparedness in Rural Communities: National and State/Local Perspectives and Plans

From Penn State: “The COVID-19 pandemic and recent hurricanes have thrust the preparedness of rural communities into the national spotlight. At the federal level, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently released national goals and plans for preparedness of rural communities. The overall objective of this virtual, 2-day mini-symposium is to identify opportunities in public health and agricultural preparedness and response in rural communities. The mini-symposium will focus upon national perspectives on Thursday, January 30 and the state/local perspectives on Friday, January 31. Speakers include representatives of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, the Department of Homeland Security, US Department of Agriculture, the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness, and state/local leaders.”

This event will take place on January 30 and 31, from 11 am to 2 pm ET each day. Learn more and register here.

Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control

Johns Hopkins APL’s colloquium will feature Mindy Weisberger, author of the upcoming book Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control: “Zombies are all around us—insect zombies, that is. In Rise of the Zombie Bugs, Mindy Weisberger explores the eerie yet fascinating phenomenon of real-life zombification in the insect class and among other invertebrates. Zombifying parasites reproduce by rewriting their victims’ neurochemistry, transforming them into the “walking dead”: armies of cicadas, spiders, and other hosts that helplessly follow a zombifier’s commands, living only to serve the parasite’s needs until death’s sweet release (and often beyond).”

Learn more about this January 31 event here.

Cyberbiosecurity Summit

From Johns Hopkins APL and Bio-ISAC: “Advancements in biomanufacturing and biotechnology drive the science we need to thrive, everything from apples to vaccines. The Cyberbiosecurity Summit 2025 convenes leading experts in biotechnology, biosecurity, and cybersecurity to explore the intersection of these fields and discuss the strategies to create a safe, secure future for us all.”
This event will take place February 25-26 in Laurel, MD. Register here and review the call for sessions here (closes 12/12).

NEW: The Independent Panel Solicits Views and Insights on Pandemic Prevention, and Response Efforts

“The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, co-chaired by HE Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and RH Helen Clark, welcomes you to share your insights and expertise on the status of international and regional pandemic-related reform processes and initiatives, and how progress can be continued and accelerated in the months and years ahead.”

Learn more about this survey and submit by December 20 here.

Pandora Report 12.13.2024

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This week’s Pandora Report covers the rush to find the former Assad regime’s hidden chemical weapons, a recent study on H5N1’s potential to become an efficient human pathogen, Nobel laureates’ call for the Senate to block RFK Jr. from becoming HHS Secretary, and more.

Assad Regime Falls

On Sunday, Syrian rebels continued their advance, taking the capital city of Damascus and forcing the country’s long-time leader, President Bashar al-Assad, to flee to Moscow. This ended the country’s 13-year-long civil war and toppled a brutal dictatorship known to have, among other things, used chemical weapons against its own civilians. Now, the country is strapped for cash and being led by opposition forces with limited experience in governance.

Adding to the chaos is the mad dash to locate the former Assad regime’s chemical weapons it hid from inspectors. Among the list of missing weapons are more than 360 tons of mustard gas that the Assad regime admitted to making, but never fully accounted for. There are also five missing tons of precursors for sarin that the Assad regime claimed were “Lost during transportation, due to traffic accidents.”

The OPCW said it is monitoring the situation, reaffirming its commitment to “clarifying gaps, discrepancies, and inconsistencies in Syrian chemical weapons declaration amidst political transition.” Rebels in the south of the country have reached out to the OPCW for support in safely disposing of a cache of CW they found. One US official told the press the US is working with other countries in the Middle East to prevent these weapons from falling into the wrong hands. Meanwhile, Israel reported that it has destroyed CW and other weapons caches while seizing areas along its shared border with the country it claims are part of a demilitarized buffer zone.

Further Reading and Listening:

New Study Finds Single Mutation in Bovine Influenza H5N1 Hemagglutinin Switches Specificity to Human Receptors

A recent study in Science found that a single glutamine to leucine mutation in clade 2.3.4.4b-an H5N1 virus widespread in US dairy cattle that has caused a few mild human cases-at residue 226 of the virus hemagglutinin “was sufficient to enact the change from avian to human specificity.” This means that this virus that currently cannot infect humans very easily could be just one mutation away from being able to do so much more effectively. This finding alone does not mean that this mutation in nature would be guaranteed to make this virus an efficient human pathogen, but it might mean that this version of the virus has a higher zoonotic potential than other H5N1 viruses.

Further Reading:

Investigation Launched into Queensland Lab Incident

An investigation has been launched by Australian authorities into the “major breach” of biosafety protocols that occurred at a state-run laboratory in Queensland in 2021. It was revealed that 323 virus samples-nearly 100 of which were live samples of Hendra virus-were missing. According to Health Minister Tim Nicholls, the incident was only discovered in August of 2023, and the lab is unable to confirm whether the materials were removed or destroyed, though there is no suggestion that they were taken or stolen from the lab.

Top Wuhan Virologist Says WIV Holds No Close Relatives to SARS-CoV-2

Shi Zhengli, the virologist leading coronavirus research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) when the COVID-19 pandemic began, presented data on dozens of new coronaviruses collected from bats in southern China at a conference in Japan last week. Shi has said repeatedly that SARS-CoV-2 was never seen nor studied in her lab, but some have continued to insist that one of the bat coronaviruses collected by her team was closely related to it. As a result, Shi promised to sequence the genomes of the viruses stored in her freezers and release the resulting data.

The analysis presented at the conference has not been peer reviewed and includes data from the whole genomes of 56 new betacoronaviruses in addition to some partial sequences. All of these viruses were collected between 2004 and 2021. Shi explained at the conference that none of the viruses she has sequenced are the most recent ancestors of SARS-CoV-2 and that “We didn’t find any new sequences which are more closely related to SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2.”

The known viruses that are closest to SARS-CoV-2 were found in bats in Laos and southern China. However, years (or decades) have passed since these viruses split from their common ancestor with SARS-CoV-2. Shi has long since collaborated with EcoHealth Alliance, which previously received US federal funding that was suspended because of inadequate oversight of research activities at the WIV. This collaboration has produced a larger analysis of more than 230 sequences that EcoHealth Alliance’s Peter Daszak says will be submitted for peer review and publication in the coming weeks.

Further Reading: “PLA Looks into China-US Collaboration in Biosecurity Research,” Stephen Chen, SCMP

75+ Nobel Laureates Urge Senate Not to Confirm RFK Jr.

77 winners of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, Chemistry, Physics, and Economics have signed a letter (below) urging the Senate not to confirm President-Elect Trump’s pick to lead HHS-Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. This is a rare example of Nobel laureates coming together against a US Cabinet choice, according to Sir Richard Roberts, winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Medicine and a drafter of the letter. The letter criticizes Kennedy’s lack of experience in public health in addition to his widely criticized opinions on topics like drinking water fluoridation and vaccines for measles and polio. The letter reads in part, “In view of his record, placing Mr. Kennedy in charge of DHHS would put the public’s health in jeopardy and undermine America’s global leadership in the health sciences, in both the public and commercial sectors…We strongly urge you to vote against the confirmation of his appointment as Secretary of the DHHS.”

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Further Reading:

“2024 ABSA Conference Summary”

Biodefense MS Student Lena Kropke discusses her experience at the 67th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Conference in this Pandora Report event summary, writing in part “Attending this conference not only reaffirmed that biosafety and biosecurity are vital components of international security, but also showcased the incredible dedication of professionals who work tirelessly toward this mission. Moreover, it offered an introduction to an amazing network of biosafety and security professionals.”

Read more about Lena’s time attending the conference in Phoenix here.

“Disincentivizing Bioweapons: Theory and Policy Approaches”

This NTI essay collection is “…designed to encourage the exploration and identification of potential solutions to disincentivize states from developing or using biological weapons,” and aims to “bridge theory and practical policy-relevant approaches to develop new approaches to invigorate international efforts to reduce biological threats.” Its fifth essay, “Two Competing Bioweapons Nonproliferation Policies: Deterrence by Denial and Discussion,” was authored by Sonia Ben Ouagrham-Gormley, Associate Professor at the Schar School.

Mitigating Arboviral Threat and Strengthening Public Health Preparedness: Proceedings of a Workshop

From NASEM: “Arboviruses, or viruses carried by arthropods like mosquitoes or ticks, are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year. As the climate changes globally, the geographic distribution of these diseases, including Zika, dengue, chikungunya, West Nile, and yellow fever, are steadily expanding. The National Academies Forum on Microbial Threats hosted a public workshop in December 2023 to explore avenues of threat reduction from known and emerging arboviral diseases in the context of public health preparedness and capacity building. The workshop featured talks from experts in entomology, public health, ecology, virology, immunology, disease modeling, and urban planning.”

Read this Proceedings of a Workshop for free here.

“The Current Pathogenicity and Potential Risk Assessment of Nipah Virus as Potential Cause of “Disease X”: A Narrative Review”

Mehnaz et al. recently published this article in Health Science Reports: “Background and Aims…The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized the potential for a severe international epidemic and introduced the term “Disease X” to classify pathogens that not yet identified. The Nipah virus (NiV) is highly dangerous due to its zoonotic nature, high mortality rate, and ability to cause severe clinical symptoms in humans. In this review, we gather the latest information on the NiV and its potential to become a significant candidate for Disease X.”

“Methods…We performed a thorough review of articles published in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using appropriate MeSH terms and keywords. Studies reported NiV infection were considered for this review.”

“Results…The NiV exhibits different epidemiological patterns in different countries that calls for customized prevention and control strategies. Genetic analysis highlights NiV’s ability to mutate that alters possible treatment options. Transmission typically involves bats as the primary reservoir, with humans becoming infected either through intermediate hosts or food. This shows NiV’s complex nature, including its ability to reach the central nervous system through the olfactory nerve. Promising treatment options, such as monoclonal antibodies, antivirals, and ongoing vaccine research, provide hope. However, the virus’s adaptability, human-to-human transmission, and the lack of specific antiviral therapy raise concerns about its potential to cause a global pandemic. The interconnection between animals, humans, and the environment stresses the need for a One Health approach to tackle emerging infectious disease by NiV.”

“Conclusion…Global collaboration, surveillance, and research investments are imperative for the preparation of future pandemics. The ongoing COVID-19 challenges underscoring the critical need for sustained scientific endeavors, global leadership, and recognition of the prominence of NiV as a candidate for the potential Disease X.”

“Engineering Biology Public Trust Survey Findings”

From the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, these findings are the result of a survey on public perceptions of engineering biology in relation to five application areas: health, agriculture and food, low carbon fuels, chemicals and materials, and waste and environment. Key findings from this survey include “The majority of respondents felt comfortable with using new and emerging technologies on a day-to-day basis, but relatively few could explain what engineering biology is,” “There was a strong belief amongst respondents that applications of engineering biology could be useful. Similarly, the majority were comfortable with each of the specific applications and believe that they will be positive for society,” “There was broad agreement that the government is well placed to make decisions about the use of engineering biology but the public should also be involved in decision making,” and more.

“CSR Biodefense Scorecard: Winter 2024 Update”

From the Council on Strategic Risks: “In the fall of 2023, we kicked off our Biodefense Scorecard series to help inform the public on the progress and implementation status of past CSR recommendations on reducing biological risks. This update captures several areas of sustained positive action across pathogen early warning, diplomacy, and biomanufacturing.”

“Ignoring the Real Biowarfare Threat”

David Heslop and Joel Keep discuss the potential implications of recent renovations at Sergiev Posad-6 in this piece from the Lowy Institute, writing in part “While much attention has been paid to nuclear arms, Washington and Moscow must also address biological weapons, which both nations claimed to renounce many years ago. The fate of such programs is not only a matter for Russia and the United States, but for global health security at large.”

“Instrumentalising Biological Weapons-Related Allegations: Russia’s Compliance Politics and the Norms Against Biological Weapons”

Una Jakob recently published this working paper with CBWNet discussing Russia’s use of BWC compliance procedures and their effect on norms against BW. Jakob explains in part of the paper’s executive summary, “Seen in this light, the Russian activities may counterintuitively have contributed to strengthening the norms against biological weapons at the discursive level, as no actor has called them into question and as their validity has been reaffirmed repeatedly in the process, including by Russia itself. This stands in contrast, however, to Russia’s policy which may contest biological weapons norms at the action level. This discrepancy between the discursive and practical level and its implications for norm strength merit further theoretical attention. On a policy level, it will be important to increase transparency, counter disinformation, and strengthen the means to demonstrate, verify and enhance confidence in compliance with the BWC. This would also strengthen the possibilities to address biological weapons-related allegations, including those made in bad faith, and help sustain the norms against biological weapons comprehensively and in the long term.”

“Workshop on S&T Developments with Relevance for the CWC and BWC”

Anna Krin and Gunnar Jeremias edited this CBWNet working paper detailing a workshop hosted in June at Hamburg University focused on challenges and opportunities facing biological and chemical arms control. Jeremias explains in the introduction, “Throughout the workshop, four panels delved into key topics: the general concept and application of scientific and technological advice in arms control in general and particularly in chemical and biological arms control; current developments in science and technology that may necessitate attention; potential frameworks for organizing verification under the CWC and the prospects for institution building for S&T advice and verification within the BWC; and the technologies and governance methods that could be employed to enhance the efficacy of arms control measures…The insights gathered during these discussions aim to contribute to the ongoing discourse on arms control, ensuring that both the BWC and CWC remain vital in a landscape marked by rapid scientific change. This compendium encapsulates the collaborative efforts and perspectives of workshop participants, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing arms control in an increasingly complex world.”

“High-Impact, Low-Probability: NATO-EUROPOL Cooperation in Countering the CBRN Terrorist Threat to Europe”

This JCBRN Defence COE report by Mathias Katsuya “…draws on secondary-source research and insights provided by JCBRN Defence COE personnel as well as Europol’s CBRN-E Team Leader. An initial threat assessment is followed by a review of Europol’s CBRN capabilities, centring on the role of its European Counter-Terrorism Centre and inhouse CBRN-E Team as key nodes in law enforcement information-sharing, capacity-building, and operational coordination. Having identified key doctrinal and capability overlaps with NATO in addition to a stated commitment by Europol’s CBRN-E Team to enhance its civil-military relations, the report outlines a three-pillar approach to deepening connections between NATO and Europol: short-term measures to foster staff-level contacts in both organisations, a formalised relationship between Europol’s CBRN-E Team and NATO’s JCBRN Defence COE, and deeper institutional linkages to effectively confront current and emerging CBRN threats.”

“Hybrid Threats in the CBRN Environment: Challenges and Implications”

This JCBRN Defence COE paper by Paulina Frederike Gogacz discusses hybrid CBRN threats and their use by actors like Russia. Gogacz explains in the paper’s summary that “An analysis of the six strategic enablers outlined in NATO’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Defence Policy (2022) indicates important steps to ameliorate current defences and prepare NATO and its member states for future hybrid CBRN threats, thereby increasing overall resilience. They include important aspects: robust intelligence-sharing mechanisms to ensure timely and accurate threat information; comprehensive exercises to simulate and prepare for various CBRN scenarios; strong partnerships both within the alliance and with external entities to foster cooperation and resource sharing; effective strategic communication to manage information and public perception; collaborative scientific research to advance technological capabilities and countermeasures; and the resilience of medical infrastructure to ensure a rapid and effective response to CBRN incidents. These steps collectively aim to bolster NATO’s preparedness and adaptability in the face of evolving hybrid CBRN threats.”

“Securing a Strategic Advantage in Biosecurity for NATO”

Max Breet and Lauren Ross recently authored this commentary for RUSI, writing in their summary “NATO should recognise the importance of biosecurity by understanding it as a new domain. This would allow the Alliance to more effectively leverage existing structures to defend itself against hybrid biological threats.”

“The Rise of Mpox in a Post-Smallpox World”

McQuiston et al. recently published this article in Emerging Infectious Diseases: “Reports of mpox are rising in Africa where the disease is endemic and in new countries where the disease has not been previously seen. The 2022 global outbreak of clade II mpox and an ongoing outbreak of the more lethal clade I mpox highlight the pandemic potential for monkeypox virus. Waning population immunity after the cessation of routine immunization for smallpox plays a key role in the changing epidemiologic patterns of mpox. Sustained human-to-human transmission of mpox is occurring widely in the context of insufficient population immunity, fueling genetic mutations that affect the accuracy of some diagnostic tests and that could lead to changing virulence. Additional research should address complex challenges for control of mpox, including improved diagnostics and medical countermeasures. The availability of vaccines should be expanded not only for outbreak response but also for broader routine use for persons in mpox-endemic countries.”

“Confronting Risks of Mirror Life”

Adamala et al. recently published this Science Policy Forum piece, writing in part, “All known life is homochiral. DNA and RNA are made from “right-handed” nucleotides, and proteins are made from “left-handed” amino acids. Driven by curiosity and plausible applications, some researchers had begun work toward creating lifeforms composed entirely of mirror-image biological molecules. Such mirror organisms would constitute a radical departure from known life, and their creation warrants careful consideration. The capability to create mirror life is likely at least a decade away and would require large investments and major technical advances; we thus have an opportunity to consider and preempt risks before they are realized. Here, we draw on an in-depth analysis of current technical barriers, how they might be eroded by technological progress, and what we deem to be unprecedented and largely overlooked risks (1). We call for broader discussion among the global research community, policy-makers, research funders, industry, civil society, and the public to chart an appropriate path forward.”

Bonus: Read Carl Zimmer’s discussion of this warning in The New York Times here.

NEW: OneLab Network Webinar

“Clinical laboratories must be alert for unusual and potentially infectious agents and immediately notify their Laboratory Response Network (LRN) reference laboratory if routine diagnostic testing results in the potential identification of rare and unusual infectious agents that may be used in a bioterrorist attack or other bio-agent incident. This webinar will describe the LRN and highlight the clinical laboratory’s role and responsibilities in initiating contact with their LRN. Join us as we share an example of a response, new tools, and valuable resources to aid in the clinical laboratory’s response.”

This event will take place on December 17 at 12 pm ET. Register for this event here.

NEW: Understanding the Introduction of Pathogens into Humans- Preventing Patient Zero: A Workshop

“The past few decades have seen the emergence of several diseases with drastic public health and economic consequences. Understanding routes of pathogen emergence and transmission is critical to preventing and mitigating disease spillover and amplification. The National Academies Forum on Microbial Threats will host a hybrid public workshop to address gaps in understanding of disease emergence, with a focus on human-animal interaction and laboratory biosafety. The workshop will explore how applications of existing policy structures, emerging technologies, and actionable research can improve biosecurity measures and prevention of future disease emergence.”

This event will take place on January 15 and 16. Learn more and register here.

NEW: Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control

Johns Hopkins APL’s colloquium will feature Mindy Weisberger, author of the upcoming book Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control: “Zombies are all around us—insect zombies, that is. In Rise of the Zombie Bugs, Mindy Weisberger explores the eerie yet fascinating phenomenon of real-life zombification in the insect class and among other invertebrates. Zombifying parasites reproduce by rewriting their victims’ neurochemistry, transforming them into the “walking dead”: armies of cicadas, spiders, and other hosts that helplessly follow a zombifier’s commands, living only to serve the parasite’s needs until death’s sweet release (and often beyond).”

Learn more about this January 31 event here.

How to Avoid Human-Made Pandemics

From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “Studying viruses that could potentially cause outbreaks is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of pandemics. However, this type of research—especially when it involves collecting samples from the field and manipulating pathogens—can unintentionally lead to a pandemic if not managed carefully. Dr Lentzos will discuss her findings from the Pathogen Project, which brought together an international taskforce of scientists, biosecurity and public health experts, ethicists, and civil society leaders to seek consensus on this question: Can we agree on ways to manage research that carries pandemic risk as safely, securely and responsibly as possible?”

This event will take place on January 23 at 8 pm (GMT +8:00) via Zoom. RSVP here.

Preparedness in Rural Communities: National and State/Local Perspectives and Plans

From Penn State: “The COVID-19 pandemic and recent hurricanes have thrust the preparedness of rural communities into the national spotlight. At the federal level, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently released national goals and plans for preparedness of rural communities. The overall objective of this virtual, 2-day mini-symposium is to identify opportunities in public health and agricultural preparedness and response in rural communities. The mini-symposium will focus upon national perspectives on Thursday, January 30 and the state/local perspectives on Friday, January 31. Speakers include representatives of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, the Department of Homeland Security, US Department of Agriculture, the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness, and state/local leaders.”

This event will take place on January 30 and 31, from 11 am to 2 pm ET each day. Learn more and register here.

Cyberbiosecurity Summit

From Johns Hopkins APL and Bio-ISAC: “Advancements in biomanufacturing and biotechnology drive the science we need to thrive, everything from apples to vaccines. The Cyberbiosecurity Summit 2025 convenes leading experts in biotechnology, biosecurity, and cybersecurity to explore the intersection of these fields and discuss the strategies to create a safe, secure future for us all.”
This event will take place February 25-26 in Laurel, MD. Register here and review the call for sessions here (closes 12/12).

NEW: The Independent Panel Solicits Views and Insights on Pandemic Prevention, and Response Efforts

“The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, co-chaired by HE Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and RH Helen Clark, welcomes you to share your insights and expertise on the status of international and regional pandemic-related reform processes and initiatives, and how progress can be continued and accelerated in the months and years ahead.”

Learn more about this survey and submit by December 20 here.

2024 ABSA Conference Summary

by dkellogg97, posted in Events

Lena Kropke, Biodefense MS Student

This year, I had the privilege of attending the 67th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference of the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA International) in Phoenix, Arizona from November 4-6, 2024. The conference brought together a diverse array of speakers, posters, and abstracts from across the globe, fostering an exchange of ideas and highlighting the global nature of our work. With the U.S. presidential election occurring at the same time as the event, the importance of nonpartisan cooperation in addressing shared challenges and advancing collective goals was emphasized. During my attendance, I found four sessions on biosafety and biosecurity of particular interest.

Session 1: From a House on Fire to a World in Shutdown: The Intersection of Epidemiology and Vaccinology by Yvonne (Bonnie) Maldonado, MD, Stanford University School of Medicine

In her talk, that was awarded the Arnold G. Wedum Memorial Lecture Award, Dr. Maldonado discussed the epidemiological principles and strategies behind vaccine-mediated disease control. A key analogy she used was the “house on fire” concept, which emphasizes the importance of allocating resources to where they exercise the greatest impact rather than spreading efforts thinly. The underlying principles of disease control were outlined first to ensure appropriate distinction in terminology. While eradication, the global reduction of a disease to an incidence of zero, was achieved in the cases of smallpox and rinderpest, extinction – the total disappearance of a pathogen in both nature and laboratories – has yet to be accomplished. Success in eradication depends on factors such as effective and continuous strategies to interrupt transmission, sensitive diagnostic tools, a deep understanding of the pathogen’s lifecycle, and robust surveillance systems.

Dr. Maldonado highlighted several challenges to vaccine effectiveness. For example, antigenic mutation of pathogens such as influenza can create immunity gaps, which reduces the effectiveness of vaccines and can allow established pathogens to cause pandemics. Additionally, the success of vaccine strategies is influenced by the transmissibility of the pathogen, the durability of immunity, and the population’s behavior. Having overcome these challenges, the eradication of smallpox remains the gold standard for vaccine mediated disease control. Other diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, malaria, and lymphatic filariasis, have the potential to be eradicated, but each faces unique obstacles. Polio eradication efforts have achieved significant progress in the control of the disease, yet challenges such as vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs) and vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP), in addition to the underlying obstacles of disease control, have inhibited the successful eradication so far. In that regard, COVID-19 further underlined issues such as asymptomatic transmission, viral mutations, and the slow development of herd immunity. The pandemic also underscored the importance of addressing inequities in healthcare access, housing, and social security, as these determinants significantly influence disease prevention and control outcomes.

Overall, Dr. Maldonado’s talk emphasized that no one-size-fits-all policy exists for vaccination approaches. Instead, targeted and pathogen-specific strategies, tailored vaccination programs, and strong surveillance systems are crucial for eradication success. This comprehensive approach ensures that disease control efforts are both effective and equitable.

Session 8: Biosecurity: Complexity, Complacency, Connectivity and Commitment by George Poste, DVM, PhD, Arizona State University

Dr. Poste explored the current challenges for a global biosecurity framework and the importance of the “One Health” paradigm. He identified the underlying causes for these challenges as the rapid changes in our globalized world, where climate change, urbanization, habitat destruction, anti-vaccine campaigns, and antimicrobial resistances facilitate the spread of pathogens in an unprecedented manner. Additionally, he discussed advancements in biotechnologies and the associated risks of dual-use research of concern (DURC), as well as the intersection of biotechnology and artificial intelligence (BIOxAI). Key areas of focus included gene editing, enhanced pathogens with pandemic potential (ePPP), and gain-of-function (GOF) research that could lead to the creation of more dangerous pathogens. In comparison to chemical weapons, Dr. Poste criticized the lack of established verification or inspection processes for biological weapons. He therefore emphasized the urgent need for an enhanced regulatory framework to address these issues with a multisectoral approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment.

Dr. Poste’s criticism of the current system stems from the misplaced comfort and complacency that was demonstrated by the international reaction to outbreaks of COVID-19, SARS, and Ebola. Despite the United States’ top ranking in biosecurity preparedness, the high mortality rate and economic toll of COVID-19 highlighted the urgency to move from a reactive to a proactive biosecurity framework where sustained efforts are employed to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and improve pathogen surveillance. In Dr. Poste’s words, the system must finally move past a cycle of “neglect-panic-fund-forget” and adopt a strategy of convergence, connectivity, and commitment that brings together expertise and tools from diverse fields. In that regard, he advocated for aligning biosecurity responses with other disaster management systems, such as those for natural disasters or chemical emergencies. He also underscored the importance of sustained commitment by the international community for building such a cross-sectoral framework as continuous investment in emergency preparedness, increased diagnostic capabilities, stockpiling of medical supplies, and the development of clear response and report protocols are needed for enhancing our global biosecurity preparedness. This must be accompanied by international partnerships that ensure appropriate resource sharing and coordinated responses during global crises.

In his presentation, Dr. Poste criticized the current biosecurity frameworks while also advocating for a new path forward where interdisciplinary commitment, increased regulation and inspection, as well as proactive “whole-of-government” measures address the escalating biosecurity challenges of our time. Such changes require strong advocacy with political leaders to adopt a long-term biosecurity strategy.

Session 9.2: Using DNA-Tagged Aerosol Tracer Particles as Challenge Agents for Measurement and Verification of Engineering Controls, Nicholas Heredia, PhD, SafeTraces

Dr. Nicholas Heredia described how SafeTraces’ DNA-tagged aerosol tracer technology is used to assess the pathogen exposure risk and control efficacy of filtration and ventilation systems. The novelty of this process is demonstrated by its use of non-reactive and non-toxic DNA-tagged particles that offer a similar fluid matrix to the potential spread of pathogens. The company conducts four performance tests in the form of a survey test, aerosol clearance test, HEPA supply tests, and positive/negative pressure test. The respective results are then assessed by qPCR technology and visualized to portray air movements as well as leakage or infiltration. The technology can be used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, or critical infrastructure as it offers a quantifiable and accurate assessment of the air system performance that previous testing (e.g. tracer gases) could not achieve. The talk generated high interest in the technology which will likely establish itself as a central safety feature of air system tracing.

Session 19: Biosecurity featuring Iris Magne, London Metropolitan University; Leyma P. De Haro, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Merrick & Company; and Michael Parker, PhD, Georgetown University       

This panel was comprised of three distinguished speakers discussing their recent biosecurity projects. As the first speaker of the session, Iris Magne was awarded the Robert I. Gross Student Award for presenting on “International Biosecurity Education Network: A Timely Tool For Biosecurity.” She described the International Biological Security Engagement Network (IBSEN), a new initiative created earlier this year to enhance biosecurity education across the globe. IBSEN was established to foster an environment in which academics and policymakers could discuss biological risks and raise awareness of these issues. A particular focus of the network is reducing threats from the misuse of life sciences and DURC. IBSEN publishes a quarterly newsletter on biosecurity with the goal of providing in-depth biosecurity education on a national and regional level.

In the second presentation, titled “Biosecurity Risk Assessment for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Synthetic Biology: A Practical Approach,” Dr. Leyma P. De Haro outlined a seven-step biosecurity risk assessment that allows professionals to categorize potential dangers of AI in the realms of synthetic biology. The growing use of AI applications is facilitating advancements in areas such as de novo gene design, biological design tools (BDT), vaccine development, and automated laboratory experiments. However, these capabilities also pose significant risks when misused by malicious actors or implemented without proper safeguards as they enable unregulated individuals or those lacking sufficient safety expertise to conduct high-risk experiments. Even in regulated settings, unintended consequences could arise if AI systems inadvertently produce harmful or dangerous biological agents. Dr. De Haro emphasized the inadequacy of current oversight mechanisms, which do not yet cover unique risks associated with AI in these contexts. To mitigate these threats, she called for enhanced safeguards and comprehensive regulatory frameworks.

Lastly, Dr. Michael Parker presented “A Century of Assessment – The Collection of Biothreat Risk Assessment (COBRA).” A team of Georgetown University researchers created the COBRA (Catalog of Biothreat Risk Assessments) website to serve as the world’s first public repository of risk assessments related to biological agents. The website compiles assessments written over the course of the last century and categorizes them with specific tags for the purpose of identifying and evaluating the respective decisions and trends. Users can not only search the website, but also propose their own contributions to extend the scope of the archive. This resource was developed to centralize critical knowledge for understanding past decision-making as well as to inform current strategies.

Attending this conference not only reaffirmed that biosafety and biosecurity are vital components of international security, but also showcased the incredible dedication of professionals who work tirelessly toward this mission. Moreover, it offered an introduction to an amazing network of biosafety and security professionals. In addition to the outstanding panels and posters, the conference held a banquet at the breathtaking Desert Foothills on the outskirts of Phoenix. A major highlight for me was winning a free ABSA webinar as part of a raffle I was able to enter after visiting every participating vendor at the conference.  I can’t wait to be granted additional insight into the educational and inspiring world of ABSA. I would encourage anyone interested in reducing biological risks to attend next year’s conference in Raleigh, NC from October 24-29, 2025.

Lena Kroepke is a student in the MS Biodefense program at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. An international student from Germany, Lena completed an MA in Peace and Conflict Research at Goethe University Frankfurt as well as a BA in European Studies at Maastricht University.

Pandora Report 12.6.2024

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This week’s Pandora Report covers news from the Biodefense Graduate Program, the winners of the 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award, reports of a mysterious illness in the DRC, and much more.

Biodefense Doctoral Student Selected for Next Generation Leader Program

First-year Biodefense PhD student Katie Dammer was recently selected for the Next Generation Leaders program as part of the Spirit of Asilomar conference that will be held in February 2025. “The Spirit of Asilomar and the Future of Biotechnology” summit will occur on the 50th anniversary of the 1975 international meeting on recombinant DNA, where scientists discussed the hazards and benefits of emerging biotechnology and voluntarily agreed to set new standards for the regulation of biohazards. The 2025 iteration of this summit will focus on artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, pathogen research, and other related topics. Dammer currently is a Biosecurity Fellow at the Horizon Institute for Public Service working as the Special Assistant for Global Health Security & Biodefense at the National Security Council.

2024 OPCW-The Hague Award Recipients Announced

Last month, OPCW Director-General Amb. Fernando Arias and The Hague Mayor Jan van Zanen announced the winners of this year’s OPCW-The Hague award: Alegeria’s National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology of the National Gendarmerie (NICC/NG) and the Indian Chemical Council (ICC). NICC/NG is “a forensic science institute focused on advancing crime-fighting capabilities by integrating scientific methods into judicial and criminal processes.” The ICC “is a chemical industry body recognized for its role in promoting chemical safety, compliance with the Convention, and enhancing industry-wide security practices in India.” Read more about the recipients and this year’s award selection here.

DRC Reports Outbreak of Unknown Flu-Like Illness

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Africa CDC, and WHO are investigating an outbreak of an unknown, influenza-like disease in Kwango province that has infected at least 376 people and killed at least 67 (though some outlets report 143 deaths) since late October. Africa CDC reports that symptoms include fever, headache, cough, difficulties breathing, and anemia. Children under five are the most affected group, accounting for more than half of all cases and the majority of deaths. The outbreak started in the Panzi Health Zone, a remote part of the province. Officials report that they did not learn of the outbreak until six weeks after it began. In better news, the WHO has confirmed that the DRC’s mpox outbreak appears to be “plateauing”.

Raw Milk Recalled in California Following Bird Flu Detection

In a predictable turn of events, a farm in California has made a voluntary recall of its products and halted production after samples of its products tested positive for avian influenza. The recall has expanded since the initial recall of two lots of product on November 21. The California Department of Food and Agriculture has quarantined the farm and suspended the distribution of raw milk, cream, kefir, butter, and cheese products produced on or after November 27. The farm in question, Raw Farm of Fresno, has gained popularity with fans of social media “health influencers” and HHS Secretary nominee RFK Jr.. It frequently sells its products in natural supermarket chains like Sprouts Farmers Market.

The brand fell under FDA and CDC scrutiny earlier this year amid E. coli concerns, though the company insists it was the victim of “severe bias” from the agencies. Mark McAfee, CEO of Raw Farm, is insisting now that the actions taken by the state are politically-driven, despite samples of his company’s products testing positive for the virus. McAfee appears to have been encouraged by RFK Jr. to apply for a position at the FDA as the “FDA advisor on raw milk policy and standards development.”

Further Reading:

House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Releases Final Report

The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic recently published its final report, “AFTER ACTION REVIEW OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: The Lessons Learned and a Path Forward”. The more than 500-page document covers a variety of topics, including vaccines, use of pandemic relief funds, and public health guidance. The report begins with the claim that SARS-CoV-2 “likely emerged because of a laboratory or research related accident,” despite the Intelligence Community remaining split on the consensus and many in the scientific community disagreeing. The report is also critical of mitigation efforts like face masking and social distancing, though it praises travel restrictions. The report also focuses its attention heavily on the EcoHealth Alliance.

The Select Subcommittee’s minority released its own final report. A spokesperson for the minority said in a statement, “Select Subcommittee Republicans’ final report reflects two years wasted on political stunts instead of preventing and preparing for the next pandemic…Instead of coming together with Democrats to get ahead of future viruses or fortify America’s public health infrastructure and workforce, Select Subcommittee Republicans prioritized extreme probes that vilified our nation’s scientists and public health officials in an effort to whitewash former President Trump’s disastrous COVID-19 response.”

The minority report blasts the majority’s criticism and targeting of former NIAID Director Anthony Fauci as “baseless and frivolous” and explains that “Today, a zoonotic origin and lab accident are both plausible, as is a ‘hybrid’ scenario reflecting a mixture of the two…It was repeatedly explained to the Select Subcommittee that all prior epidemics and pandemics, as well as almost all prior outbreaks, have zoonotic origins. At the same time, a lab origin for SARS-CoV-2 also remains plausible.”

Further Reading: “Sick Animals Suggest COVID Pandemic Started in Wuhan Market,” Smriti Mallapaty, Nature

Trump Continues to Make Controversial Administration Selections

Trump Picks Jay Bhattacharya to Lead NIH

Late last month, President-Elect Trump announced Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford-trained physician and economist, as his pick to lead the NIH. Bhattacharya gained national attention for co-authoring the October 2020 letter known as the Great Barrington Declaration, which called for the rollback of pandemic-related shutdowns, drawing rebuke from then NIH director Francis S. Collins. Bhattacharya also was among several academics who met with Trump in August of 2020, claiming that the pandemic was not as severe as public health officials had warned. The letter gained broader criticism for its focus on herd immunity, especially as COVID-19 vaccines were not available at that point, so relying on herd immunity would lead to even more unnecessary illnesses and deaths.

Trump Picks Jim O’Neill for HHS Deputy Secretary

Trump also announced in late November that he will select Jim O’Neill, a Silicon Valley investor and former federal health official, as his selection to be Deputy Secretary at HHS. O’Neill joined HHS in 2002, holding several roles throughout his tenure, including serving as a top aide to the then-deputy secretary of the department. He then moved on to Silicon Valley, becoming a close ally of Peter Thiel, a close adviser to Trump during his first term who has also long championed VP-Elect JD Vance.

Trump Announces Dave Weldon as CDC Director Pick

In an unforeseen move, Trump picked former Congressman Dave Weldon as his nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weldon has been out of politics for the last fifteen years, running a private medical practice in Florida. During his tenure in Congress, he made controversial statements about the safety of MMR and and HPV vaccines. His views have often aligned with those of RFK Jr., whom he has been friends with for more than two decades. Weldon has said of his time in Congress that he worked with Kennedy “to get the mercury out of the childhood vaccines.”

Further Reading:

White Helmets Urge International Community to Take Action to Protect Syrian Civilians from Chemical Warfare

The Director of the White Helmets, Raed Al-Saleh, warned recently that Syria’s authoritarian president, Bashar Al-Assad, could very soon use CW against civilians in an effort to stop rebels advancing in the northwest of the country. In a statement, Al-Saleh said “”For six days now, as the map of military control has changed, brutal attacks launched by the Syrian regime, Russia, and Iranian cross-border militias on Syrians have escalated especially in areas outside their control in northwest Syria…I am gravely concerned about the lives of every Syrian because of the real threat of chemical attacks.”

“Strategic Report on Research and Development in Biotechnology for Defense Innovation”

From NASEM: “At the request of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, Strategic Report on Research and Development in Biotechnology for Defense Innovation provides an overview of the current landscape of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML)-enabled biotechnology, the opportunities it presents, and the challenges it poses. This report offers a strategic vision for connecting scientists and technologists to build on, leverage, and tailor advances at the intersection of AI/ML, automated experimentation, and biotechnology to drive innovation in defense-related biotechnologies. Strategic Report on Research and Development in Biotechnology for Defense Innovation makes recommendations to address long-standing challenges that have limited research, development, prototyping, testing and evaluation, and eventual use of biotechnologies. Addressing these challenges will help to advance U.S. national security and defense by improving the performance of existing capabilities, enabling the creation of domestic supply chains of valuable products, reducing reliance on processes and chemicals that are harmful to the environment, and/or adding new capabilities not currently possible with established technologies.”

“Anticipating Biological Risk: A Toolkit for Strategic Biosecurity Policy”

Stephen Batalis for CSET: “Artificial intelligence (AI) tools pose exciting possibilities to advance scientific, biomedical, and public health research. At the same time, these tools have raised concerns about their potential to contribute to biological threats, like those from pathogens and toxins. This report describes pathways that result in biological harm, with or without AI, and a range of governance tools and mitigation measures to address them.”

“Strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention”

Jez Littlewood and Filippa Lentzos recently published this piece with the Arms Control Association discussing the BWC working group and its efforts to improve the BWC. They write in part, “Substantial progress has been made in some areas, but beneath the surface is a broader conflict about the shape of arms control agreements generally. This raises a question about whether strengthening the BWC needs to follow the traditional model of legally binding multilateral agreements with declarations, inspections, investigations, and an international organization where consensus rules or whether states-parties can agree to a new model that allows states to opt in to the mechanisms with which they agree and opt out of any processes or new commitments they are unable to support.”

“BWC at 50: Taking Bold Steps to Secure the Future”

Gabrielle Essix recently authored this rundown on the BWC’s successes, shortcomings, and future for NTI| bio. She writes in part, “As we look ahead to the future of the BWC, the role of civil society will become increasingly critical. Organizations like NTI provide a bridge between governments, scientists, and the public, ensuring that biosecurity remains a global priority. By advocating for stronger international norms and pushing for innovative solutions to new challenges, NTI can help make the BWC an effective tool in the fight against the development and use of biological weapons.”

“Possible Models of BWC Verification”

James Revill authored this brief for UNIDIR: “This briefing serves as a primer for consideration of possible models of verification. Past discussions of verification in the Biological Weapons Conference (BWC) have largely focused on the development of a more traditional disarmament verification regime, akin to the model established in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and envisaged in the BWC Protocol Negotiations. Such a model is often considered the standard model for verification and could provide greater confidence in compliance with the BWC.”

“However, the traditional model of verification is not the only model available to BWC States Parties. Depending on the function(s) and focus of any verification mechanism, other options could be developed for BWC verification that might more effectively address the concerns of BWC States Parties and potentially reduce costs of verification while still increasing confidence in compliance.”

BioWeapons Prevention Project: “The Closure of the Fourth Sessions Preparations for the Fifth”

From BWPP: “The Working Group (WG) on the strengthening of the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC/BTWC), will convene for its Fifth Session on 2 December having finished the Fourth Session on 23 August. The topics for discussion in the WG were decided at Ninth BWC Review Conference, held in 2022. The two-week Fifth Session will be followed by the annual Meeting of States Parties (MSP) which is scheduled for 16-18 December…This report focuses on some overarching issues. Individual topics up for discussion during the Fifth Session have been examined in earlier reports in this series, and in particular in the ‘setting the scene’ reports.”

Read more here.

“Biocrimes: Safeguarding Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Labs Against Insider Threats”

Casey Shroeder authored this piece for Lab Manager, writing in part “Within clinical and public health microbiology laboratories where scientists work to diagnose infections and/or protect public health, the potential for biocrimes and insider threats is a serious risk that is often overlooked. These laboratories, which handle not only routine human pathogens but also antimicrobial resistant strains, emerging pathogens, and potential biothreat pathogens, must remain vigilant against those who might exploit their access for malicious purposes.”

“Bacteriologic and Genomic Investigation of Bacillus anthracis Isolated from World War II Site, China”

Wu et al. recently published this article in Emerging Infectious Diseases: “Records suggest Bacillus anthracis was used in biowarfare during World War II, but evidence remains limited. We isolated B. anthracis from soil at the remains of a World War II–era laboratory in China. Phenotypic and genomic analyses confirmed the finding, highlighting the value of microbial forensics in biothreat investigation.”

“Modern Warfare is Breeding Deadly Superbugs. Why?”

Francesca Mari recently published this piece in The New York Times Magazine, explaining in part “By 2050, The Lancet predicts that antimicrobial resistance will kill 8.22 million people per year, more than the number currently killed by cancer. (For context, Covid claimed an estimated three million lives during all of 2020.) And a growing body of research suggests that the 21st-century way of warfare has become a major driver of that spread. Nations of the Middle East, like Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan, now suffer from particularly high rates of multidrug-resistant pathogens, and some of the world’s most fearsome superbugs have incubated in the region — Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, MRSA and perhaps most notably A. baumannii, a strain of Acinetobacter that traveled home with U.S. soldiers, where it became nicknamed “Iraqibacter.”’

“Global Report on Infection Prevention and Control 2024”

From WHO: “Health care-associated infections (HAIs) affect patients and health systems every day, causing immense suffering, driving higher health-care costs and hampering efforts to achieve high-quality care for all. HAIs are often difficult to treat, are the major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and cause premature deaths and disability. The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as outbreaks of Ebola, Marburg and mpox are the most dramatic demonstrations of how pathogens can spread rapidly and be amplified in health care settings. But HAIs are a daily threat in every hospital and clinic, not only during epidemics and pandemics. Lack of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in health care settings not only affects the application of infection prevention and control (IPC) best practices but also equity and dignity among both those providing and receiving care. However, there is strong evidence that a large proportion of these infections could be prevented with IPC measures and basic WASH services, with a high return on investment. This second global report on IPC provides updated evidence on the harm caused to patients and health workers by HAIs and AMR, and presents an updated global analysis of the implementation of IPC programmes at the national and health care facility levels across all WHO regions. “

Bloomberg FOIA Files: Kremlin Targeting Putin’s Political Adversaries, Has Ability to Assassinate Targets with Chemical and Biological Weapons

In this edition of Bloomberg News’ FOIA Files, Jason Leopold discusses a recently-released memo from ODNI discussing targeting killings of Vladimir Putin’s political adversaries, and the means by which the Russian state is able to accomplish this. In the memo, intelligence officials assessed that “Russia has the capability to assassinate individuals using chemical and biological agents,” and that they have the means to track dissidents and defectors. The memo also explains that “The development of chemical or biological agents with lower risk of attribution might tempt the Kremlin to consider assassinating individuals,” in addition to discussing the death of Russian businessman Alexander Perepilichnyy, who was “reportedly assassinated with a biological toxin in the UK in 2012 shortly before he was scheduled to testify about a Kremlin tax fraud network.”

“Reviving Chemical Weapons Accountability in a Multipolar World”

The Center for Strategic and Strategic & International Studies published this commentary by Natasha Hall and Doreen Horschig ahead of the 29th Session of the Conference of States Parties of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. In it, they discuss the strain the CWC has faced in the last decade and how its strength might be restored. They write in part, “Next week’s conference presents an opportunity to revitalize efforts toward accountability and global cooperation. The United States, in particular, is in a position to reverse course on the dangerous erosion of the chemical weapons norm and maintain the integrity of the CWC. But to do so, it will need to engage friend and foe alike.”

“The Islamic Republic’s Work on Pharmaceutical Based Agents”

This report was authored by Mohammadreza Giveh and the Good ISIS Team for the Institute for Science and International Security. “This report discusses multiple Iranian security complexes that have been preparing production of fentanyl and medetomidine based incapacitating and lethal agents. These complexes have been working on pillars of producing those weapons: large-scale cost-efficient synthesis of the compounds with maximum potency, evaluating a stable chemical mixture based on those agents that can be aerosolized using a propellant, and developing the delivery of the agents through grenades, bullets, or drones.”

“Chemical Weapons Disinformation in Ukraine”

From GP WMD Counter Disinfo, this series includes three briefs: “Understanding Russia’s Chemical Weapons Allegations in Ukraine,” “Selected Examples of CW Allegations and Related Disinformation Campaigns from the Russian Federation,” and “Strategy and Impacts of CW Disinformation”.

“Chemical Weapons Use in Ukraine Testa Global Norms to Breaking Point”

Lennie Phillips OBE and Gareth Williams discuss Russia’s use of CW in Ukraine and how it affects the CWC and OPCW in this RUSI piece, writing in part “A riot control agent found in samples collected from the confrontation lines in Ukraine by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons implicates Russia in yet another breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention. But what steps can states parties to the convention take next?”

“Russia Fails to Make OPCW Executive Council for Second Year Running”

Patrick Norén discusses Russia’s failure to be elected to the OPCW’s Executive Council for the second year in a row in this piece for CBNW.

“How Might Large Language Models Aid Actors in Reaching the Competency Threshold Required to Carry Out a Chemical Attack?”

Stendall et al. recently published this article in The Nonproliferation Review: “Artificial intelligence is a rapidly growing field, increasingly driving innovation in the sciences. This is a double-edged sword, with the benefits of scientific discovery tempered by potential opportunities for weaponization and misuse. Specifically, the implications for chemical security and chemical weapons are becoming increasingly clear. This article analyzes how large language models (LLMs)—particularly chatbots and chemical LLM assistants—might enable actors to better reach the competency threshold for a chemical attack, via enhanced methods for the identification, production, and use of chemical weapons. This would be particularly relevant for those at the lower end of the capability spectrum, such as terrorist groups and rogue individuals. An important historical context is provided throughout the article, with chemical attacks of the past illuminating the dangerous consequences of an easier-to-achieve competency threshold. A counterargument is also provided, analyzing the factors that might still limit malicious actors, as well as a description of how LLMs might be used to combat chemical terrorism. The article then concludes with a short list of key policy and governance suggestions for mitigating the risks.”

Read or listen to CNS’ interview with Stendall on this article here.

“Chemical Terrorism: Assessment of U.S. Strategies in the Era of Great Power Competition”

From NASEM: “Domestic and foreign violent extremist organizations, or terrorist groups, have caused a greater amount of harm with chemical agents than with biological or radiological weapons. The United States capacity and capability to identify, prevent, counter, and respond adequately to chemical threats is established by the strategies, policies, and laws enacted across multiple levels of government. While the number of chemical terrorism incidents has risen and fallen over time, there is no empirical or analytical indication that the threat is disappearing. This report comes at a time when the nation’s highest-level strategies have shifted from focusing primarily on violent extremist organizations to focusing more on Great Power Competition. This shift in relative perceived threat and consequent prioritization will impact efforts against chemical terrorism, and in turn, affect funding priorities. Revised risk assessments are needed to reprioritize risks guided by new strategies, so that strategy-aligned budgets can be created. The report recommends weapons of mass destruction budgets be aligned with evolving priorities and incentivize activities that transition promising research to operations.”

“Nuclear Terrorism: Assessment of U.S. Strategies to Prevent, Counter, and Respond to Weapons of Mass Destruction”

From NASEM: “For nearly eight decades, the world has been navigating the dangers of the nuclear age. Despite Cold War tensions and the rise of global terrorism, nuclear weapons have not been used in conflict since Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Efforts such as strategic deterrence, arms control and non-proliferation agreements, and the U.S.-led global counterterrorism have helped to keep nuclear incidents at bay. However, the nation’s success to date in countering nuclear terrorism does not come with a guarantee, success often carries the risk that other challenges will siphon away attention and resources and can lead to the perception that the threat no longer exists.”

“This report found that U.S. efforts to counter nuclear or radiological terrorism are not keeping pace with the evolving threat landscape. The U.S. government should maintain a strategic focus and effort on combatting terrorism across the national security community in coordination with international partners, State, Local, Tribal and Territorial authorities, the National Laboratories, universities and colleges, and civil society. Developing and sustaining adequate nuclear incident response and recovery capabilities at the local and state levels will likely require significant new investments in resources and empowerment of local response from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, and National Institutes of Health.”

“Ecological Threat Report”

The Institute for Economics & Peace recently released the fifth edition of its Ecological Threat Report, ” which analyses ecological threats in 207 independent states and territories. The report covers 3,518 sub-national areas which account for 99.99 per cent of the world’s population. The ETR assesses threats relating to food insecurity, water risk, natural disasters, and demographic pressure…The research takes a multi-faceted approach by analysing ecological threats at the national, subnational, and city level, while also assessing the threats against societal resilience and levels of peace. Comparing ecological threats against societal resilience enables IEP to identify the global regions, countries, and subnational areas most at risk of an ecological disaster, both now and into the future.”

“Healthcare Cybersecurity: HHS Continues to Have Challenges as Lead Agency”

This snapshot from the Government Accountability Office discusses previous GAO findings about HHS’ performance in healthcare cybersecurity, explaining that HHS has yet to implement all of GAO’s recommendations to address its challenges in this area. It concludes that “Until HHS implements our prior recommendations related to improving cybersecurity, the department risks not being able to effectively carry out its lead agency responsibilities, resulting in potential adverse impact on healthcare providers and patient care.”

“Lebanon: A Conflict Particularly Destructive to Health Care”

The WHO recently released this news post explaining that more health workers and patients have been killed proportionally in Lebanon than in Ukraine and Gaza, with 47% of attacks on health care in the country proving fatal as of November 21-a higher percentage than in any active conflict today globally. Read more here.

What We’re Listening To 🎧

Grow Everything Biotech Podcast, 103. DNA of Defense: Alexander Titus on How NSCEB is Advancing Biotech for National Security Challenges

“Karl and Erum bring on Dr. Alexander Titus, a commissioner on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, to explore the exciting and challenging intersections of biotechnology and policy. Alexander shares his experiences from his unique journey across academia, government, and industry, diving into the role of biosecurity, the potential of synthetic biology, and the emerging convergence of tech and bio. They discuss ambitious projects like de-extincting the woolly mammoth, advances in biodefense, and the impacts of AI on biotech innovation. It’s a conversation that sheds light on how cutting-edge biotech could shape the future and the necessary balance between innovation and ethical responsibility.”

Listen here.

NEW: How to Avoid Human-Made Pandemics

From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “Studying viruses that could potentially cause outbreaks is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of pandemics. However, this type of research—especially when it involves collecting samples from the field and manipulating pathogens—can unintentionally lead to a pandemic if not managed carefully. Dr Lentzos will discuss her findings from the Pathogen Project, which brought together an international taskforce of scientists, biosecurity and public health experts, ethicists, and civil society leaders to seek consensus on this question: Can we agree on ways to manage research that carries pandemic risk as safely, securely and responsibly as possible?”

This event will take place on January 23 at 8 pm (GMT +8:00) via Zoom. RSVP here.

NEW: Preparedness in Rural Communities: National and State/Local Perspectives and Plans

From Penn State: “The COVID-19 pandemic and recent hurricanes have thrust the preparedness of rural communities into the national spotlight. At the federal level, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently released national goals and plans for preparedness of rural communities. The overall objective of this virtual, 2-day mini-symposium is to identify opportunities in public health and agricultural preparedness and response in rural communities. The mini-symposium will focus upon national perspectives on Thursday, January 30 and the state/local perspectives on Friday, January 31. Speakers include representatives of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, the Department of Homeland Security, US Department of Agriculture, the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness, and state/local leaders.”

This event will take place on January 30 and 31, from 11 am to 2 pm ET each day. Learn more and register here.

Enhancing the Resilience of Healthcare and Public Health Critical Infrastructure: A Workshop

From NASEM: “Healthcare and public health infrastructure, technology, and operations are rapidly changing and are increasingly interdependent and interconnected. Threats to the nation’s critical social and physical infrastructure systems are also rapidly evolving and highly complex—posing potentially new or growing risks of disruption and challenging the assumptions used to design and protect these systems.”

“The National Academies Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies will host a hybrid public workshop to explore strategies, policies, and innovative actions to improve the resilience of healthcare and public health (HPH) critical infrastructure to impacts from disasters and other emergencies.”

This event will take place in DC on December 9 and 10. Register here.

A New Paradigm for Threat Agnostic Biodetection: Biological Intelligence (BIOINT)

From PNNL: “Please join us in welcoming Swati Sureka, Strategy and Policy Analyst at Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) Federal, where she supports the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Readiness Policy and Oversight. Her talk, titled “A New Paradigm for Threat Agnostic Biodetection: Biological Intelligence (BIOINT),” will take place on Tuesday, December 10th, at noon PT.”

Learn more and RSVP here.

Resilience in the Face of Global Risks

From CSR: “The Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) cordially invites you to our first annual CSR symposium, Resilience in the Face of Global Risks, scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, 2024. This is the first event bringing together all three of CSR’s institutions—the Center for Climate & Security, the Converging Risks Lab, and the Janne E. Nolan Center on Strategic Weapons—to engage with leaders across our mission sets.”

“The United States and its allies face a complex global security landscape where systemic risks like climate and ecological crisis, nuclear proliferation, and biological threats are blending with war, geopolitical competition, and human insecurity in new and profound ways. While there has been tremendous leadership—and meaningful progress—across these overlapping risk areas, they require persistent innovation in community building to meet the modern risk landscape.”

“The symposium will dive into the progress our communities have made—and how our passionate communities can better work together to help shape the future.”

“In addition to a keynote address, guests will hear from panels, take part in breakout sessions showcasing important issues and new ideas, plus engage with thought leaders between sessions. It will be a widely attended gathering, free to attendees.”

“As we enter a new year with an exceptionally dynamic security environment, we hope CSR’s December event will inspire and build a stronger community across professionals dedicated to anticipating and addressing the world’s greatest risks. We appreciate your consideration and hope you will be able to join us on the 10th of December.”

RSVP here.

Cyberbiosecurity Summit

From Johns Hopkins APL and Bio-ISAC: “Advancements in biomanufacturing and biotechnology drive the science we need to thrive, everything from apples to vaccines. The Cyberbiosecurity Summit 2025 convenes leading experts in biotechnology, biosecurity, and cybersecurity to explore the intersection of these fields and discuss the strategies to create a safe, secure future for us all.”
This event will take place February 25-26 in Laurel, MD. Register here and review the call for sessions here (closes 12/12).

NEW: Call for Experts, Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases and 21st Century Health Threats

“The National Academies is seeking suggestions for experts to be considered for the membership rotation or other engagement with the Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases and 21st Century Health Threats. The group will help inform the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) on critical science and policy issues related to emerging infectious diseases and other health threats.”

“Since March 2020, the standing committee has consistently generated real-time policy recommendations and produced an unprecedented amount of timely, evidence-based guidance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging public health threats. Looking ahead, the standing committee will continue to ensure that ASPR and decision-makers have access to the latest high-quality, evidence-based insights to inform medical and public health preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters and public health emergencies.”

“Approximately 12-15 volunteer experts are needed to serve on the standing committee of approximately 25 members.”

Learn more and submit nominations by December 13 here.