Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! 🍂 This issue features developments in vaccine safety and regulatory instability in the U.S., including continued leadership upheavals at the FDA and NIH and the potential public health consequences of weakening vaccination mandates. It also covers global health topics, from avian influenza outbreaks to emerging biosecurity and biosafety initiatives.
The Vaccine Safety Net is Fraying – and Communities Will Pay the Price
By Carmen Shaw, Co-Managing Editor of the Pandora Report
Figure 1. Preparing a vaccine dose – an essential tool in protecting communities as health agencies confront rising mis- and disinformation and shifting immunization policies. (Credit: Pexels)
Regulatory stability in the U.S. faces major shocks this week. StatNews reported that two senior FDA officials – Vinay Prasad and Tracy Beth Høeg – are quietly reshaping vaccine regulation by introducing new policies. These changes include stricter approval requirements and a narrower focus on high-risk populations for COVID-19 vaccines, raising alarms about transparency, the erosion of established norms, and potential negative impacts on public health. The turbulence continues with the abrupt replacement of the director of the NIH’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Kyle Walsh, PhD, a neuroepidemiologist and close ally of Vice President JD Vance, was appointed as the new director. NIH employees noted that Walsh was not selected through the standard selection process for filling a vacant position.
At the FDA, deeper turmoil unfolded as Dr. George Tidmarsh, head of the agency’s drug center, resigned last Sunday following the launch of an HHS investigation into “serious concerns” about his personal conduct. His departure came as a drugmaker connected to Tidmarsh filed a lawsuit alleging that he made “false and defamatory statements” during his tenure at the FDA. Tidmarsh’s ousting marks the latest in a string of chaotic leadership changes at the FDA, which have been impaired for months by firings, departures, and controversial decisions on vaccines, fluoride and other issues.
Against this backdrop, experts are working to preserve public trust in vaccines amid mounting disinformation. Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota, and his team at the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) launched the Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP) in April – an initiative designed to provide clear, science-based information on vaccine safety and efficacy in order to fill gaps left by weakened advisory bodies such as ACIP.
Meanwhile, in Florida, Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has announced plans to end nearly half a century of childhood vaccination mandates. Physicians warn that removing these requirements could trigger a resurgence of diseases like measles, hepatitis, meningitis, and pneumonia – disease historically kept at bay because mandates reliably boost vaccination rates. Yet many critics, including doctors, say they are afraid to publicly oppose the policy despite the well-documented evidence that mandates protect communities by increasing vaccine uptake – and in turn, strengthening the overall health and resilience of communities.
The consequences of retreating from immunization are already visible at the regional level. Canada officially lost its measles elimination status, meaning the entire Americas region has now lost the designation due to sustained transmission. The cause is clear: “We’re seeing transmission of the measles virus in communities, essentially, that are under-vaccinated. So measles is a very contagious virus, and when it gets into a community where there’s a low vaccine rate, then we see really quick spread of that virus,” says Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Outbreaks of avian influenza H5N1 continue to emerge across the United States as migratory birds carry the bird flu virus south for winter. In the past 30 days alone, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reported bird flu cases in over 60 commercial and backyard poultry flocks. Indiana has become a hotspot, with Lagrange County recording six major detections since late October. Most recently, three commercial farms were affected, including facilities housing 8,400 ducks, 8,300 ducks, and 18,300 egg-laying chickens. Michigan and Minnesota have also experienced increases activity, with additional cases reported on both coasts in California, Oregon, and Virginia.
Compounding the crisis is a scaled-back federal response. Wendy Puryear, a virologist at Tufts University acknowledged that the U.S. is not in a great position to monitor the ongoing outbreaks as much of the infrastructure to do so has been shut down or hampered by the current administration. Collaboration between researchers and federal health agencies has diminished significantly due to restrictions on communication and staffing cuts within the government. Funding cuts have also forced many to halt H5N1 studies. Even prior to the government shutdown, which further exacerbated the situation, data from federally-run labs processing genetic sequencing data from infected animals was already notably slow. Experts warn this reduced surveillance leaves the country vulnerable, particularly as farm worker testing remains inadequate despite their high-risk exposure.
Europe is experiencing an equally severe surge, with 688 wild bird outbreaks documented this season compared to just 189 last year. Currently, 15 of 27 EU countries have recorded farm outbreaks so far this season. Germany has been hit hardest, recording 66 outbreaks between October 1 and November 5, with over 400 cases in wild birds, particularly cranes. The outbreak has prompted sweeping protective measures across the continent including confinement of poultry indoors to protect them from wild birds. Ireland implemented a nationwide housing order on November 5 after its first outbreak in three years, joining France, Britain, the Netherlands, and Belgium, all of which imposed similar lockdown measures over the past month.
Special Collection: How Scandals Shape Responsible Research and Innovation
Figure 2. The Journal of Responsible Innovation has launched a series of articles focused on how scandals shape Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). Learn more here.
The Journal of Responsible Innovationis releasing a new series of articles examining how scientific scandals reshape norms, governance, and public expectations of research. Drawing on historical and contemporary cases from both the Global North and South, the collection explores the relationship between scandals and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) through three interlinked perspectives: systemically (how scandals expose the gaps between legal frameworks and knowledge production), culturally (how scandals challenge perceptions of legitimacy and ethics), and epistemically (how scandals reveal hidden power structures and vested interests). Together, these pieces argue that scandals are not only moments of wrongdoing, but also opportunities for learning, reform, and strengthening RRI.
Guest Editors: Joy Y. Zhang, Kathleen Yogel, and Sonia Ben Ouagrham-Gormley.
MIHCLE: A New Standard for High-Containment Lab Safety and Transparency
Researchers have proposed a new reporting standard called MIHCLE (Minimum Information about a High Containment Laboratory Experiment) to improve transparency and safety in work with high-risk pathogens. While it’s especially designed for BSL‑4 labs, MIHCLE could also apply to BSL‑3 research, helping standardize how experiments are documented under maximum containment conditions. This framework aims to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity by making high-risk experiments more traceable and accountable.
Biosecurity Knowledge Day 2025: Anticipating Biorisks and Building Preparedness
Figure 3. Introducing a new Dual-Use Infographic launched by the Biosecurity Office at the International Biosecurity Symposium 2025. It provides a practical, step-by-step guide to the phases of dual-use risk assessment cycle.
On last Thursday, November 6, the International Biosecurity Symposium 2025brought together an inspiring community of biosafety and biosecurity professionals to discuss emerging biorisk topics in the life sciences. Highlights included Johanna Sweere’s presentation on #mirrorlife, exploring how we can anticipate and govern risks from novel biotechnologies before they emerge.
Participants also engaged with the new dual-use infographic developed by the Biosecurity Office, a practical tool for assessing and mitigating dual-use risks (see here: link). Afternoon workshops offered hands-on experiences, from tabletop exercises testing organizational preparedness, to sessions on knowledge security dilemmas led by experts from TUDelft and the National Contact Point for Knowledge Security. Attendees also explored integrating security into Safe & Sustainable-by-Design (or #SSbD) and tackled biosecurity challenges in an interactive escape room. Learn more here.
NEW: How Can the Biological Weapons Convention Address the Dual-Use Challenges of AI-Driven Biodesign Tools?
From UNIDIR: “In collaboration with the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit (BWC-ISU) at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), UNIDIR is organizing a series of online technical briefs on emerging technologies and the BWC. The upcoming session will focus on artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools for molecular design and biological engineering – areas advancing at a rapid pace. It will examine their current capabilities, potential dual-use risks, evolving international policy responses, and implications for strengthening the BWC. The session will include a conversation-style expert panel, followed by an interactive question-and-answer segment with the audience.”
This event will take place online on November 26, 2025. Learn more and RSVP here.
NEW: Cyberbiosecurity: Emerging Risks and Opportunities for the Biological Weapons Convention
From UNIDIR: This session is organized as part of UNIDIR’s “Science and Technology Watchtower” project, aimed at identifying science and technology (S&T) developments and analysing their risks and opportunities for disarmament and international security. It will feature a short presentation of the main findings of UNIDIR’s new paper Cyberbiosecurity: A Matter of International Peace and Security?. The session will then feature a conversation-style panel with experts to explore the implications of cyberbiosecurity for bioscience governance, verification, and national implementation of the BWC, followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience.”
This event will take place online on December 4, 2025. Learn more and RSVP here.
GHS 2026
From GHS: “We’re excited to officially announce that the 4th Global Health Security Conference (GHS2026) will be held in Kuala Lumpur on the 9 – 12June, 2026!”
“Building on the incredible momentum of GHS2024 in Sydney, we look forward to bringing together the global health security community once again – this time in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.”
“Registration and Call for Abstracts are now live!”
The Human Biosafety Health Foundation – A New Hub for Biosafety in the Mediterranean
From the Human Biosafety Health Foundation: “The Human Biosafety Health Foundation has been established to promote research, training, and international cooperation in the fields of biosafety, public health, and health resilience. The Foundation aims to serve as a Mediterranean hub for the development of shared and innovative strategies in response to global challenges related to conventional and non-conventional biological threats, climate change, and health emergencies. The Scientific Committee is composed of medical officers and biosafety experts in high biocontainment transport from the Italian Air Force, ensuring a highly qualified, interdisciplinary, and operationally secure approach. By bringing together academic expertise, institutions, and civil society, the Foundation seeks to build an integrated network for health security, based on knowledge, prevention, and prediction.”
“We are pleased to announce the launch of Cyberbiosecurity Quarterly, a new academic and trade journal dedicated to the intersection of cybersecurity and the bioeconomy. Published by Kansas State University’s New Prairie Press and sponsored by the Bioeconomy Information Sharing and Analysis Center (BIO-ISAC), this quarterly journal will serve as an important resource for professionals, researchers, and policymakers working to safeguard digital and physical biological infrastructures. Cyberbiosecurity is an emerging discipline that addresses the protection of biomanufacturing, biomedical research, synthetic biology, digital agriculture, and other life sciences sectors from digital threats. This journal will explore topics at the nexus of cybersecurity, digital biosecurity, and the bioeconomy, including but not limited to:
Best practices for network configuration and management in biomedical environments (ingress/egress protection, segmentation, isolation, access control, traffic protection, etc.)
Cybersecurity Vendor Management and Assessment
Cyber and Digital Biosecurity Education for the Bioeconomy’s Workforce
The Quality-Cybersecurity Tension in Practice and Techniques for Mitigation
Threat Intelligence for Cyber-Physical Biological Systems
Regulatory and Policy Perspectives on Cyberbiosecurity
Incident Response and Risk Mitigation in Biomanufacturing
AI and Machine Learning in Digital and Cyber Biosecurity”
Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health
From Harvard’s Global Health Institute: “To equip and empower more leaders in global health, the Harvard Global Health Institute, in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, offers a transformational 1-year fellowship specifically designed to promote leadership skills in individuals in low- and middle-income countries who will, in turn, mentor future female leaders in global health. Candidates should be currently based/working in a LMIC, and plan to return there after their fellowship.
The fellowship experience provides global health leaders time to reflect, recalibrate, and explore uncharted territories. To date, fellows have come from 18 different countries, with representation from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. Their areas of focus have ranged from HIV/AIDS and healthcare to health policy at the highest levels of government. Past fellows’ areas of expertise span disciplines including research, advocacy, administration, and policy.”
Learn more and submit your application by November 30here.
Call for Presenters: International Bio Recovery Summit
The American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA) has opened its Call for Presenters for the 2026 International Bio Recovery Summit, taking place March 16-18 in Aberdeen, Maryland. As the industry’s leading event, the summit brings together bio-recovery professionals to address emerging challenges, regulatory updates, new technologies, and evolving safety standards in the field. ABRA invites experts to submit proposals aligned with conference objectives – including discussions on industry guidelines, insurance claims, hazardous substances, and business practices.
Learn more and submit your presentation by December 31here.
64th ISODARCO Course
From ISODARCO: “In recent years, the global security landscape has become increasingly volatile, shaped by a convergence of geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and evolving nuclear doctrines. The post-Cold War order that once provided a measure of predictability in global security has eroded. Conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and strategic competition between major powers have reshaped alliances and strategic postures.”
“At the same time, disruptive technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonic missiles, and cyber threats – are adding new layers of complexity to both nuclear and conventional deterrence dynamics. These technologies are not only distorting the information landscape but also compressing decision-making timelines and complicating signaling mechanisms, increasing the risk of miscalculation.”
“Effectively managing nuclear escalation risks in this environment will require a combination of innovative diplomacy, technological safeguards, and renewed dialogue mechanisms to rebuild trust, reduce misperceptions, and stabilize strategic relations.”
“The ISODARCO 2026 Winter Course presents an invaluable opportunity for students and experts to discuss and examine these dynamics in depth and explore approaches to re-establishing strategic stability and reducing nuclear dangers in a volatile world.”
This course will take place January 11-18, 2026, in Andalo. Learn more and apply here.
Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! 🍂 This issue features new emerging pathogens and persistent vulnerabilities in the nation’s health system as scientists identify a new bat coronavirus in Brazil, CEPI scales up global partnerships to create the world’s largest Nipah vaccine reserve, and the U.S. biotech sector faces post-pandemic stagnation. We also cover new findings on silent avian influenza infections, and a global initiative redefining DNA screening standards for biosecurity.
Progress and Peril: New Viruses and Old Weaknesses in Global Health Preparedness
By Carmen Shaw, Co-Managing Editor of the Pandora Report
Figure 1. Bats in Latin America, such as Pteronotus parnellii, are key reservoirs for a new coronavirus, underscoring the importance of continued wildlife surveillance in pandemic prevention (Credit: Pexels)
Even as the world moves further away from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global health landscape continues to reveal both progress and peril in the fight against emerging pathogens.
This week, scientists identified a new coronavirus in wild Brazilian bats carrying a key genetic feature also found in SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen responsible for COVID-19 and MERS. The virus, named BRZ batCoV, was detected in Pteronotus parnellii – a small insect-eating bat common across Latin America. Researchers collected samples from the states of Maranhão and São Paulo, and while there’s no evidence that BRZ batCoV can infect humans, its discovery underscores the importance of sustained wildlife surveillance to track and mitigate spillover risks.
At the same time, global health organizations are racing to strengthen defenses against another deadly zoonotic threat: Nipah virus. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI) has partnered with the Serum Institute of India and the University of Oxford to manufacture ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccines for Phase II trials to create the world’s largest Nipah vaccine reserve – up to 100,000 investigational doses ready for emergency deployment. The collaboration aims to ensure rapid response capacity during future outbreaks, a model that could reshape how the world preemptively prepares for viral threats.
Yet while scientists work to prevent the next pandemic, the private biotech sector is grappling with waning momentum of interest. Moderna – once a pandemic-era powerhouse – has seen its market value plummet by more than 90% since 2021. Following declining COVID-19 vaccine sales and falsehoods touted by anti-vaxxers, the company faces deep layoffs and federal contract cancellations. In May, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. terminated $766 million in contracts intended for bird flu preparedness, amplifying concerns about political interference and declining investment in public health countermeasures.
Meanwhile, a new survey by Emergent BioSolutions revealed sobering perceptions among U.S. policy leaders: 65% believe a biological attack on U.S. soil is becoming more likely – and easier to execute – than a nuclear strike, while 45% say the country remains unprepared to respond. Experts like Khahlil A. Louisy highlight that the pandemic exposed major weaknesses in the nation’s health system, warning that decades of underfunding, disinformation, and gaps in local- and state-level infrastructure have left the U.S. “still unprepared for the next pandemic.” As climate change reshapes disease ecology and mis- and disinformation undermines science-based policymaking, the cracks in the U.S. biodefense system continue to widen.
Taken together, these developments highlight a troubling paradox: the world continues to make scientific strides against emerging pathogens, yet political instability, funding shortfalls, and public mistrust threaten to erode the very systems meant to protect us.
A scoping review by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researchers published in JAMA Network Open last week has shown that asymptomatic human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus have occurred. Additionally, the research indicates person-to-person transmission may be possible in certain environments, challenging previous assumptions about the clinical presentation and transmission patterns of this pathogen.
CDC researchers identified 18 cases of asymptomatic H5N1 infection from reports published through August 25, 2025. These cases include two with both molecular and serologic confirmation and 16 with molecular confirmation alone. While asymptomatic infections represent a small fraction of the more than 1,000 human H5N1 infections reported globally since 1997, their documentation has significant implications for public health surveillance and risk assessment.
The two fully confirmed asymptomatic cases occurred in adults in Pakistan (2007) and Vietnam (2011), both identified through household contact investigations of H5N1 patients. The Pakistani case patient had no documented exposure to infected poultry and is believed to have acquired infection through human-to-human transmission from symptomatic household members. The patient in Vietnam lived in the same household as a symptomatic confirmed H5N1 patient, but both handled and slaughtered virus-infected chickens before their infections were confirmed. Neither patient reported using personal protective equipment during exposure to symptomatic, confirmed cases within their household or, in the case of the patient in Vietnam, infected poultry.
Among the 16 molecularly confirmed cases, 11 were identified through enhanced surveillance programs targeting individuals with occupational exposure to infected poultry in Bangladesh, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The remaining five cases, including the only two cases in children, were detected through household contact investigations in Vietnam and Cambodia.
In an accompanying commentary, Rick Bright, PhD, of Bright Global Health, and Nicole Lurie, MD, MSPH, of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and Harvard Medical School, emphasized the substantial implications of this review and highlighted critical deficiencies in current surveillance systems. Since March 2024, the ongoing H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle has affected over 800 herds across at least 16 states, with 70 confirmed human cases and one death reported as of mid-2025. The findings of this review directly challenge the notion that there has been no human-to-human transmission related to these events.
Bright and Lurie stressed the need to strengthen, not curb, H5N1 surveillance reporting, noting, “the persistence of influenza A(H5N1) in wild birds, its ongoing adaptation in mammals, and its repeated incursions into human populations make it clear that the threat does not subside when immediate headlines fade.” Surveillance systems designed primarily for symptomatic case detection are insufficient for pathogens with pandemic potential. They argued that if asymptomatic infections occur undetected, transmission chains can progress unrecognized, providing opportunities for viral adaptation before an emerging pandemic is identified.
This research underscores the need for prospective surveillance studies incorporating serial molecular and serologic testing of high-risk populations, including farm workers, veterinarians, and household contacts of confirmed cases, regardless of symptom status. Furthermore, enhanced surveillance systems using a One Health approach integrating animal, human, and environmental data are essential for early detection and containment of a potential avian influenza pandemic threat.
New Initiative: The Sequence Biosecurity Risk Consortium (SBRC)
Figure 2. Homepage of the Sequence Biosecurity Risk Consortium (SBRC), a new initiative to define and manage biological “sequences of concern.”
A new international partnership is advancing the frontiers of sequence-level biosecurity. The Sequence Biosecurity Risk Consortium (SBRC), founded in 2024, brings together DNA synthesis providers, screening tool developers, policymakers, and scientific experts to establish clear, science-based standards for identifying and managing biological “sequences of concern.”
By maintaining a standardized Biosecurity Flag Rubric and a large Test Sets Collection of labeled genetic sequences, the SBRC aims to harmonize risk assessments and strengthen oversight across the biotech ecosystem. Through a community-driven consensus process, the consortium defines which genetic sequences pose clear risks, which are low-risk, and where uncertainties remain – reducing confusion and regulatory risk for responsible providers. The SBRC’s work addresses a long-standing challenge: while some sequences, such as toxin genes, clearly warrant scrutiny, many others occupy a gray area where risk assessment is subjective. The consortium’s standards and test materials help align screening practices across the bioeconomy, bridging gaps between science, policy, and industry.
From AI for SynBio: “Agentic AI and Biological Design Tools reduce the required expertise for new biotech developments enabling new benefits and novel harms. To guard against these harms, technical and policy solutions leveraging these AI and biotech advances should be deployed proactively to help red-team and safeguard against misuse in an exponentially changing landscape. This workshop series will shape the safeguards necessary to prevent harm and empower the community with technical and policy resources for the changing threat landscape. The workshop seeks participation from academia, non-profits, industry, and government.”
This event will take place on November 13. Register here.
GHS 2026
From GHS: “We’re excited to officially announce that the 4th Global Health Security Conference (GHS2026) will be held in Kuala Lumpur on the 9 – 12June, 2026!”
“Building on the incredible momentum of GHS2024 in Sydney, we look forward to bringing together the global health security community once again – this time in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.”
“Registration and Call for Abstracts are now live!”
NEW: Global South Fellowship Programme: Biosecurity
From CEPI: The Global South Fellowship Programme (GSFP) at CEPI, in its second round, is offering a fifth fellowship to actively participate in Global Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response (PPPR) forums while locally/nationally/regionally championing the vision for the development of vaccines in 100 days and preparation for a world free from pandemics.
The fellowship duration will be up to maximum 1 year (fixed term) and will commence most likely in January 2026. Throughout this duration, the selected fellow will remain in their country of residence/employment. The Fellow shall conduct all of their work for CEPI remotely from their normal working location. The fellow will be subject to a successful contractual agreement between CEPI and their current employer (the Host Institution), and the Host Institution agreeing to second the Fellow to CEPI for the period of the Fellowship. Please refer to the following sections on more detailed information on scope and ways of working. The fellowship is a full-time position. However, if a full-time commitment is not possible for you, please flag this in your application and we would be happy to discuss.” Learn more and submit your application by November 16 here.
NEW: Call for Presenters: International Bio Recovery Summit
The American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA) has opened its Call for Presenters for the 2026 International Bio Recovery Summit, taking place March 16-18 in Aberdeen, Maryland. As the industry’s leading event, the summit brings together bio-recovery professionals to address emerging challenges, regulatory updates, new technologies, and evolving safety standards in the field. ABRA invites experts to submit proposals aligned with conference objectives – including discussions on industry guidelines, insurance claims, hazardous substances, and business practices.
Learn more and submit your presentation by December 31here.
The Human Biosafety Health Foundation – A New Hub for Biosafety in the Mediterranean
From the Human Biosafety Health Foundation: “The Human Biosafety Health Foundation has been established to promote research, training, and international cooperation in the fields of biosafety, public health, and health resilience. The Foundation aims to serve as a Mediterranean hub for the development of shared and innovative strategies in response to global challenges related to conventional and non-conventional biological threats, climate change, and health emergencies. The Scientific Committee is composed of medical officers and biosafety experts in high biocontainment transport from the Italian Air Force, ensuring a highly qualified, interdisciplinary, and operationally secure approach. By bringing together academic expertise, institutions, and civil society, the Foundation seeks to build an integrated network for health security, based on knowledge, prevention, and prediction.”
“We are pleased to announce the launch of Cyberbiosecurity Quarterly, a new academic and trade journal dedicated to the intersection of cybersecurity and the bioeconomy. Published by Kansas State University’s New Prairie Press and sponsored by the Bioeconomy Information Sharing and Analysis Center (BIO-ISAC), this quarterly journal will serve as an important resource for professionals, researchers, and policymakers working to safeguard digital and physical biological infrastructures. Cyberbiosecurity is an emerging discipline that addresses the protection of biomanufacturing, biomedical research, synthetic biology, digital agriculture, and other life sciences sectors from digital threats. This journal will explore topics at the nexus of cybersecurity, digital biosecurity, and the bioeconomy, including but not limited to:
Best practices for network configuration and management in biomedical environments (ingress/egress protection, segmentation, isolation, access control, traffic protection, etc.)
Cybersecurity Vendor Management and Assessment
Cyber and Digital Biosecurity Education for the Bioeconomy’s Workforce
The Quality-Cybersecurity Tension in Practice and Techniques for Mitigation
Threat Intelligence for Cyber-Physical Biological Systems
Regulatory and Policy Perspectives on Cyberbiosecurity
Incident Response and Risk Mitigation in Biomanufacturing
AI and Machine Learning in Digital and Cyber Biosecurity”
Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health
From Harvard’s Global Health Institute: “To equip and empower more leaders in global health, the Harvard Global Health Institute, in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, offers a transformational 1-year fellowship specifically designed to promote leadership skills in individuals in low- and middle-income countries who will, in turn, mentor future female leaders in global health. Candidates should be currently based/working in a LMIC, and plan to return there after their fellowship.
The fellowship experience provides global health leaders time to reflect, recalibrate, and explore uncharted territories. To date, fellows have come from 18 different countries, with representation from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. Their areas of focus have ranged from HIV/AIDS and healthcare to health policy at the highest levels of government. Past fellows’ areas of expertise span disciplines including research, advocacy, administration, and policy.”
Learn more and submit your application by November 30here.
64th ISODARCO Course
From ISODARCO: “In recent years, the global security landscape has become increasingly volatile, shaped by a convergence of geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and evolving nuclear doctrines. The post-Cold War order that once provided a measure of predictability in global security has eroded. Conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and strategic competition between major powers have reshaped alliances and strategic postures.”
“At the same time, disruptive technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonic missiles, and cyber threats – are adding new layers of complexity to both nuclear and conventional deterrence dynamics. These technologies are not only distorting the information landscape but also compressing decision-making timelines and complicating signaling mechanisms, increasing the risk of miscalculation.”
“Effectively managing nuclear escalation risks in this environment will require a combination of innovative diplomacy, technological safeguards, and renewed dialogue mechanisms to rebuild trust, reduce misperceptions, and stabilize strategic relations.”
“The ISODARCO 2026 Winter Course presents an invaluable opportunity for students and experts to discuss and examine these dynamics in depth and explore approaches to re-establishing strategic stability and reducing nuclear dangers in a volatile world.”
This course will take place January 11-18, 2026, in Andalo. Learn more and apply here.
Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! Happy Halloween! 🎃 This issue uncovers the real horrors haunting U.S. public health: anti-science bills eroding trust and slashed PhD admissions threatening the next generation of scientists; explores rising biosecurity and chemical threats, from U.S. biotech gaps to Kazakhstan’s global oversight initiatives; and tracks Europe’s early bird flu wave, BWC verification innovations, and must-read pandemic preparedness insights. We also spotlight upcoming events, fellowships, and calls for papers shaping the future of global health security.
🎃The Scariest Story This Halloween: How American Public Health is Falling Apart 😱
By Carmen Shaw, Co-Managing Editor of the Pandora Report
This Halloween, the real horrors haunting the U.S. research and public health ecosystem aren’t ghouls or ghosts – they’re policy decisions and administrative chaos. From statehouses pushing anti-science laws to universities slashing PhD admissions amid federal funding cuts, America’s public health system faces a frightening test of endurance.
An AP investigation revealed that more than 420 anti-science bills have been introduced across many U.S. statehouses this year – targeting long-standing protections like vaccines, milk safety, and fluoride. Many of these efforts have been coordinated by allies of the HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Trump administration officials, aiming to reshape laws and minds nationwide.
Experts warn that the very programs under attack have saved millions of lives: vaccination programs have prevented an estimated 154 million deaths since 1974, while fluoridation and pasteurization have dramatically reduced cavities and foodborne illness. Yet, in a political climate increasingly hostile to science, facts are losing their footing against the rapid onslaught of misinformation, disinformation and populist rhetoric.
The damage is showing. According to new poll from Axios/Ipsos, public trust in federal health agencies is plummeting. Confidence in the CDC has fallen to 54%, down from 66% in December 2024, while trust in the FDA dropped to 52% from 60%. Support for childhood vaccinations has also slipped, with just 74% of Americans now agreeing that parents should follow the CDC’s recommended schedules – down from 81% in March 2025.
Figure 1. If you think this is scary, imagine a zombie apocalypse. Back in 2011, the CDC published a graphic novel called Preparedness 101: Zombie Pandemic to teach Americans about outbreak preparedness. In the story, CDC experts rapidly detect a pathogen that turns people into zombie, coordinate emergency operations, sequence the virus in labs, and roll out mass vaccination campaigns.
These numbers mirror the rough year the CDC has had under the Trump-Kennedy administration. Following months of upheaval, the agency has lost roughly a third of its workforce through firings, resignations, or administrative leave. Many of those caught in the purge led chronic disease programs, measured health and nutrition across the U.S., or provided mental health support for employees after the August shooting at CDC headquarters. Additionally, the fates of more than 600 workers continues to hang in the balance now that a federal judge has temporarily blocked their terminations.
The administration tied the firings to the shutdown, while other officials had offered a piteous “system glitch” as the cause for the termination notices that were sent and later rescinded, but few buy that explanation. “It seemed like intentional chaos for the sake of chaos so that nobody knew what was going on,” said one CDC employee, speaking anonymously out of fear of retribution.
Some observers believe the administration’s moves are retaliatory. “What they want to do is humiliate the CDC in the same way that they felt humiliated by it during COVID,” said Dr. Nirav Shah, who resigned in February as the CDC’s principal deputy director. The fallout has already frozen key operations: the agency’s ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) has indefinitely postponed its October meeting, potentially leaving the U.S. without a mechanism to update routine vaccination recommendations for 2026 and jeopardizing the pipeline for new vaccines.
The crisis extends beyond federal agencies. As Nature reports, universities nationwide are slashing PhD admissions by up to 75%, with some halting recruitment entirely. The cuts follow sweeping freezes on federal science funding, and now the administration is asking all US universities to support its priorities, really, ideological directives, including a ban on diversity programs, in exchange for better access to future federal research grants.
Experts warn this coercive use of funding power could result in a “lost generation” of scientists. Graduate students perform much of the hands-on research that drives biomedical and biodefense innovation – and without them, labs go quiet. “If this persists for a number of years,” economist Donna Ginther told Nature, “The scientific workforce will shrink,” and with it, America’s capacity for discovery.
🧪Biosecurity Nightmares: Biotech, Dual-Use Risks, and Chemical Threats 👻
Preparing for a Biotech-Powered Future in the U.S.
As biotechnology advances at an unprecedented rate, so do the risks – and the stakes – for national security. The U.S. is moving to ensure its defense and security apparatus can keep pace, especially as China makes significant gains in both civilian and military biotechnology applications. House lawmakers recently passed an amendment to the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requiring the Secretary of Defense to establish training programs for Pentagon personnel on biotechnology and its convergence with emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing. Led by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and informed by findings from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB), the initiative aims to equip U.S. defense personnel to understand, evaluate, and respond to developments in biotech across research, risk assessment, testing and evaluation, and operational deployment.
The private sector is also stepping up in the bio-domain. Valthos Inc., a New York-based biodefense startup company received $30 million in funding to develop AI-driven software to detect emerging bioweapon threats and refine medical countermeasure designs. The company’s work comes at a critical time: U.S. biotechnology funding has dropped to its lowest levels in more than a decade, even as AI advancements increase both the potential and the risks of biotech misuse. Companies like Valthos are now on the frontline of preventing biotech innovations from being weaponized.
Global Moves Toward Biosecurity Oversight in Kazakhstan
Internationally, Kazakhstan continues to push the frontiers of global biosecurity. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev advanced the establishment an International Agency for Biosafety (IABS) to strengthen oversight under the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC). Five years later, Kazakhstan held a seminar in Almaty to mark the BTWC’s 50th anniversary and explore ways to reinforce the treaty. Developed in consultation with states and experts, the draft final report outlines mechanisms for international cooperation, review of scientific and technological developments, while considering the creation of a working group to address verification and compliance. This initiative also navigates potential overlaps with existing organizations such as WHO, WOAH, and FAO. Looking forward, Kazakhstan may transform IABS into a “testbed” for technical studies, enabling scientists and civil society to develop models that inform Geneva negotiations while remaining flexible in the face of emerging biological threats.
Chemical Weapons Remain a Global Threat
The shadow of chemical weapons continues to loom over global security. France has issued a new arrest warrant for ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad over deadly chemical attacks in Adra, Douma, and Eastern Ghouta in August 2013, which reportedly killed or injured nearly 1,500 people. This marks France’s third arrest warrant for Assad, who is now living in Russia following his ousting in December 2024. Charges include complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes, and a separate warrant issued for Talal Makhlouf, a former Syrian Republican Guard commander.
African Civil Society Acts Against Chemical Weapons
Meanwhile, African civil society is taking historic steps to address chemical weapons concerns closer to home. At the 85th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul, the NGO Forum passed a resolution addressing chemical weapons use in Sudan’s Khartoum, Al-Jazirah, Sennar, and Darfur states. The measure calls on Sudan to fully cooperate with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, allowing independent investigations into the reported attacks. While Sudan, a party to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), has previously denied using such weapons, the Forum found the government’s assurances insufficient, citing inadequate transparency and enforcement measures. Adoption of the resolution represents a milestone for African human rights advocacy in holding Sudan accountable and could influence both regional and international mechanisms for monitoring chemical weapons use.
A concerning wave of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza is sweeping across Europe, prompting urgent biosecurity measures and large-scale culling operations as authorities work to prevent viral spread. Bird flu has already triggered 56 outbreaks across ten European countries and Britain since August, marking the earliest widespread seasonal occurrence in at least a decade, although the total number of outbreaks still remains lower than in 2022 when the bird flu crisis hit its peak.
Poland, the EU’s top poultry producer, along with Spain and Germany have been hit especially hard. German authorities recently announced the country has culled more than 400,000 poultry with detections across 30 farms housing chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Experts noted the current outbreak resembles Germany’s devastating 2021 bird flu wave, which forced the country to cull over 2 million birds.
In response to the mounting crisis, preventive action is being implemented across the EU and the United Kingdom. Great Britain and Northern Ireland are implementing an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone on November 1st, requiring all flock owners to follow strict biosecurity protocols. While birds can still go outdoors, keepers must ensure wild birds cannot access their food or water, and mandatory cleaning and disinfection rules must be followed.
As migration season continues, veterinary and human health authorities across Europe remain on high alert, recognizing that vigilance and biosecurity compliance are critical to preventing further escalation of this agricultural and public health challenge.
Meanwhile, the United States faces readiness challenges as migratory birds continue to drive up avian flu cases across the country, with infections detected in 62 commercial and backyard flocks across 17 states in the last month, affecting nearly 6.6 million birds. Public health officials warn that federal response has been hampered by staff cuts at both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Agriculture (USDA), along with the government shutdown, which has suspended critical activities like weekly calls among animal health laboratories. The shutdown is also preventing USDA participation in a key meeting of top animal health experts next week. Concerns have been intensifying in public health circles since the administration gutted the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness this summer and pulled funding for an mRNA vaccine for bird flu in humans. Despite a $1 billion comprehensive strategy to fight bird flu announced by the administration in February, which focused primarily on biosecurity audits and financial relief for impacted farmers, experts warn that shrinking resources and information blackouts are making it increasingly difficult to make evidence-based decisions about how to respond to this pandemic-potential threat.
GMU Biodefense Alumni Tackles BWC Verification with Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Dr. Yong-Bee Lim, a GMU PhD Biodefense alumni and Associate Director, Global Risk at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), recently co-authored a paper exploring how open-source intelligence (OSINT) could bolster verification of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).
OSINT, a type of intelligence-gathering discipline, involves information collection, analysis, and methods application, offers a “layered” approach to help fact-check, investigate suspicious activities, and examine areas of concern or interest. While the BWC established critical norms against the development of biological weapons, it continues to face deep challenges – especially in verification, interstate friction and distrust, and issues with intentional treaty violation. The authors argue that OSINT, which has already proven effective in tracking other weapons of mass destruction, could now help strengthen the BWC’s architecture and support international norms as biological data continues to proliferate.
Learn more about Dr. Yong-Bee Lim and his work: FAS bio page
Book Review – The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics
By: Shreya Rajkumar, MS Biodefense student at GMU’s Schar School of Policy and Government
“The Big One” is the stuff of nightmares, a pandemic more deadly, transmissible, and long-lasting than COVID-19, and precisely what Michael Osterholm and Mark Olshaker address in their aptly named book, The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics. This book is not the first to dissect US preparedness for a pandemic or offer suggestions for improvements, nor it is the first to warn the public about the ramifications of a devastating “Disease X.” However, The Big One brings a much-needed dose of humility and reality that cuts through the noise surrounding current discussions about pandemics and public health.
Combining Osterholm’s decades of public health experience with Olshaker’s storytelling and analytic writing, The Big One is a comprehensive review of US pandemic preparedness and response. The authors succeed in making the book accessible to those without a background in public health and infectious disease yet still relevant to practitioners in those fields. Whether discussing basic science, disease transmission, public health mandates, vaccines, risk communication, biosurveillance, or politics, Osterholm’s strong voice carefully explains public health concepts, addresses the failures of the past, and recommends improvements for the future.
There are many public health actions that Osterholm criticizes in The Big One, of which the most consequential may be the public health establishment’s reluctance to admit its mistakes. As the former state epidemiologist for the Minnesota Department of Health and consultant to a variety of national and international public health agencies, Osterholm is a prominent member of this establishment and concedes several instances where he was wrong and had to re-evaluate his arguments. By doing this, he reaffirms his dedication to the scientific method, accepting new data, and speaking uncomfortable truths. Osterholm holds prominent public health organizations accountable for their reluctance to do the same during the earlier days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples include when public health officials continued supporting contact tracing even when it was shown that asymptomatic transmission severely complicated those efforts, and when public health organizations persisted in stating that the virus was spread through droplets despite scientific evidence demonstrating aerosol-based transmission.
At the same time, The Big One pushes back against anti-science rhetoric and encourages increased funding for innovative public health programs. Vaccines and respirators are two such areas the book argues in favor of. Specifically, the authors call for a funding schedule like that of the Department of Defense, where technologies receive investments prior to the point of need, and new products are continuously funded and developed. After all, “The Big One” will be poised to take millions of lives, so these costs will be worth it.
One of the clever ways The Big One cuts through the noise of debates on pandemic preparedness and response is the use of fiction. Framed as a tabletop simulation, each chapter of The Big One feeds into an overarching plot where the world responds to a novel coronavirus outbreak. Fiction has an ability to grab the attention of the public that is hard to match. Consider Richard Preston’s The Cobra Event, which captivated then-President Bill Clinton and resulted in his administration’s efforts to counter bioterrorism. The scenarios presented in The Big One could have a similar effect as Osterholm and Olshaker expertly illustrate concepts that the chapters dive into, making it easier for the reader to imagine the public health factors that the authors analyze.
In the more technical parts of the chapters, a combination of humility and reality form the basis for Osterholm’s recommendations. As early as the prologue, the authors state, “Indeed, it [humility] is an acknowledgement of reality.” This “acknowledgement” and its role as the foundation for future improvements is something that other public health experts echo in their work. Former CDC director Tom Friedman’s newest book, Formula for Better Health: How to Save Millions of Lives-Including Your Own, impresses upon the reader the formula: “See, Believe, Create.” According to Frieden, managing public health crises begins with identifying an issue and believing it exists and can be fixed, before taking action to create solutions. Some of the issues Osterholm addresses and proposes solutions for include misinformation (which could be combatted by an independent third-party validation bureau) and lengthy school closures (which could be shortened and enacted only during periods of high disease transmission, inspired by the logic behind declaring “snow days”).
I must admit to some shortfalls in The Big One. The early chapters first touch upon basic science, disease transmission, non-pharmaceutical interventions, and vaccines before pivoting to address communication, disease reporting, and politics. This sequence implies the order of priorities in responding to a pandemic, and we see this play out in the book’s tabletop simulation, to the detriment of the fictional government. Because they neglect to combat misinformation in favor of focusing on vaccine development, the administration struggles to play catch-up in the wake of rampant disinformation in the media. I would have preferred to see communication, surveillance, and politics be addressed concurrently to the progression from pathogen identification to vaccine development to show an increased importance on those concepts. For a book that communicates so well, it is ironic that it waits until its second half to properly address the topic of communication.
Another criticism regards the fictional president’s actions and their consequences. In the scenario, the president listens to scientists and employs honest, empathetic communication in the style of World War II-era leaders like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. However, in the epilogue section, it is revealed that the president’s efforts could not save their re-election campaign. It would be hypocritical for a book rooted in humility and accepting reality to present a scenario where perfect decisions result in perfect endings. However, in a world where political leaders have a vested interest in being re-elected, one must wonder how helpful this example is in convincing officials to champion science and adopt empathetic honest communication. Perhaps this dose of reality is too strong.
Despite these flaws, The Big One remains a refreshing read. In the context of biodefense and health security, the succinct nature of the book allows the authors to address an exhaustive list of factors in pandemic preparedness and response, and to propose many tailored future steps. Any of these ideas, such as the improper use of mathematical modeling, could be an interesting topic of study on their own. The willingness to hold public health agencies accountable and the discussion around politics in public health are also valuable aspects of the book.
When “The Big One” inevitably hits, we will either find ourselves in the role of the fictional officials who lament the lack of proactive pandemic preparedness programs, or we will be in a situation where we have built upon the lessons from COVID to enact a more effective response. As Osterholm and Olshaker state at the end of The Big One, “we have seen what’s coming. The choice of how we prepare for and face it is up to us.” Indeed, this is one last humble act of the book, for we have not only “seen what’s coming” in this book, but also “how to prepare for and face it.” The only question left is whether we will act on what we have learned.
NEW: Bridging Perspectives in COVID’s Wake: Science Policy, and Public Trust in Crisis Response
From AEI: “As we move beyond the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to thoughtfully examine the health outcomes and policy decisions that shaped our collective response to the crisis. Structured around Stephen Macedo and Frances Lee’s In COVID’s Wake: How Our Politics Failed Us, this flagship event will feature a fireside chat with the authors and panel discussions examining how scientific evidence, policy implementation, and public communication intersected during the pandemic. These conversations aim to build mutual understanding among leading public health, science, and policy experts and identify lessons that can strengthen our response to future challenges.
This event is part of a broader collaboration between Johns Hopkins University faculty and American Enterprise Institute scholars.”
This event will be from 2:00 – 5:45 PM ET in Baltimore, MD on Thursday, November 6. Register here.
DC Biosecurity Happy Hour at Blackfinn DC!
This will be an informal event for biosecurity enthusiasts and professionals in DC to get to know each other outside of email and Zoom calls and talk about new ideas in this space.
The next event will be from 5:30 – 7:30 PM ET in Washington, DC, on Monday, November 3. Register here.
Nexus Series: AI x Bio: Workshop 1
From AI for SynBio: “Agentic AI and Biological Design Tools reduce the required expertise for new biotech developments enabling new benefits and novel harms. To guard against these harms, technical and policy solutions leveraging these AI and biotech advances should be deployed proactively to help red-team and safeguard against misuse in an exponentially changing landscape. This workshop series will shape the safeguards necessary to prevent harm and empower the community with technical and policy resources for the changing threat landscape. The workshop seeks participation from academia, non-profits, industry, and government.”
This event will take place on November 13. Register here.
GHS 2026
From GHS: “We’re excited to officially announce that the 4th Global Health Security Conference (GHS2026) will be held in Kuala Lumpur on the 9 – 12June, 2026!”
“Building on the incredible momentum of GHS2024 in Sydney, we look forward to bringing together the global health security community once again – this time in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.”
“Registration and Call for Abstracts are now live!”
The Human Biosafety Health Foundation – A New Hub for Biosafety in the Mediterranean
From the Human Biosafety Health Foundation: “The Human Biosafety Health Foundation has been established to promote research, training, and international cooperation in the fields of biosafety, public health, and health resilience. The Foundation aims to serve as a Mediterranean hub for the development of shared and innovative strategies in response to global challenges related to conventional and non-conventional biological threats, climate change, and health emergencies. The Scientific Committee is composed of medical officers and biosafety experts in high biocontainment transport from the Italian Air Force, ensuring a highly qualified, interdisciplinary, and operationally secure approach. By bringing together academic expertise, institutions, and civil society, the Foundation seeks to build an integrated network for health security, based on knowledge, prevention, and prediction.”
“We are pleased to announce the launch of Cyberbiosecurity Quarterly, a new academic and trade journal dedicated to the intersection of cybersecurity and the bioeconomy. Published by Kansas State University’s New Prairie Press and sponsored by the Bioeconomy Information Sharing and Analysis Center (BIO-ISAC), this quarterly journal will serve as an important resource for professionals, researchers, and policymakers working to safeguard digital and physical biological infrastructures. Cyberbiosecurity is an emerging discipline that addresses the protection of biomanufacturing, biomedical research, synthetic biology, digital agriculture, and other life sciences sectors from digital threats. This journal will explore topics at the nexus of cybersecurity, digital biosecurity, and the bioeconomy, including but not limited to:
Best practices for network configuration and management in biomedical environments (ingress/egress protection, segmentation, isolation, access control, traffic protection, etc.)
Cybersecurity Vendor Management and Assessment
Cyber and Digital Biosecurity Education for the Bioeconomy’s Workforce
The Quality-Cybersecurity Tension in Practice and Techniques for Mitigation
Threat Intelligence for Cyber-Physical Biological Systems
Regulatory and Policy Perspectives on Cyberbiosecurity
Incident Response and Risk Mitigation in Biomanufacturing
AI and Machine Learning in Digital and Cyber Biosecurity”
From ERA: “ERA, in partnership with the Cambridge Biosecurity Hub, is now accepting applications for our AIxBio Fellowship – an eight-week, fully-funded research programme focused on addressing biosecurity risks amplified by advances in frontier AI. Running from 25th January to 22nd March, 2026 in Cambridge, UK, this fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to design and execute concrete research projects at the AIxBiosecurity interface.”
Learn more and submit your application by November 5 here.
Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health
From Harvard’s Global Health Institute: “To equip and empower more leaders in global health, the Harvard Global Health Institute, in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, offers a transformational 1-year fellowship specifically designed to promote leadership skills in individuals in low- and middle-income countries who will, in turn, mentor future female leaders in global health. Candidates should be currently based/working in a LMIC, and plan to return there after their fellowship.
The fellowship experience provides global health leaders time to reflect, recalibrate, and explore uncharted territories. To date, fellows have come from 18 different countries, with representation from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. Their areas of focus have ranged from HIV/AIDS and healthcare to health policy at the highest levels of government. Past fellows’ areas of expertise span disciplines including research, advocacy, administration, and policy.”
Learn more and submit your application by November 30here.
64th ISODARCO Course
From ISODARCO: “In recent years, the global security landscape has become increasingly volatile, shaped by a convergence of geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and evolving nuclear doctrines. The post-Cold War order that once provided a measure of predictability in global security has eroded. Conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and strategic competition between major powers have reshaped alliances and strategic postures.”
“At the same time, disruptive technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonic missiles, and cyber threats – are adding new layers of complexity to both nuclear and conventional deterrence dynamics. These technologies are not only distorting the information landscape but also compressing decision-making timelines and complicating signaling mechanisms, increasing the risk of miscalculation.”
“Effectively managing nuclear escalation risks in this environment will require a combination of innovative diplomacy, technological safeguards, and renewed dialogue mechanisms to rebuild trust, reduce misperceptions, and stabilize strategic relations.”
“The ISODARCO 2026 Winter Course presents an invaluable opportunity for students and experts to discuss and examine these dynamics in depth and explore approaches to re-establishing strategic stability and reducing nuclear dangers in a volatile world.”
This course will take place January 11-18, 2026, in Andalo. Learn more and apply here.
Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! 🍂 This issue unprecedented workforce disruptions at the CDC, as mass layoffs and leadership changes raises questions about ‘America’s first’ public health readiness; a deeper dive into the global fallout of U.S. foreign health aid cuts; and a look at the new biotech and AI race, where China’s rapid rise and fragile U.S. supply chains expose risks for both national security and innovation.
Thinking About Graduate Study in Biodefense?
The Schar School of Policy and Government has several upcoming recruitment events, including one for prospective PhD students:
Following multiple rounds of mass firings, partial reversals, and several terminations still pending legal review, the union representing the employees at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)estimates that roughly 3,000 of its 13,000 staff received RIF (reduction-in-force) notices this year. Many of these affected worked on chronic disease prevention, nutrition and health initiatives, or handled state requests to investigate overdose and drowning deaths. Others were mental health professionals who supported staff after the August shooting at CDC headquarters in Atlanta.
Officials warn that these layoffs have left the CDC dangerously unprepared to protect Americans’ health and safety. “The CDC cannot protect all of us in the U.S. if they continue to have staff and resource cuts,” said Debra Houry, the former Chief Medical Officer.
The leadership turmoil doesn’t end there. In recent weeks, former acting CDC Director, Richard Besser, called the cuts “absolutely heartbreaking” and criticized current acting Director Jim O’Neill’s proposal to split the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three separate shots – despite O’Neill’s lack of public health or scientific training. The proposal has raised alarms from health experts, who warn that dividing the vaccine into multiple doses would increase the number of health care visits needed; reduce access to the vaccines; and lower overall vaccination rates.
Broader Impacts Across Health and Security Agencies in the U.S.
The CDC is not the only federal agency reeling from disruptions. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has faced furloughs and staffing cuts – just days before the start of open enrollment. CMS later confirmed that workers would return on Oct. 27, noting that the agency would cover user operation fees as the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week.
Meanwhile, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) – responsible for overseeing the U.S. nuclear stockpile – furloughed 1,400 employees on Monday as part of the ongoing shutdown, with fewer than 400 remaining to safeguard the stockpile. Earlier this year, the Trump administration also fired hundreds of NNSA employees, before reversing the decision following criticism of jeopardizing national security.
The Fallout of U.S. Aid Cuts: Threats to Global Health
Global health leaders are sounding the alarm over a fractured aid system and declining U.S. support. At the World Health Summit in Berlin last week, executives from major institutions – including the Global Fund, Gavi, and the World Health Organization (WHO) – called to addressed the financial crisis facing global health as the abrupt withdrawal of U.S. aid under the Trump administration exposed structural problems that officials acknowledged had existed for years.
Between 2024 and 2025, global development assistance for health fell 21%, driven primarily by a 67% drop in U.S. funding – over $9 billion – according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Health Policy Watch notes: “Tens of millions of lives, particularly among children under five and people in the world’s poorest countries, are threatened by the cuts.”
Therefore, ongoing RIFs in the U.S. now unfortunately also include reductions-in-funding. This reflects a shift in foreign aid priorities, exemplified by the State Department’s America First Global Health Strategy. While the strategy promotes bold U.S. leadership, observers warn that it overlooks the realities faced by communities on the ground. Disregarding the needs of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) risks worsening the very problems the strategy aims to solve.
The Swift American Exit Threatens Communities Worldwide – from Somalia to the DRC
The consequences of U.S. aid cuts to LMICs are already being felt. For years, funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) sustained hundreds of community health clinics, food programs, and maternal health initiatives worldwide. When the Trump administration dismantled the agency and slashed foreign aid, much of this support abruptly ended – including programs run by Save the Children and the International Medical Corps.
U.S. humanitarian aid to Somalia, for example, has plummeted – from an average of $450 million per year over the past decade to just $128 million in 2025, crippling programs that once provided fortified food and basic healthcare services. The impact is devastating: in Baidoa, a city in southern Somalia, emergency feeding centers are overwhelmed with malnourished children suffering from preventable diseases like measles, diphtheria, cholera, and whooping cough. Save the Children had to close some emergency centers and other countries, including the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, have also reduced contributions.
Global initiatives are also affected. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a coalition to eradicate polio including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Gates Foundation, will see a 30% budget reduction in 2026 and a $1.7bn funding gap through 2029, largely due to the U.S. withdrawal from WHO. To copy, GPEI plans to prioritize surveillance, vaccination in high-risk areas, and adopt strategies such as fractional dosing, which stretches limited vaccine supplies while protecting children from infection.
These funding shortfalls exacerbate ongoing health crises. In Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one of the worst cholera outbreaks in a decade is rapidly spreading, with 20 of 26 provinces affected. Since mid-October, more than 58,000 suspected cases and over 1,700 deaths have been reported. Doctors Without Borders warns that the country’s healthcare system is ill-equipped to contain the outbreak amid shortages of medical supplies and vaccines.
The New Biotech Race: How Supply Chain Fragility and China’s Rise Threaten U.S. Health Security
From life-saving medicines to AI, U.S. leadership in critical technologies and supply chains is under pressure. The pandemic revealed how fragile global supply chains for essential drugs had become – and how quickly technological dependencies can turn into security risks. Now, these vulnerabilities are deepening, spanning from the factory to the cloud.
China is rapidly becoming a global biotech powerhouse. Over the past five years, Chinese companies producing cancer and gene therapy drugs have more than doubled licensing agreements for their intellectual property, while they’ve also invested heavily in raw material production and advanced manufacturing capacity. In contrast, the U.S. still lacks a coordinated national biotechnology strategy. Federal research funding in the U.S. has also stagnated, regulatory systems remain fragmented burdened with barriers to slow the translation of discoveries from lab to market, and private investors remain cautious to fund cutting-edge research in the face of political and economic uncertainty. As Todd Young writes in Foreign Affairs, failure for the U.S. to act decisively could mean ceding control over the technologies that define global health, economic power, and national and international security in the decades ahead.
The consequences of this drift are already visible. Nearly 700 medicines approved in the U.S., including antibiotics and generics for heart disease, seizures, and HIV, rely on at least one chemical solely sourced from China. A new module on the USP Medicine Supply Map highlights vulnerabilities in the U.S. upstream pharmaceutical supply chains. They highlighted three key findings:
Most key starting materials (KSMs) used to synthesize active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are extremely concentration, with 58% sole-sourced from a single country.
There are sourcing clusters in China and India, with China supplying 41% of KSMs used in US-approved APIs and India 16%.
Many APIs rely on one country for key ingredients.
From USP: “To strengthen American medicine supply chain, we should incentivize diverse manufacturing through onshoring and friend-shoring and modernize procurement practices to prioritize reliability and resilience alongside cost.”
By Margeaux Malone, Pandora Report Associate Editor
PAHO Reports Continued Spread of Bird Flu Across the Americas
Last week, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) released its latest epidemiological update on highly pathogenic avian influenza A subtype H5N1 (HPAI), documenting the ongoing expansion of the virus across the Americas. Since 2022, 19 countries and territories in the Americas Region have reported 5,063 outbreaks of HPAI to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), with 115 additional outbreaks recorded since PAHO’s last update published May 2025.
Between 2022 and October 2025, 76 human infections and two deaths caused by HPAI were reported across five countries in the Americas (United States, Canada, Chile, Mexico, and Ecuador). On October 2, Mexico confirmed its second human H5 infection this year (the neuraminidase of the strain has yet to be identified). A 23-year-old female with no history of seasonal influenza vaccination or recent travel developed symptoms including fever, runny nose, and difficulty swallowing which progressed to hemoptysis (coughing up blood) and chest pains requiring hospitalization. Subsequent RT-PCR testing of the patient’s respiratory samples confirmed infection with influenza type A (H5). The patient was treated with oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and discharged on October 11. Environmental investigation revealed influenza A(H5)-positive samples from poultry and pigeons found in her apartment building’s courtyard. Fortunately, this patient recovered; however, globally, the cumulative fatality rate of H5N1 since 2003 remains alarmingly high at 48%, with 475 deaths among 990 cases across 25 countries.
The PAHO report also noted the continued unprecedented jump of avian influenza from birds to mammalian species. In the United States alone, 1,080 dairy herds across 18 states have been affected since March 2024, with 27 additional herds identified since May. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has reported 20 detections in wild mammals in Canada this year. PAHO emphasized the concerning increase in HPAI detection in both terrestrial and marine mammals worldwide, including companion and production animals, and the need for heightened surveillance and implementation of biosecurity measures to reduce virus spread. This week, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported dozens of new detections in wild waterfowl across multiple states, including mallards in New Hampshire, black vultures in four states, and various species in Minnesota, Montana, and Oregon. The ease with which the virus transmits from wild birds to domestic flocks underscores ongoing surveillance challenges.
Although avian influenza outbreaks primarily affect animals, the virus still poses ongoing risks to public health. PAHO urges continued intersectoral collaboration between Member States to strengthen human-animal surveillance and improve infection prevention and control in health and agricultural settings.
NEW: The Role of the Media in Investigating the Origin of the COVID-19 Pandemic
From Brookings: Free media institutions are essential for informing the public and serving as a check on those in power — uncovering corruption and other malfeasance through investigative reporting, and elevating transparency in our governing processes. The media was perhaps even more important when the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, as it played a key role in disseminating public health information and shaping public perception.
On October 27, the Brookings Center on Regulation and Markets will hold an event to examine the role of the media in investigating the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and draw important lessons for journalistic investigations of future crises to ensure independence and accountability in reporting. This event is part of a CRM workstream on biosafety regulation and pandemic prevention, which also included a recent event on “Building resilience: Enhancing biosafety, biosecurity, and pandemic preparedness.”
This event will take place from 1:30 – 3:15 PM EDT on October 27 in Washinton, DC, and virtually. Learn more and register here.
NEW: DC Biosecurity Happy Hour at Blackfinn DC!
This will be an informal event for biosecurity enthusiasts and professionals in DC to get to know each other outside of email and Zoom calls and talk about new ideas in this space.
The next event will be from 5:30 – 7:30 PM ET in Washington, DC, on Monday, November 3. Register here.
2025 Scowcroft Institute Pandemic Policy Summit, “Bridging the Gaps: Resilient Supply Chains in the Age of Pandemics.”
From the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs: “This summit will convene scholars, policymakers, emergency managers, international partners, and industry leaders to examine the vulnerabilities exposed by recent global health emergencies and explore innovative policy solutions to strengthen domestic and global supply chain resilience. Together, we will identify strategies to ensure the reliable flow of critical goods and services in the face of future pandemics and public health crises.”
The summit will take place on October 27-28 in College Station, TX. Learn more and register here.
Exploring Applications of AI in Genomics and Precision Health: A Workshop
From NASEM: “The National Academies’ Roundtable on Genomics and Precision Health will host a hybrid public workshop on October 28 to explore current and potential future applications for AI in genomics and precision health along the continuum from translational research to clinical applications. The workshop will:
Explore the current implementation of AI in genomics and precision health (e.g., variant interpretation, data integration, patient and participant identification, return of results, treatment selection).
Discuss potential benefits and challenges of future AI applications (e.g., data harmonization and security, workforce, and usefulness for all).
Consider evaluations for and impact of the accuracy of, and bias inherent to, AI technologies in genomics-related research and clinical care.
Examine lessons learned from applications of AI in other fields that may be transferable to genomics and precision health throughout the translational research process.”
This workshop will take place 8:30am-5:00pm ET on October 28. Register here.
Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction
From the World Organisation for Animal Health: “In October 2025, WOAH is hosting its third Global Conference, with the goal of galvanising advocacy efforts to manage the rising risk of biological threats from across the world.”
“The Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction – which will take place in Geneva on 28-30 October 2025 – will bring together top minds in the fields of health-security, emerging technologies, and biothreat reduction policies, from the public and private sectors – to focus on the latest strategies, challenges and innovations in combating biological threats to our interconnected ecosystems.”
“The Conference will bring together approximately 400 participants from different sectors, including animal health, law enforcement and security, public health, international and regional organisations, investment and development partners, private sector and industry representatives, research, academia and regulatory authorities, youth organisations.”
“Attendees will engage in thought-provoking discussions and innovative technical presentations aimed at strengthening prevention, preparedness and response capabilities across the world.”
“The event will be guided by a narrative that traces WOAH’s commitment to biological threat reduction and the increasingly relevant role it plays at the health-security interface. Against the backdrop of an uncertain future, WOAH believes that synergies between sectors can drive positive change – making the world a safer and healthier place. ”
AI-Accelerated Biological Risk: Delving into Asia’s Challenges and Emerging Solutions
From Singapore AI Safety Hub: “As AI-enabled biodesign accelerates, so do the questions around responsible development, risk mitigation, and international cooperation. This 90-minute virtual roundtable brings together experts from AI safety, biosecurity research and policy to explore:
🔬 What are the most urgent AI-bio risks we face today—and which ones aren’t getting enough attention?
🌏 How does Asia’s unique regulatory and research landscape shape these challenges and opportunities?
🛡️ What solutions and interventions show the most promise for responsible governance?
🚀 What practical steps should researchers, policymakers, and practitioners prioritize in the next 12 months?
This panel will explore the convergence of AI and biosecurity—unpacking Asia’s unique challenges, emerging solutions, and the pathways toward responsible governance. From urgent risk assessment to practical next steps for researchers and policymakers, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.”
This virtual roundtable will take place from9:00 AM-10:30 AM EDT on Thursday, October 30. Register here.
Nexus Series: AI x Bio: Workshop 1
From AI for SynBio: “Agentic AI and Biological Design Tools reduce the required expertise for new biotech developments enabling new benefits and novel harms. To guard against these harms, technical and policy solutions leveraging these AI and biotech advances should be deployed proactively to help red-team and safeguard against misuse in an exponentially changing landscape. This workshop series will shape the safeguards necessary to prevent harm and empower the community with technical and policy resources for the changing threat landscape. The workshop seeks participation from academia, non-profits, industry, and government.”
This event will take place on November 13. Register here.
GHS 2026
From GHS: “We’re excited to officially announce that the 4th Global Health Security Conference (GHS2026) will be held in Kuala Lumpur on the 9 – 12June, 2026!”
“Building on the incredible momentum of GHS2024 in Sydney, we look forward to bringing together the global health security community once again – this time in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.”
“Registration and Call for Abstracts are now live!”
The Human Biosafety Health Foundation – A New Hub for Biosafety in the Mediterranean
From the Human Biosafety Health Foundation: “The Human Biosafety Health Foundation has been established to promote research, training, and international cooperation in the fields of biosafety, public health, and health resilience. The Foundation aims to serve as a Mediterranean hub for the development of shared and innovative strategies in response to global challenges related to conventional and non-conventional biological threats, climate change, and health emergencies. The Scientific Committee is composed of medical officers and biosafety experts in high biocontainment transport from the Italian Air Force, ensuring a highly qualified, interdisciplinary, and operationally secure approach. By bringing together academic expertise, institutions, and civil society, the Foundation seeks to build an integrated network for health security, based on knowledge, prevention, and prediction.”
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) – Addressing Agricultural Biorisk Evidence Base Gaps with Applied Research
“There is a global recognition that the current evidence base to inform laboratory and on-farm biological risk management has gaps, and that applied agricultural biosafety and biosecurity policies are not always based on evidence. This notice of funding will support the design and implementation of applied agricultural biorisk research to address evidence gaps in working with high-consequence veterinary and agricultural pathogens as identified during the RAV3N Biorisk and Biosafety Gap Assessment Workshop or similar gap analysis like the WOAH working group agent specific biorisk gap analysis. ERGP is seeking proposals that address one or more key focus area components listed below. Each proposal will go through an internal ERGP and external expert review. Successful proposals should address at least one of the key focus areas and at least one component under that area.”
Learn more and submit your proposal by October 31here.
Cyberbiosecurity Quarterly Call for Papers
“We are pleased to announce the launch of Cyberbiosecurity Quarterly, a new academic and trade journal dedicated to the intersection of cybersecurity and the bioeconomy. Published by Kansas State University’s New Prairie Press and sponsored by the Bioeconomy Information Sharing and Analysis Center (BIO-ISAC), this quarterly journal will serve as an important resource for professionals, researchers, and policymakers working to safeguard digital and physical biological infrastructures. Cyberbiosecurity is an emerging discipline that addresses the protection of biomanufacturing, biomedical research, synthetic biology, digital agriculture, and other life sciences sectors from digital threats. This journal will explore topics at the nexus of cybersecurity, digital biosecurity, and the bioeconomy, including but not limited to:
Best practices for network configuration and management in biomedical environments (ingress/egress protection, segmentation, isolation, access control, traffic protection, etc.)
Cybersecurity Vendor Management and Assessment
Cyber and Digital Biosecurity Education for the Bioeconomy’s Workforce
The Quality-Cybersecurity Tension in Practice and Techniques for Mitigation
Threat Intelligence for Cyber-Physical Biological Systems
Regulatory and Policy Perspectives on Cyberbiosecurity
Incident Response and Risk Mitigation in Biomanufacturing
AI and Machine Learning in Digital and Cyber Biosecurity”
“The Editors of Applied Biosafety are pleased to announce a forthcoming Special Issue focused on the myriad of topics associated with global biosafety management. This special issue will showcase examples of innovative approaches, creative solutions, and best practices developed and used around the world for managing risks associated with the handling, use, and storage of infectious biological agents, toxins, and potentially infectious materials in research and clinical settings.”
From ERA: “ERA, in partnership with the Cambridge Biosecurity Hub, is now accepting applications for our AIxBio Fellowship – an eight-week, fully-funded research programme focused on addressing biosecurity risks amplified by advances in frontier AI. Running from 25th January to 22nd March, 2026 in Cambridge, UK, this fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to design and execute concrete research projects at the AIxBiosecurity interface.”
Learn more and submit your application by November 5 here.
Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health
From Harvard’s Global Health Institute: “To equip and empower more leaders in global health, the Harvard Global Health Institute, in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, offers a transformational 1-year fellowship specifically designed to promote leadership skills in individuals in low- and middle-income countries who will, in turn, mentor future female leaders in global health. Candidates should be currently based/working in a LMIC, and plan to return there after their fellowship.
The fellowship experience provides global health leaders time to reflect, recalibrate, and explore uncharted territories. To date, fellows have come from 18 different countries, with representation from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. Their areas of focus have ranged from HIV/AIDS and healthcare to health policy at the highest levels of government. Past fellows’ areas of expertise span disciplines including research, advocacy, administration, and policy.”
Learn more and submit your application by November 30here.
64th ISODARCO Course
From ISODARCO: “In recent years, the global security landscape has become increasingly volatile, shaped by a convergence of geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and evolving nuclear doctrines. The post-Cold War order that once provided a measure of predictability in global security has eroded. Conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and strategic competition between major powers have reshaped alliances and strategic postures.”
“At the same time, disruptive technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonic missiles, and cyber threats – are adding new layers of complexity to both nuclear and conventional deterrence dynamics. These technologies are not only distorting the information landscape but also compressing decision-making timelines and complicating signaling mechanisms, increasing the risk of miscalculation.”
“Effectively managing nuclear escalation risks in this environment will require a combination of innovative diplomacy, technological safeguards, and renewed dialogue mechanisms to rebuild trust, reduce misperceptions, and stabilize strategic relations.”
“The ISODARCO 2026 Winter Course presents an invaluable opportunity for students and experts to discuss and examine these dynamics in depth and explore approaches to re-establishing strategic stability and reducing nuclear dangers in a volatile world.”
This course will take place January 11-18, 2026, in Andalo. Learn more and apply here.
Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! This issue features unprecedented disruptions across U.S. federal health agencies, including mass layoffs at the CDC and HHS, emerging challenges in biotechnology governance with BIOSECURE 2.0 and AI-drive generative biology, and new global health security initiatives from WHO and GPMB to improve early detection and pandemic preparedness across governments and communities.
Thinking About Graduate Study in Biodefense?
The Schar School of Policy and Government has several upcoming recruitment events, including one for prospective PhD students:
☕ Plus: Regional coffee chats with faculty and admissions staff across Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Learn more here.
💡 Tuition Benefit: Master’s and certificate students living in Maryland and DC quality for in-state tuition rates. Learn more and register here.
Fragmented Foundations: The Consequences of Mass Firings, Government Shutdown, and Political Turmoil Across U.S. Federal Agencies
By Carmen Shaw, Co-Managing Editor
The U.S. public health system is reeling from an unprecedented wave of mass firings, rehirings, and leadership reshuffles across federal health agencies. The Hill reports that more than 4,100 federal employees were laidoff on Friday, Oct. 10 – what many are describing as a “workforce massacre.” More than 1,000 staff at the CDC received layoff letters, while another 1,100-1,200 were terminated from the HHS. This marks the latest blow to the CDC that was already strained by mass resignations, a shooting at its Atlanta headquarters in August, and the recent firing of its director, Dr. Susan Monarez, under pressure from the HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Many of the CDC layoffs were later rescinded following public outcry, with the Trump administration claiming the decisions were made in error. The reversals, however, only deepened the sense of confusion and unease within the agency, and were not without consequences – as critical teams in biodefense and preparedness were still gutted. Those affected included staff from the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), known as “disease detectives,” experts from the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) – the CDC’s flagship alert system for emerging infectious diseases, and teams working on chronic disease, immunization, respiratory illnesses, and responses to the growing measles outbreak in the U.S.
“The effect of the on-again, off-again RIF on the psyche of a traumatized organization is not inconsequential,” said Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, one of the three senior CDC leaders who resigned in August to protest Monarez’s firing. “Americans are going to get hurt,” he warned. Daskalakis, formerly the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, saw his leadership team laid off – and then hastily brought back.
Other agencies were also affected. According to The Hill, “Friday’s RIFs also impacted approximately 466 Education Department employees, 442 Department of Housing and Urban Development employees, 315 Commerce Department employees, 187 Energy Department employees and 176 Department of Homeland Security employees.”
The cuts came during the second week of a government shutdown – a move both unusual and legally contested. Lawsuits have since been filed by the American Federal of Government Employees, the nation’s largest federal employee union, among others, which sued hours before the government funding lapsed on Oct. 1, arguing that the administration lacks the authority to permanently eliminate positions during a shutdown and may only furlough workers.
Taken together, these mass firings and policy shifts represent more than bureaucratic mismanagement; they signal a strategic and dangerous devaluation of scientific integrity and public health. Each day of the shutdown leaves federal research programs in limbo, delaying critical work in university labs that rely on federal funding. Experts warn that if the shutdown continues for even a few more weeks, the disruptions could become “devastating,” echoing challenges from the longest shutdown in 2019. Every dismissal, delayed report, and frozen study further erodes national preparedness against biological risks. Unless decisive action is taken to restore transparency, scientific independence from political motives, and stable leadership, the United States risks entering the next public health emergency with a fractured, demoralized workforce and a weakened scientific infrastructure.
From BIOSECURE 2.0 to Generative Biology: Evolving Challenges in Biotechnology Governance
Lawmakers and analysts are sounding the alarm over the rapid pace of biotechnology advanced abroad – particularly in China – arguing that U.S. leadership in defense biotech is slipping at a critical moment. As Defense One reports, Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), Rep. Chrissy Houlaha (D-Pa.), and other members of Congress are urging greater investment in defense-oriented biotech research to counter China’s growing dominance in gene editing, biomanufacturing, and pharmaceutical innovation. RealClear World similarly warns that the American biotech ecosystem is increasingly “made in China,” with U.S. supply chains, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and chemical industries deeply dependent on Chinese firms.
In response, the House and Senate services committees have added a number of biotechnology measures into the most recent National Defense Authorization Act bill, including a new amendment named “BIOSECURE 2.0,” building on 2024’s BIOSECURE 1.0 Act. While BIOSECURE 1.0 explicitly named four Chinese firms as “biotechnology companies of concern,” the updated legislation shifts toward a process-based identification system. Instead of naming any specific companies, BIOSECURE 2.0 will identify companies of concern based on whether they meet certain statutorily defined criteria and national security risk assessments, allowing for more adaptive and transparent enforcement.
Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum highlights the urgent need to build safeguards around generative biology, which integrates AI, automation, and computational design to accelerate the creation of novel biological systems. While this convergence is transforming industries – from Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold, which has successfully predicted 3D structures of millions of proteins, to food companies like Perfect Day and Impossible Foods using engineered microbes to produce alternatives to conventional dairy and livestock – generative biology also introduces profound security concerns. One group of risks include emerging AI threats, warning that these systems could lower barriers to misuse, are vulnerable to adversarial attacks that could compromise the model’s accuracy, and allow for the insertion of poisoned datasets that could distort results, leading to inflated false positives and negatives.
A recent NBC News investigation found that certain versions of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs) could be “tricked and manipulated” to provide detailed instruction on creating chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, underscoring how AI may inadvertently expand access to dangerous expertise. These vulnerabilities illustrate the dual-use dilemma of emerging technologies, emphasizing the urgent need for pre-deployment testing, regulatory oversight, and ethical frameworks to prevent malicious applications while advancing scientific progress.
Advancing Global Health Security: WHO and GPMD Launch New Preparedness Systems
The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMD) launched its 2025 report, The New Face of Pandemic Preparedness, during the World Health Summit in Berlin on Oct. 13, calling for a paradigm shift in pandemic preparedness through scaled up investment in primary healthcare, real-time risk assessment, and strengthened international cooperation to ensure local, regional and global communities are ready to prevent and respond to the next pandemic.
Complementing this, the WHO has introduced two major initiatives to bolster global health security. First, the PHSM Decision Navigator, a first-of-its-kind decision navigator framework designed to support governments in making complex, evidence-informed, and threat-agnostic public health and social measures (PHSM) decisions during global health emergencies. By offering a step-by-step guide to prioritize and adjust interventions like quarantine, masking, and mobility restrictions, the navigator aims to balance epidemiological risks, economic and social impacts, and ethical considerations.
Second, WHO launched version 2.0 of the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) system, which leverages AI and expanded data sources to provide early detection of public health threats worldwide. Together, these tools exemplify the critical need for agile, transparent, and science-driven systems in preparing governments and communities to respond effectively in health emergencies.
By Margeaux Malone, Pandora Report Associate Editor
Bird Flu Season Kicks into High Gear Across the United States
Fall bird flu season appears well under way as H5N1 activity surges across the United States in commercial poultry operations, backyard flocks, and wild bird populations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed multiple significant outbreaks in the last month, with 47 flocks affected, including 28 commercial operations and 19 backyard locations, totaling more than 4.4 million birds.
The geographic distribution appears concentrated in Midwest and Southern states. Three large commercial turkey farms in Minnesota experienced major losses this week, with facilities reporting 30,000, 61,000, and 92,000 infections across three counties. The Pacific Northwest also faces rising bird flu fears following detection of H5N1 in a commercial egg layer facility in Washington, housing nearly 2 million birds. Oregon and Idaho identified additional cases in both backyard flocks and, in Idaho’s case, a preliminary confirmation in a dairy herd as well.
Wild bird detections have spiked particularly among migratory waterfowl species. Hunter-harvested blue-winged teal in Kansas tested positive for H5N1, as did specimens collected in Louisiana. Black vultures, turkey vultures, Canada geese, and trumpeter swans have shown H5 positivity across multiple states including Wyoming, Ohio, Colorado, Kentucky, Virginia, New York, and Michigan.
From Farm to Table: Bird Flu May be Hiding in Artisanal Cheeses
As bird flu expands into cattle populations, emerging research has identified an unexpected food safety concern in cheese. The virus has been shown to survive the aging process in certain raw milk cheeses, potentially reaching consumers on supermarket shelves months after contaminated milk was used.
A study published in early October in Nature Medicine revealed that in cheeses with moderate pH levels between 5.8 and 6.6, infectious H5N1 persisted after 120 days of aging at a temperature of 39 Fahrenheit. The FDA requires that raw milk cheese must be aged a minimum of 60 days at or above 35 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning there is a potential health risk for consumers. However, not all raw milk cheeses appear to pose a risk. Researchers found that highly acidic cheeses like feta, which has a pH around 4.6 or lower, showed no detectable virus, suggesting acidity acts as a natural antiviral barrier.
These findings create a troubling situation for the cheese industry as the qualities that give artisanal cheeses their prized flavors and textures are the same conditions that may allow H5N1 to persist. It also puts additional strain on dairy farmers already grappling with herd infections across 17 states. A single contaminated milk batch could produce hundreds of wheels of cheese destined for distribution before any problem is detected.
Mitigation pathways exist but will require industry coordination: screening milk samples prior to cheese making to ensure only virus-free milk is used or heating milk to sub-pasteurization temperatures to preserve the desirable raw milk characteristics while rendering the pathogen harmless. The challenge lies in implementing these measures rapidly enough to protect both industry viability and public health.
H5N1 Vaccine Project Aims to Meet 100-Day Development Target
This week the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) announced a significant partnership with the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, to develop a new H5N1 vaccine as a prototype for Disease X, an as-yet unknown pathogen with pandemic potential.
The goal of the project, which has been granted $16.4 million in financial support, is to allow rapid development of broadly protective vaccines capable of responding to multiple H5 virus strains. The vaccine will be developed on a baculovirus platform and will compare two H5 antigens for a recombinant protein vaccine: a wild-type and an artificial intelligence (AI)-optimized, broad-spectrum H5 antigen designed by scientists at Houston Methodist Research Institute.
According to CEPI leadership, the project is a key component of the organization’s ambitious 100-day mission, which aims to compress vaccine development timelines to within 100 days of identifying a pandemic threat.
“Milton Leitenberg: Pioneering Work on Weapons of Mass Destruction, Wars and Arms Control”
Kathleen M. Vogel, Nicole J. Ball, and Milton Leitenberg are pleased to announce the publication of Milton Leitenberg: Pioneering Work on Weapons of Mass Destruction, Wars and Arms Control (Springer, 2025). This nearly 900-page book is a collection of 44 representative publications and papers by Milton Leitenberg on nuclear and biological arms control, wars, conflicts, genocide and humanitarian intervention, and weapons of mass destruction. Several chapters explore aspects of disinformation, notably on the use and production of biological weapons and the origins of Covid. In addition to publications that appeared in journals and books, this volume contains several previously unpublished reports prepared for national and international organizations. Spanning 55 years, these studies made substantial contributions to policy literature and discussions over the years and are of continued interest to security studies, political science, and policy audiences today.
This book is available in hard copy and eBook formats here
NEW: 2025 Scowcroft Institute Pandemic Policy Summit, “Bridging the Gaps: Resilient Supply Chains in the Age of Pandemics.”
From the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs: “This summit will convene scholars, policymakers, emergency managers, international partners, and industry leaders to examine the vulnerabilities exposed by recent global health emergencies and explore innovative policy solutions to strengthen domestic and global supply chain resilience. Together, we will identify strategies to ensure the reliable flow of critical goods and services in the face of future pandemics and public health crises.”
The summit will take place on October 27-28 in College Station, TX. Learn more and register here.
AI, Health, and the Future of Scientific Cooperation: A Seminar
From Harvard Kennedy School: “This seminar explores how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, global health, and the scientific enterprise: accelerating discovery, strengthening biosecurity, and reshaping international collaboration. Moderated by Dr. Syra Madad, fellow and biosecurity expert, the discussion will highlight both the opportunities and risks at the intersection of AI, medicine, and scientific cooperation in a rapidly evolving world.”
This event will take place from 12:00-2:00pm ET on October 20. Register here.
Improving Resiliency in the U.S. Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Through Make-Buy-Invest Strategic Actions: A Workshop
From NASEM: “The National Academies will convene a hybrid public workshop, October 22-23, to develop a framework to inform policymakers and stakeholders on how to apply Make, Buy, or Invest strategies across the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain. Discussions will consider variables such as national security and health; drug manufacturing practices; systemic enablers to support implementation practices; methods to assess market conditions; and the roles of key public and private stakeholders to influence the resilience of the domestic drug supply chain.”
This event will take place from 8:30am-5:30pm ET on October 22-23. Register here.
Governance of Dual-Use Risks of Synthetic Biology: Recent Efforts in China
From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “Scientific progress in cutting-edge biotechnology has enabled the development of new medical countermeasures and disease surveillance capabilities. With the increasing ease of use and accessibility, and lower cost of biotechnology, unintentional misuse or deliberate abuse of dual-use cutting edge biotechnology will result in serious economic and security consequences.
Professor Zhang will explain how the Tianjin University Center for Biosafety Research and Strategy, the first scientific think tank focusing biotechnology-related biosecurity governance in China, raises awareness of the dual-use risks of biotechnology, develops solutions and policies to address these risks, and reinforces ethical practice in the scientific community.”
This event will take place from 6:00–7:00 pm (GMT+08:00) on October 23. Register here.
Exploring Applications of AI in Genomics and Precision Health: A Workshop
From NASEM: “The National Academies’ Roundtable on Genomics and Precision Health will host a hybrid public workshop on October 28 to explore current and potential future applications for AI in genomics and precision health along the continuum from translational research to clinical applications. The workshop will:
Explore the current implementation of AI in genomics and precision health (e.g., variant interpretation, data integration, patient and participant identification, return of results, treatment selection).
Discuss potential benefits and challenges of future AI applications (e.g., data harmonization and security, workforce, and usefulness for all).
Consider evaluations for and impact of the accuracy of, and bias inherent to, AI technologies in genomics-related research and clinical care.
Examine lessons learned from applications of AI in other fields that may be transferable to genomics and precision health throughout the translational research process.”
This workshop will take place 8:30am-5:00pm ET on October 28. Register here.
Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction
From the World Organisation for Animal Health: “In October 2025, WOAH is hosting its third Global Conference, with the goal of galvanising advocacy efforts to manage the rising risk of biological threats from across the world.”
“The Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction – which will take place in Geneva on 28-30 October 2025 – will bring together top minds in the fields of health-security, emerging technologies, and biothreat reduction policies, from the public and private sectors – to focus on the latest strategies, challenges and innovations in combating biological threats to our interconnected ecosystems.”
“The Conference will bring together approximately 400 participants from different sectors, including animal health, law enforcement and security, public health, international and regional organisations, investment and development partners, private sector and industry representatives, research, academia and regulatory authorities, youth organisations.”
“Attendees will engage in thought-provoking discussions and innovative technical presentations aimed at strengthening prevention, preparedness and response capabilities across the world.”
“The event will be guided by a narrative that traces WOAH’s commitment to biological threat reduction and the increasingly relevant role it plays at the health-security interface. Against the backdrop of an uncertain future, WOAH believes that synergies between sectors can drive positive change – making the world a safer and healthier place. ”
AI-Accelerated Biological Risk: Delving into Asia’s Challenges and Emerging Solutions
From Singapore AI Safety Hub: “As AI-enabled biodesign accelerates, so do the questions around responsible development, risk mitigation, and international cooperation. This 90-minute virtual roundtable brings together experts from AI safety, biosecurity research and policy to explore:
🔬 What are the most urgent AI-bio risks we face today—and which ones aren’t getting enough attention?
🌏 How does Asia’s unique regulatory and research landscape shape these challenges and opportunities?
🛡️ What solutions and interventions show the most promise for responsible governance?
🚀 What practical steps should researchers, policymakers, and practitioners prioritize in the next 12 months?
This panel will explore the convergence of AI and biosecurity—unpacking Asia’s unique challenges, emerging solutions, and the pathways toward responsible governance. From urgent risk assessment to practical next steps for researchers and policymakers, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.”
This virtual roundtable will take place from9:00 AM-10:30 AM EDT on Thursday, October 30. Register here.
Nexus Series: AI x Bio: Workshop 1
From AI for SynBio: “Agentic AI and Biological Design Tools reduce the required expertise for new biotech developments enabling new benefits and novel harms. To guard against these harms, technical and policy solutions leveraging these AI and biotech advances should be deployed proactively to help red-team and safeguard against misuse in an exponentially changing landscape. This workshop series will shape the safeguards necessary to prevent harm and empower the community with technical and policy resources for the changing threat landscape. The workshop seeks participation from academia, non-profits, industry, and government.”
This event will take place on November 13. Register here.
GHS 2026
From GHS: “We’re excited to officially announce that the 4th Global Health Security Conference (GHS2026) will be held in Kuala Lumpur on the 9 – 12June, 2026!”
“Building on the incredible momentum of GHS2024 in Sydney, we look forward to bringing together the global health security community once again – this time in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.”
“Registration and Call for Abstracts are now live!”
NEW: The Human Biosafety Health Foundation – A New Hub for Biosafety in the Mediterranean
From the Human Biosafety Health Foundation: “The Human Biosafety Health Foundation has been established to promote research, training, and international cooperation in the fields of biosafety, public health, and health resilience. The Foundation aims to serve as a Mediterranean hub for the development of shared and innovative strategies in response to global challenges related to conventional and non-conventional biological threats, climate change, and health emergencies. The Scientific Committee is composed of medical officers and biosafety experts in high biocontainment transport from the Italian Air Force, ensuring a highly qualified, interdisciplinary, and operationally secure approach. By bringing together academic expertise, institutions, and civil society, the Foundation seeks to build an integrated network for health security, based on knowledge, prevention, and prediction.”
“The fellowship ensures a pipeline of the brightest, most dedicated, and diverse next-generation experts into leading think tanks and advocacy groups in order to inspire creative new approaches to the pervasive challenges to peace and security. Its goal is to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world by providing an entree for mission-driven grads eager to learn about and contribute to public-interest organizations. The fellowship was established to honor longtime nuclear arms control activist Dr. Herbert (Pete) Scoville, Jr., a Ph.D. in physical chemistry and dedicated public servant, who encouraged young people to become involved in arms control and national security.”
Learn more and submit your application by October 20 here.
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) – Addressing Agricultural Biorisk Evidence Base Gaps with Applied Research
“There is a global recognition that the current evidence base to inform laboratory and on-farm biological risk management has gaps, and that applied agricultural biosafety and biosecurity policies are not always based on evidence. This notice of funding will support the design and implementation of applied agricultural biorisk research to address evidence gaps in working with high-consequence veterinary and agricultural pathogens as identified during the RAV3N Biorisk and Biosafety Gap Assessment Workshop or similar gap analysis like the WOAH working group agent specific biorisk gap analysis. ERGP is seeking proposals that address one or more key focus area components listed below. Each proposal will go through an internal ERGP and external expert review. Successful proposals should address at least one of the key focus areas and at least one component under that area.”
Learn more and submit your proposal by October 31here.
Cyberbiosecurity Quarterly Call for Papers
“We are pleased to announce the launch of Cyberbiosecurity Quarterly, a new academic and trade journal dedicated to the intersection of cybersecurity and the bioeconomy. Published by Kansas State University’s New Prairie Press and sponsored by the Bioeconomy Information Sharing and Analysis Center (BIO-ISAC), this quarterly journal will serve as an important resource for professionals, researchers, and policymakers working to safeguard digital and physical biological infrastructures. Cyberbiosecurity is an emerging discipline that addresses the protection of biomanufacturing, biomedical research, synthetic biology, digital agriculture, and other life sciences sectors from digital threats. This journal will explore topics at the nexus of cybersecurity, digital biosecurity, and the bioeconomy, including but not limited to:
Best practices for network configuration and management in biomedical environments (ingress/egress protection, segmentation, isolation, access control, traffic protection, etc.)
Cybersecurity Vendor Management and Assessment
Cyber and Digital Biosecurity Education for the Bioeconomy’s Workforce
The Quality-Cybersecurity Tension in Practice and Techniques for Mitigation
Threat Intelligence for Cyber-Physical Biological Systems
Regulatory and Policy Perspectives on Cyberbiosecurity
Incident Response and Risk Mitigation in Biomanufacturing
AI and Machine Learning in Digital and Cyber Biosecurity”
“The Editors of Applied Biosafety are pleased to announce a forthcoming Special Issue focused on the myriad of topics associated with global biosafety management. This special issue will showcase examples of innovative approaches, creative solutions, and best practices developed and used around the world for managing risks associated with the handling, use, and storage of infectious biological agents, toxins, and potentially infectious materials in research and clinical settings.”
From ERA: “ERA, in partnership with the Cambridge Biosecurity Hub, is now accepting applications for our AIxBio Fellowship – an eight-week, fully-funded research programme focused on addressing biosecurity risks amplified by advances in frontier AI. Running from 25th January to 22nd March, 2026 in Cambridge, UK, this fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to design and execute concrete research projects at the AIxBiosecurity interface.”
Learn more and submit your application by November 5 here.
Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health
From Harvard’s Global Health Institute: “To equip and empower more leaders in global health, the Harvard Global Health Institute, in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, offers a transformational 1-year fellowship specifically designed to promote leadership skills in individuals in low- and middle-income countries who will, in turn, mentor future female leaders in global health. Candidates should be currently based/working in a LMIC, and plan to return there after their fellowship.
The fellowship experience provides global health leaders time to reflect, recalibrate, and explore uncharted territories. To date, fellows have come from 18 different countries, with representation from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. Their areas of focus have ranged from HIV/AIDS and healthcare to health policy at the highest levels of government. Past fellows’ areas of expertise span disciplines including research, advocacy, administration, and policy.”
Learn more and submit your application by November 30here.
64th ISODARCO Course
From ISODARCO: “In recent years, the global security landscape has become increasingly volatile, shaped by a convergence of geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and evolving nuclear doctrines. The post-Cold War order that once provided a measure of predictability in global security has eroded. Conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and strategic competition between major powers have reshaped alliances and strategic postures.”
“At the same time, disruptive technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonic missiles, and cyber threats – are adding new layers of complexity to both nuclear and conventional deterrence dynamics. These technologies are not only distorting the information landscape but also compressing decision-making timelines and complicating signaling mechanisms, increasing the risk of miscalculation.”
“Effectively managing nuclear escalation risks in this environment will require a combination of innovative diplomacy, technological safeguards, and renewed dialogue mechanisms to rebuild trust, reduce misperceptions, and stabilize strategic relations.”
“The ISODARCO 2026 Winter Course presents an invaluable opportunity for students and experts to discuss and examine these dynamics in depth and explore approaches to re-establishing strategic stability and reducing nuclear dangers in a volatile world.”
This course will take place January 11-18, 2026, in Andalo. Learn more and apply here.
Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! This issue features federal undercutting on U.S. science funding and the risk of a brain drain, the U.S. “America First” global health strategy and its implications for international aid, the narrowing of COVID-19 vaccine guidance and state-level responses, the escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and a breakthrough in biotechnology with the first AI-designed viruses capable of targeting E. coli.
Thinking About Graduate Study in Biodefense?
The Schar School of Policy and Government has several upcoming recruitment events:
☕ Plus: Regional coffee chats with faculty and admissions staff across Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Learn more here.
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From Classroom to Commission: Mason Biodefense Students Shaping Biotechnology Policy
By Jay Bickell
Jay Bickell is pursuing a MS in Biodefense at George Mason University and works as a Staff Scientist at MRIGlobal supporting biorisk management programs.
Earlier this year, the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) released its final report, Charting the Future of Biotechnology. What emerged was not a victory lap or a reassurance, but both an inspiring reminder of the promise of biotechnology and a stark warning about what is at stake in the biotechnology innovation race. The report’s executive summary wastes no time, bluntly stating that “countries that win the innovation race tend to win actual wars, too.” From the outset, the message is clear: the U.S. cannot afford complacency in biotechnology.
Given the breadth of issues at play, the Commission relied on expertise from many different disciplines. Among those involved were George Mason University Biodefense students and alumni, who contributed their expertise and academic training to the practical work of shaping U.S. biotechnology policy.
This article explores the origins of the commission, the key findings of its report, and the role of GMU biodefense students and alumni who served as policy advisors and fellows.
The Commission
The NSCEB was established by Congress in 2022 as an independent legislative advisory body, created in response to the rapid pace of emerging biotechnology and its profound implications for both the U.S. bioeconomy and national security. Its establishment was a bicameral decision, reflecting bipartisan concern, and its commissioners brought a wide range of expertise from across science, industry, defense, and policy.
The Commission had an ambitious charge to provide Congress with an assessment of biotechnology’s role in national security and to recommend concrete steps for harnessing its benefits while mitigating risks. Modeled in part on the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, the NSCEB conducted an extensive two-year study, gathering insights from more than 1,800 professionals worldwide. Beyond analysis, its task was also pragmatic in nature, to ensure recommendations were actionable and capable of being translated into policy. The NSCEB will continue turning those recommendations into bills before the commission winds down in December 2026.
The Report
The final report, Charting the Future of Biotechnology, begins with a sobering vision of a not-so-distant future where the U.S. fails to keep pace in biotechnology innovation and with it, risks losing both economic and military advantages. Over the course of nearly 400 pages the report delivers 49 specific and concrete recommendations ranging from establishing a National Biotechnology Coordination Office (NBCO) in the Executive Office of the President, to providing workforce training. Ultimately every recommendation culminates in the main recommendation that “the U.S. government should dedicate a minimum of $15 billion over the next five years to unleash more private capital into our national biotechnology sector.”
Behind the Report: GMU Students and Alumni
Behind the report’s recommendations lies the work of 63 commission staff as well as countless other participants. Notably, among them were several students and alumni from George Mason University’s Biodefense (BIOD) program, who brought their expertise to an effort that will shape U.S. biotechnology policy for years to come.
Aishwarya Sriraman is a third-year PhD student in the BIOD program and served as a research and policy fellow supporting Commissioners in developing the report. Her work focused on recognizing how education and workforce development will build tomorrow’s biotechnology workforce. Drawing on her technical background in biochemistry and biotechnology, she helped connect the policymaking process to the realities facing biotechnology and biosecurity professionals. Aishwarya hopes “that professionals get excited by the potential of emerging biotechnology (the science and its potential impact) while also recognizing their roles and responsibilities in ensuring its success.”
Olivia Parker, joined the commission as a policy advisor in August of 2024, shortly after earning her Master of Science in Biodefense in May 2024. She credits the multidisciplinary nature of the Biodefense program as preparing her for this role. According to Olivia, “One of the things I’ve appreciated most about working on the Commission staff has been learning from my colleagues. The folks on staff come from a broad range of professional worlds, and it’s been really illuminating to see the different perspectives they bring while contributing my own.”
Kimberly Ma is a third-year PhD student in the BIOD program and is a policy advisor with the commission where she is co-leading the infrastructure workstream and closely supporting the biosecurity workstream. When it comes to thinking about policy she credits both time in Georgetown’s MS Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases program and GMU’s Biodefense program with complementing her hands-on career experience in U.S. government biotechnology spaces. Kimberly commented that, “Even for someone trained in molecular biology and biosecurity, I think I had not truly internalized or experienced how vast the bioeconomy is. During my time at the Commission, the breadth of folks who have shown interest in our work, provided us their expertise and anecdotes, reposted our press releases on social media, or showed up to our launch event absolutely blew my mind. I feel a sense of awe, as well as increased obligation to ensure that promoting and protecting biotech are national priorities for our country.”
Looking Forward
The contributions of these Biodefense students and graduates are not just a testament to their training, they are a reminder that the future of biotechnology and biosecurity leadership is already taking shape. Their experiences reflect the heart of the Commission’s work: recognizing both the opportunities and risks that lie ahead and preparing the next generation to meet them.
Though the report is sobering in its assessment, the example set by these students and alumni offers reason for optimism. They show that the next wave of scientists and policy experts are already stepping into roles of national importance. Opportunity and risk both loom large, but as their work illustrates, the direction biotechnology takes will depend on the choices and the commitments we make today.
Science Under Siege: Federal Cuts and the Risk of a U.S. Brain Drain
From Nature: “Months into President Trump’s second term, science and scientists are under attack as never before in the United States. The administration is forcing devastating cuts to previously stable US research investments, dismantling federal science agencies and programmes, ousting independent scientific officials and blatantly disregarding evidence on issues that affect us all, including vaccines, air pollution, and fossil fuels.”
Both early-career and seasoned specialists have been left bewildered and, in many cases, unemployed by these aggressive actions. Experts warn that the U.S. risks losing scientific expertise across multiple fields – a phenomenon many are calling a “brain drain” – with recovery potentially taking decades. “There will be lasting damage, and it will likely take multiple political administration to get over and to rebuild what has been lost,” said Jennifer Jones, Director of the Center for Science and Diplomacy at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
America First Global Health: Cuts, Conditions, and Questions Ahead
This week, the State Department unveiled its “America First Global Health Strategy,” a policy framework emphasizing U.S. priorities in global health. Just days before, the House advanced its FY26 Labor-HHS appropriations bill, proposing severe cuts to CDC funding, eliminating certain prevention programs, and drastically scaling back USAID’s role in global health initiatives. Under the new strategy, the U.S. plans to shift from global health aid to fostering self-reliance in partner countries, requiring them to co-invest in health programs and meet “performance benchmarks” before additional U.S. foreign health assistance is released. According to the document, the administration aims to finalize multi-year bilateral agreements with recipient nations by April 2026, aiming to reduce “the culture of dependency.” Taken together, these moves reflect a broader shift in U.S. health policy toward prioritizing domestic interests over multilateral cooperation. In a related development, President Trump also called for a global ban on bioweapons at the UN, proposing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to verify compliance with the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). While presented as a high-tech initiative to strengthen the BWC, the plan’s limited details leave open questions about how effectively it will be implemented and whether it can gain broad international support.
ACIP Narrows COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance, Prompting State and Expert Divergence
Last Friday, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to narrow its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, reserving a routine recommendation for adults 65 and older while shifting younger groups to “shared clinical decision-making” through consultation with providers. While the vaccine remains available to anyone over six months, this change could reduce ease of access compared to prior years and has raised concerns about sowing doubt among the public. As former acting CDC director Richard Besser noted, “What this process over these two days did was it instilled doubt in a lot of people who didn’t have doubt. And it’s going to lead people who were trying to do the right thing for their families, for their children, to make wrong decisions.” Meanwhile, ACIP voted to postpone a decision on whether to delay the first hepatitis B vaccine dose for newborns, temporarily maintaining the current recommendation. In response to federal uncertainty, several states and medical societies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which had long worked in concert with the CDC, are breaking with federal recommendations and issuing their own vaccine guidance, citing a lack of confidence and trust in federal leadership.
DRC Faces Escalating Ebola Outbreak Amid Reduced Global Aid
The Ebola outbreak in Kasaï province continues to escalate, with the latest reports indicating 47 confirmed cases and 25 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with a probably 10 additional cases and deaths. Vaccination campaigns are ongoing, with an initial shipment of 400 doses of Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV) being deployed to Bulape and another 360 doses arriving in Tshikapa. The WHO has launched an appeal for US$21million to support the DRC’s governmental response. While the DRC has learned from previous outbreaks and in many ways is now better prepared to respond, experts warn cuts to global aid spending risk constraining response efforts. “Viruses do not respect political decisions or borders. Disengaging in global leadership and slashing funding to countries like the DRC will have serious consequences,” said Ms. Kate Phillips-Barrasso, Mercy Corps Vice President of Global Policy and Advocacy.
During previous Ebola outbreaks, the U.S. provided critical support through USAID, funding laboratories, vaccines, treatments, personal protective equipment (PPE), and community awareness programs. Since cuts to these programs, stockpiles of drugs and PPE have not been consistently maintained, and key prevention initiatives – like clean water and hygiene campaigns – have been scaled back. Shortages of PPE and difficulties distributing information, vaccines and treatments to remote areas, however, long predate recent funding cuts. While some analysts have speculated that China could fill the gap left by U.S. aid reductions, its capacity and willingness to do so remain limited. Beijing seems to emphasize a “trade, not aid” model, prioritizing trade over large-scale development assistance and intervening only in countries of immediate strategic interest. Humanitarian organizations stress that maintaining robust international support, rather than piecemeal substitutes, is critical to containing Ebola and supporting the DRC’s health system.
AI Creates Functional Bacteriophages Targeting E. coli
Scientists at Stanford University and the Arc Institute have created the first ever viruses designed by artificial intelligence (AI), capable of infecting and killing E. coli bacteria. The work, described in a preprint paper, used AI models called Evo 1 and Evo 2, which were pre-trained on over two million phage genomes. These models were developed to generate DNA, RNA, and protein sequences. The AI models were given a template virus called ΦX174 to start with, which was simple and safe. The AI models were trained to create similar viruses aimed at infecting E. coli, especially resistant strains. From thousands of AI-generated genome sequences, the researchers identified 302 viable bacteriophages, of which roughly 16 phages showed host specificity for E. coli and could successfully infect the bacteria. “This study provides a compelling case study of what is possible today and sets the stage for more-ambitious applications in the future,” says Peter Koo, a computational biologist at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in Laurel Hollow, New York. “It provides a spotlight for an interesting application domain,” he adds.
By Margeaux Malone, Pandora Report Associate Editor
September Signals Start of H5N1 Resurgence Worldwide
Just as wildlife experts predicted, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is surging internationally as fall bird migration kicks into high gear. Europe has already logged 263 commercial poultry outbreaks of bird flu so far in 2025. Hungary leads the tally with 105 outbreaks, followed by Poland (85) and Italy (21). On Monday, Poland reported two new detections resulting in the death of nearly 4,000 birds. An outbreak in Spain earlier this month was particularly devastating, wiping out over 761,000 laying hens in a single facility in Castile and Leon.
Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to see a steady resurgence as well. Multiple Mid-West states continue to fight outbreaks in commercial turkey flocks, with over half a million cases confirmed by the USDA across the Dakotas and Minnesota since the start of September. Iowa also confirmed the presence of HPAI in Canada geese, mallards, and red-tailed hawks this week following reports of dead birds in Dubuque.
With migration season just beginning, case numbers are expected to continue. The question isn’t whether H5N1 will spread further, it’s whether current containment efforts can keep pace with nature’s own distribution network.
The New World screwworm (NWS) outbreak in Central America took a concerning turn this week as Mexico confirmed its northernmost case yet, only 69 miles from the Texas border. A young cow in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, tested positive for the flesh-eating parasite, marking a significant geographic leap from the previous detection in Veracruz in July, some 370 miles south of the U.S. border. The location is especially worrying as Sabinas Hidalgo sits along the major highway from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon’s capital and largest city, to Laredo, Texas, one of the world’s busiest commercial corridors.
The U.S. response has been swift but costly for bilateral relations. USDA continues the suspension on all imports of Mexican cattle, bison, and horses while the NWS outbreak is handled, a move that could cost Mexico’s ranching industry up to $400 million if maintained through the year. In response to the new detection near the border, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that Washington will take “decisive measures to protect our borders, even in the absence of cooperation.” Nearly 8,000 traps across Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico have screened over 13,000 samples without detecting screwworm flies stateside. The USDA has also allocated $100 million for enhanced sterile-fly production and advanced detection tools.
With over 500 active cases across Mexico’s southern states and the parasite’s ability to infect any warm-blooded animal, this outbreak represents a significant agricultural security challenge that will require sustained binational cooperation.
Typologies of Terrorist Organizations: Conceptual Lenses and Counterterrorism Measures
This forthcoming book was authored by Mahmut Cengiz, Mitchel P. Roth, and Huseyin Cinoglu. Cengiz is an associate professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government and a research faculty member with Mason’s Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center who teaches courses in the Biodefense Graduate Program: “Explore the complex landscape of global terrorism with Typologies of Terrorist Organizations: Conceptual Lenses and Counterterrorism Measures. This essential volume provides a comprehensive examination of hundreds of terrorist groups and employs a detailed framework of typological classifications—religious, left-wing/revolutionary, ethnonationalist, anarchist, right-wing, ecoterrorism, state terrorism, cyberterrorism, and narcoterrorism—to analyze each group in depth, focusing on their ideologies, key actors, methods, and underlying motives.”
“What sets this book apart is its multidimensional approach, using conceptual lenses to delve into the causes of terrorist actions, the motivations driving these groups, and their strategies. This approach not only aids in combating terrorism but also enhances understanding of the broader context in which these groups operate. It provides insights into their organizational structures, tactics, weaponry, victim profiles, target types, funding sources, and networks, painting a comprehensive picture of the evolving nature of terrorism.”
“Additionally, Typologies of Terrorist Organizations offers a critical review of domestic and global counterterrorism strategies, examining how these strategies have evolved to address emerging threats. Each chapter provides a detailed perspective on counterterrorism efforts, making this book a valuable resource for understanding both the development of terrorist tactics and the responses designed to counter them.”
“Ideal for scholars, policymakers, and security professionals, this book is not only crucial for those engaged in counterterrorism but also for anyone seeking to understand the broader contextual dynamics of global terrorism. Its combination of theoretical depth and practical analysis makes it a significant contribution to the field of counterterrorism studies and an indispensable guide for navigating contemporary security challenges.”
“Upward and Onward: 2025 Preparedness Summit”
Read about Biodefense PhD student Kimmy Ma’s experience at the the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) 2025 Preparedness Summit in this article from the Pandora Report. In it, Ma writes in part, “It will by no means be a simple or easy road, but I believe my public health preparedness colleagues’ adamant desire and mindset to serve their constituents is what brings them back to their work and keep attending Prep Summit, year after year. It seems like, deep down, they never truly give up on their belief that there is a way to reach the light at the end of the tunnel and serve their communities in the process.”
“Physical Approaches to Civilian Biodefense: Identifying Potential Preparedness Measures for Challenging Biological Threats”
From the RAND Corporation: “This research project was initiated in response to emerging evidence on three possible biological threat scenarios that could have catastrophic effects on the United States: a fast scenario involving a rapidly spreading outbreak of a lethal human-to-human-transmissible pathogen, a silent scenario involving a pathogen that infects much of the population before infected people display visible symptoms, and a saturating scenario involving a pathogen that replicates and persists in the environment. Although these three broad scenario categories have been discussed elsewhere, the goal of this report is to better define the possibilities and limits of physical approaches to civilian biodefense against these scenarios. In this report, we offer initial frameworks for thinking about how the United States could achieve resilience against these scenarios (as well as any less severe versions), and we recommend actions that governments and civil society can take to work toward resilience. This work is not precise or conclusive; it can and should be verified and analyzed in a more detailed and expanded manner to support more-precise recommendations. This report is intended primarily for policymakers and technical staff, as well as philanthropists, who work on pandemic preparedness and catastrophic threat mitigation.”
Personal Protective Equipment for Influenza A (H5N1) in High-Risk Farm Settings: A Workshop
From NASEM: “A planning committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will organize a virtual public workshop to examine 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. This workshop will provide the opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas among interested and impacted parties–including technical experts, policy makers, livestock industry leaders and farm owners, and PPE users in farm settings (e.g., farmworkers, veterinarians).”
These workshops will take place 10 am-4:30pm ET on September 29-30. Register here.
Mirror Image Biology: Pushing the Envelope in Designing Biological Systems – A Workshop
From NASEM: “Most biological molecules are chiral entities where their mirror images have different structures and functional characteristics. Scientists have begun synthesizing left-handed DNA and RNA and creating proteins that can write left-handed nucleic acids. This, and other related research, is described as “mirror biology” and includes research toward creating mirror-image self-replicating living systems. The National Academies will host a foundational workshop on mirror biology, focusing on the state of the science, trends in research and development, risks and benefits of this research, and considerations relating for future governance of relevant enabling technologies.”
This event will take place virtually, September 29-30. Register here.
Doing More with Less: Practical Biosafety on a Budget
“Led by Azelia Labs biosafety experts, Katerina Semenyuk, PhD, RBP (ABSA) and Sarah Ziegler, PhD, RPB, CBSP (ABSA) this webinar will provide a comprehensive guide to maintaining a robust biosafety program in resource-constrained environments. We will address the unique challenges that arise when faced with limited funding or leadership hesitation to invest in safety protocols.”
“This session will focus on practical, actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles. Topics will include how to prioritize essential safety measures when budgets are tight, creative solutions for providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and innovative approaches to maintaining equipment and facilities without costly upgrades. We will also discuss methods for effectively communicating the value of biosafety to leadership to secure the necessary support for your program.”
This online event will take place on October 2, 12-1 pm EDT. Register here.
Feeding Resilience: Risk and Readiness in Food Security
From CSR: “This event will convene a multidisciplinary group interested in food security, agriculture, climate, security, and development in-person at KSU and virtually for other US and international audiences. Throughout the day, attendees will have opportunities to network and engage with expert speakers on food and water security challenges, agricultural trade and innovation, workforce development, and the way forward in today’s global policymaking environment. The event is part of CCS’s Feeding Resilience program, which has analyzed and developed policy recommendations on food, climate, and security risks for the United States and is now deepening analysis and policy engagements for European and global audiences.”
This event will take place 8:30am-2:35pm CDT in Manhattan, KS, on October 7. Register here.
EMBRACE 2025 – Scientific Pathways to Biotoxin Preparedness Online Event
From CMINE: “Join us at the forefront of chemical and biological security for EMBRACE 2025 – a key event dedicated to cutting-edge research on biotoxins and human biomarkers of intoxication. This international symposium will spotlight ground-breaking scientific work and host the inauguration of EMBRACE’s Biotoxin Task Force.”
“What to Expect:
A unique opportunity to shape the scientific landscape of biotoxin threat preparedness and learn more about the EU EMBRACE project and the Biotoxin Task Force
A platform for showcasing innovation in biotoxin detection and response
Networking with global experts in biological forensics and toxicology”
This event will take place on October 15, 0900-1700 CEST. Register here.
Exploring Applications of AI in Genomics and Precision Health: A Workshop
From NASEM: “The National Academies’ Roundtable on Genomics and Precision Health will host a hybrid public workshop on October 28 to explore current and potential future applications for AI in genomics and precision health along the continuum from translational research to clinical applications. The workshop will:
Explore the current implementation of AI in genomics and precision health (e.g., variant interpretation, data integration, patient and participant identification, return of results, treatment selection).
Discuss potential benefits and challenges of future AI applications (e.g., data harmonization and security, workforce, and usefulness for all).
Consider evaluations for and impact of the accuracy of, and bias inherent to, AI technologies in genomics-related research and clinical care.
Examine lessons learned from applications of AI in other fields that may be transferable to genomics and precision health throughout the translational research process.”
This workshop will take place 8:30am-5:00pm ET on October 28. Register here.
Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction
From the World Organisation for Animal Health: “In October 2025, WOAH is hosting its third Global Conference, with the goal of galvanising advocacy efforts to manage the rising risk of biological threats from across the world.”
“The Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction – which will take place in Geneva on 28-30 October 2025 – will bring together top minds in the fields of health-security, emerging technologies, and biothreat reduction policies, from the public and private sectors – to focus on the latest strategies, challenges and innovations in combating biological threats to our interconnected ecosystems.”
“The Conference will bring together approximately 400 participants from different sectors, including animal health, law enforcement and security, public health, international and regional organisations, investment and development partners, private sector and industry representatives, research, academia and regulatory authorities, youth organisations.”
“Attendees will engage in thought-provoking discussions and innovative technical presentations aimed at strengthening prevention, preparedness and response capabilities across the world.”
“The event will be guided by a narrative that traces WOAH’s commitment to biological threat reduction and the increasingly relevant role it plays at the health-security interface. Against the backdrop of an uncertain future, WOAH believes that synergies between sectors can drive positive change – making the world a safer and healthier place. ”
From GHS: “We’re excited to officially announce that the 4th Global Health Security Conference (GHS2026) will be held in Kuala Lumpur on the 9 – 12June, 2026!”
“Building on the incredible momentum of GHS2024 in Sydney, we look forward to bringing together the global health security community once again – this time in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.”
“Registration and Call for Abstracts are now live!”
NEW: Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity (ELBI) Fellowship
“The Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity (ELBI) Fellowship inspires and connects the next generation of biosecurity leaders and innovators. Launched in 2012, ELBI is a highly competitive, part-time program that provides an opportunity for talented graduate students and professionals to deepen their expertise, expand their network, and build their leadership skills through a series of events coordinated by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. The fellowship boasts over 300 alumni with backgrounds in government, national security, private industry, science, law, public health, medicine, global health, journalism, the social sciences, and academia.”
Learn more and submit your application by October 12 here.
NEW: AI & National Security Convergence Fellowship
“In this context, the Converging Risks Lab (CRL), an institute of the Council on Strategic Risks (CSR), is partnering with the Future of Life Institute (FLI) on the “AGI and National Security Convergence Project,” a new initiative endeavoring to arm decision-makers with the understanding and capabilities required to future-proof national security against the potential perils of AGI while maximizing its promise. This partnership combines CRL’s experience in training and engaging national security leaders on convergence topics through experiential learning methods with FLI’s commitment to educating policymakers on the national security implications of developing AGI.”
Learn more and submit your application by October 13 here.
NEW: Council on Foreign Relations Internships
In an ever-changing world, CFR’s work as a leading nonpartisan resource for information and ideas about foreign policy is more important than ever. At CFR, interns participate in one of the foremost paid internship programs in the foreign policy arena. They do work that matters alongside smart and dedicated staff in a diverse and inclusive environment. Interns are paid a competitive hourly wage while gaining valuable experience through exposure to leading foreign policy experts. They are also offered professional development training as a foundation for future work in the field of foreign policy and international affairs. Internship opportunities are offered through the Blavatnik Internship Program and Robina Franklin Williams Internship Program.
Learn more and submit your application by October 13 here.
NEW: Scoville Peace Fellowship
“The fellowship ensures a pipeline of the brightest, most dedicated, and diverse next-generation experts into leading think tanks and advocacy groups in order to inspire creative new approaches to the pervasive challenges to peace and security. Its goal is to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world by providing an entree for mission-driven grads eager to learn about and contribute to public-interest organizations. The fellowship was established to honor longtime nuclear arms control activist Dr. Herbert (Pete) Scoville, Jr., a Ph.D. in physical chemistry and dedicated public servant, who encouraged young people to become involved in arms control and national security.”
Learn more and submit your application by October 20 here.
NEW: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) – Addressing Agricultural Biorisk Evidence Base Gaps with Applied Research
“There is a global recognition that the current evidence base to inform laboratory and on-farm biological risk management has gaps, and that applied agricultural biosafety and biosecurity policies are not always based on evidence. This notice of funding will support the design and implementation of applied agricultural biorisk research to address evidence gaps in working with high-consequence veterinary and agricultural pathogens as identified during the RAV3N Biorisk and Biosafety Gap Assessment Workshop or similar gap analysis like the WOAH working group agent specific biorisk gap analysis. ERGP is seeking proposals that address one or more key focus area components listed below. Each proposal will go through an internal ERGP and external expert review. Successful proposals should address at least one of the key focus areas and at least one component under that area.”
Learn more and submit your proposal by October 31here.
NEW: Cyberbiosecurity Quarterly Call for Papers
“We are pleased to announce the launch of Cyberbiosecurity Quarterly, a new academic and trade journal dedicated to the intersection of cybersecurity and the bioeconomy. Published by Kansas State University’s New Prairie Press and sponsored by the Bioeconomy Information Sharing and Analysis Center (BIO-ISAC), this quarterly journal will serve as an important resource for professionals, researchers, and policymakers working to safeguard digital and physical biological infrastructures. Cyberbiosecurity is an emerging discipline that addresses the protection of biomanufacturing, biomedical research, synthetic biology, digital agriculture, and other life sciences sectors from digital threats. This journal will explore topics at the nexus of cybersecurity, digital biosecurity, and the bioeconomy, including but not limited to:
Best practices for network configuration and management in biomedical environments (ingress/egress protection, segmentation, isolation, access control, traffic protection, etc.)
Cybersecurity Vendor Management and Assessment
Cyber and Digital Biosecurity Education for the Bioeconomy’s Workforce
The Quality-Cybersecurity Tension in Practice and Techniques for Mitigation
Threat Intelligence for Cyber-Physical Biological Systems
Regulatory and Policy Perspectives on Cyberbiosecurity
Incident Response and Risk Mitigation in Biomanufacturing
AI and Machine Learning in Digital and Cyber Biosecurity”
“The Editors of Applied Biosafety are pleased to announce a forthcoming Special Issue focused on the myriad of topics associated with global biosafety management. This special issue will showcase examples of innovative approaches, creative solutions, and best practices developed and used around the world for managing risks associated with the handling, use, and storage of infectious biological agents, toxins, and potentially infectious materials in research and clinical settings.”
From ISODARCO: “In recent years, the global security landscape has become increasingly volatile, shaped by a convergence of geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and evolving nuclear doctrines. The post-Cold War order that once provided a measure of predictability in global security has eroded. Conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and strategic competition between major powers have reshaped alliances and strategic postures.”
“At the same time, disruptive technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonic missiles, and cyber threats – are adding new layers of complexity to both nuclear and conventional deterrence dynamics. These technologies are not only distorting the information landscape but also compressing decision-making timelines and complicating signaling mechanisms, increasing the risk of miscalculation.”
“Effectively managing nuclear escalation risks in this environment will require a combination of innovative diplomacy, technological safeguards, and renewed dialogue mechanisms to rebuild trust, reduce misperceptions, and stabilize strategic relations.”
“The ISODARCO 2026 Winter Course presents an invaluable opportunity for students and experts to discuss and examine these dynamics in depth and explore approaches to re-establishing strategic stability and reducing nuclear dangers in a volatile world.”
This course will take place January 11-18, 2026, in Andalo. Learn more and apply here.
Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! This issue features sweeping changes in U.S. vaccine policy and the state-level battles they’ve sparked, major shakeups across the intelligence community and pharmaceutical supply chains, and new developments at the intersection of AI, biosecurity, and biotechnology risks. From public health politics to national security and emerging technologies, here’s what you need to know.
Thinking About Graduate Study in Biodefense?
The Schar School of Policy and Government has several upcoming recruitment events:
☕ Plus: Regional coffee chats with faculty and admissions staff across Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Learn more here.
💡 Tuition Benefit: Master’s and certificate students living in Maryland and DC quality for in-state tuition rates. Learn more and register here.
State Pushback and Federal Tensions Over Vaccine Policy
Recent federal changes to vaccine policy under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have prompted a strong state-level reaction: blue and swing states including Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and others are moving to preserve vaccine access through legislation, bills, executive orders, and regional collaborations that can issue independent recommendations and expand pharmacy-based administration of vaccines regardless of federal guidance. State lawmakers and medical experts warn, however, that these piecemeal measures may not fully mitigate the harm of an expected federal rollback of vaccine access across different age groups, leaving tens of millions – including Medicare enrollees, military members and veterans, and people on employer plans – exposed to higher out-of-pocket costs and potential loss of coverage.
Conversely, some red states, like Florida, are taking a more restrictive approach to vaccines. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has called for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to be “not available to anyone,” clarifying that other vaccines would remain accessible to Floridians but singling out mRNA shots as unsafe in his view. This news comes amid waning public confidence in federal vaccine policy: a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only one in four Americans believe recent vaccine policy changes are grounded in scientific evidence, with the majority expressing skepticism and concerns about the politicization of public health decisions. “Infectious diseases do not respect political boundaries,” said Pennsylvania Democratic state Rep. Arvind Venkat. “We’re talking about contagious illnesses. What you do affects me and what I do affects you.”
On Wednesday, former CDC Director Susan Monarez testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions that she was fired for resisting Secretary Kennedy’s demands to pre-approve vaccine recommendations for the public and fire career scientists. “Even under pressure, I could not replace evidence with ideology,” says Monarez. Just days before a high-stakes meeting this week, HHS and CDC announced five new members to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), with votes expected on recommendations for vaccines for COVID-19, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV), and respiratory syncytial virus.
In a perplexing conclusion to the otherwise tense meeting on Thursday, the panel seemed to contradict itself when voting on the MMRV recommendation: the members voted 8 to 3, with one abstention, in favor of recommending that children under 4 receive MMR and varicella vaccines separately rather than the combined MMRV shot. However, on a follow-up vote regarding whether this decision should apply to coverage under the nation’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, the panel backpedaled, issuing eight no votes, one yes vote, and three abstentions, citing confusion over how to reconcile coverage with the updated recommendations. Analysts at Citi noted that while the decision may impact parental choice and Merck’s vaccine specifically, overall vaccination rates for the four diseases “are likely to remain stable.”
These deliberations occur against a broader backdrop of declining childhood vaccination rates across the U.S. A six-month NBC News investigation, in collaboration with Stanford University, found that since 2019, 77% of counties and jurisdictions in the U.S. have reported notable declines in core childhood vaccines–including MMR, polio, whooping cough and diphtheria shots–with some countries seeing drops of more than 40 percentage points. Rising exemption rates for school children further exacerbate the problem: among states tracking MMR vaccine data, 67% of counties now fall below the 95% herd immunity threshold needed to protect outbreaks. “As childhood vaccination rates fall, we’ll see more diseases like measles,” Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics said.
From Intelligence to Supply Chains: Evolving National Security Challenges
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is reportedly considering reductions to the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), key hubs for coordinating the U.S. government’s counterintelligence activities against espionage campaigns. These changes come as part of a broader restructuring across several federal agencies and the intelligence community, including CISA, the FBI, NSA, CIA, and other agencies. A previous reorganization already reduced NCSC leadership from six senior directors and assistant directors to a single acting director, according to one former senior official, and further cuts are expected. In the meantime, the White House has nominated George Wesley Street to serve as the next director of the center.
National security concerns extend into the pharmaceutical sector. The Trump administration is reportedly weighing several restrictions on medicines sourced from China, including experimental treatments, amid warnings from prominent investors and corporate executives with close ties to the White House that such measures could help crackdown against what they view as an existential threat by China to U.S. biotechnology. A draft of the executive orders under consideration would prioritize domestic production of key medicine, including antibiotics and acetaminophen, and offer tax credits to companies relocating manufacturing to the U.S. The policy debates highlight concerns that America’s reliance on China for essential medicines represents a national security vulnerability, especially as major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and AstraZeneca have invested heavily in Chinese experimental drug markets.
AI, Biosecurity, and the Fragile Line Between Promise and Peril
OpenAI is collaborating with the U.S. Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) and the UK’s AI Standards Institute (AISI) to strengthen safeguards in AI systems, particularly in domains with national security relevance such as cyber and chemical-biological risk domains. The partnership focuses on joint red-teaming of safeguards against biological misuse, end-to-end product testing for security issues, and rapid feedback loops to address vulnerabilities. Since July, OpenAI and CAISI have worked to identify potential security vulnerabilities in agentic systems, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT Agent, while the UK AISI began red-teaming safeguards against biological misuse in May–ongoing collaboration to continuously improve the effectiveness of OpenAI’s safety stack.
In parallel, Boston University has recently developed an AI tool to enhance surveillance of disease outbreaks across the globe. This project known as the Biothreats Emergence, Analysis and Communications Network (BEACON), launched in April, combines algorithmic analysis and expert oversight to track emerging diseases in the U.S. and abroad. “Our main goal is to reduce the time between the reporting of a disease and its response,” said Nahid Bhadelia, an infectious disease physician who served in the Biden administration’s COVID response team. “You want a potential alarm bell.” In just three months, BEACON has flagged about 420 outbreaks and mapped 134 pathogens affecting humans, animals and other species, with active users spanning 162 countries, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
At the same time, scientists are revisiting older fears about biotechnology’s risks. In the late 2024, a team of Nobel-winning biologists and experts warned of the dangers of creating “mirror life” – synthetic organisms built from molecules with the opposite handedness of all known biology. Such organisms could theoretically infect cells while remaining potentially invisible to immune defenses, posing catastrophic ecological risks. Though purely hypothetical today, the idea dates to Louis Pasteur’s 19th-century discovery of molecular asymmetry, underscoring the long history of anxieties over humanity accidentally unleashing forces beyond its control.
By Margeaux Malone, Pandora Report Associate Editor
Early Birds: H5N1 Gets a Head Start on Migration Season
This week saw a flurry of new H5N1 bird flu developments across the country in both wild bird populations and agricultural settings, potentially signaling a rise in virus spread as the fall migration season takes flight.
In Maryland, Charles County health officials reported that several dead vultures found near La Plata tested presumptively positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza on September 12th. While confirmatory results are pending, the detection underscores H5N1’s continued circulation in wild bird populations, particularly among scavenging species like vultures. The public is urged not to handle sick or dead birds and report any encounters to the USDA Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service.
Meanwhile, Nebraska announced its first confirmed H5N1 detection in dairy cattle. USDA officials identified the virus in a central Nebraska herd through pre-movement milk sampling, a testament to the value of proactive surveillance measures. Genetic analysis confirmed the strain matches the B3.13 genotype seen in circulating in dairy operations in other U.S. states, including California.
Minnesota also saw its disease-free status end this week following confirmation of H5N1 in a Redwood County turkey flock that saw increased bird mortality over the weekend. This marks the state’s first detection since April 23rd, just weeks after officials declared Minnesota free from the disease on August 25th.
These new detections come shortly after outbreaks in North and South Dakota last month that have already claimed nearly 200,000 birds. South Dakota state veterinarian Beth Thompson said South Dakota is at the “leading edge” of this season’s bird flu infections with 134,900 turkeys killed across three facilities to contain the spread. North Dakota reported 60,300 turkey deaths in response to outbreaks there.
With fall migration season set to intensify over the coming weeks and months, the recent wave of detections highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance across both wild bird populations and agricultural settings. Effective coordination between state agriculture departments and federal agencies will prove increasingly vital as the virus capitalizes on seasonal bird movements to spread across the country to new flocks and farms.
“Saving Lives, Spending Less: The Global Investment Case for Noncommunicable Diseases”
From WHO: “Saving lives, spending less: the global investment case for noncommunicable diseases outlines why urgent investment in cost-effective interventions for NCDs is essential for health and sustainable development. Drawing on the World Health Organization’s package of NCD best buys, the report demonstrates how these evidence-based measures can help countries reduce premature deaths, strengthen health systems, and advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. It provides policymakers, donors, advocates, and partners with a clear economic and social rationale for scaling up implementation of proven solutions. By framing NCD prevention and control as both a health and development priority, the report offers a roadmap for action that delivers benefits across populations, economies, and generations. The evidence is clear: investing in WHO’s best buys is not only possible—it is imperative. The time to act is now.”
NEW: Personal Protective Equipment for Influenza A (H5N1) in High-Risk Farm Settings: A Workshop
From NASEM: “A planning committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will organize a virtual public workshop to examine 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. This workshop will provide the opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas among interested and impacted parties–including technical experts, policy makers, livestock industry leaders and farm owners, and PPE users in farm settings (e.g., farmworkers, veterinarians).”
These workshops will take place 10 am-4:30pm ET on September 29-30. Register here.
NEW: Feeding Resilience: Risk and Readiness in Food Security
From CSR: “This event will convene a multidisciplinary group interested in food security, agriculture, climate, security, and development in-person at KSU and virtually for other US and international audiences. Throughout the day, attendees will have opportunities to network and engage with expert speakers on food and water security challenges, agricultural trade and innovation, workforce development, and the way forward in today’s global policymaking environment. The event is part of CCS’s Feeding Resilience program, which has analyzed and developed policy recommendations on food, climate, and security risks for the United States and is now deepening analysis and policy engagements for European and global audiences.”
This event will take place 8:30am-2:35pm CDT in Manhattan, KS, on October 7. Register here.
NEW: Exploring Applications of AI in Genomics and Precision Health: A Workshop
From NASEM: “The National Academies’ Roundtable on Genomics and Precision Health will host a hybrid public workshop on October 28 to explore current and potential future applications for AI in genomics and precision health along the continuum from translational research to clinical applications. The workshop will:
Explore the current implementation of AI in genomics and precision health (e.g., variant interpretation, data integration, patient and participant identification, return of results, treatment selection).
Discuss potential benefits and challenges of future AI applications (e.g., data harmonization and security, workforce, and usefulness for all).
Consider evaluations for and impact of the accuracy of, and bias inherent to, AI technologies in genomics-related research and clinical care.
Examine lessons learned from applications of AI in other fields that may be transferable to genomics and precision health throughout the translational research process.”
This workshop will take place 8:30am-5:00pm ET on October 28. Register here.
Mirror Image Biology: Pushing the Envelope in Designing Biological Systems – A Workshop
From NASEM: “Most biological molecules are chiral entities where their mirror images have different structures and functional characteristics. Scientists have begun synthesizing left-handed DNA and RNA and creating proteins that can write left-handed nucleic acids. This, and other related research, is described as “mirror biology” and includes research toward creating mirror-image self-replicating living systems. The National Academies will host a foundational workshop on mirror biology, focusing on the state of the science, trends in research and development, risks and benefits of this research, and considerations relating for future governance of relevant enabling technologies.”
This event will take place virtually, September 29-30. Register here.
Doing More with Less: Practical Biosafety on a Budget
“Led by Azelia Labs biosafety experts, Katerina Semenyuk, PhD, RBP (ABSA) and Sarah Ziegler, PhD, RPB, CBSP (ABSA) this webinar will provide a comprehensive guide to maintaining a robust biosafety program in resource-constrained environments. We will address the unique challenges that arise when faced with limited funding or leadership hesitation to invest in safety protocols.”
“This session will focus on practical, actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles. Topics will include how to prioritize essential safety measures when budgets are tight, creative solutions for providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and innovative approaches to maintaining equipment and facilities without costly upgrades. We will also discuss methods for effectively communicating the value of biosafety to leadership to secure the necessary support for your program.”
This online event will take place on October 2, 12-1 pm EDT. Register here.
EMBRACE 2025 – Scientific Pathways to Biotoxin Preparedness Online Event
From CMINE: “Join us at the forefront of chemical and biological security for EMBRACE 2025 – a key event dedicated to cutting-edge research on biotoxins and human biomarkers of intoxication. This international symposium will spotlight ground-breaking scientific work and host the inauguration of EMBRACE’s Biotoxin Task Force.”
“What to Expect:
A unique opportunity to shape the scientific landscape of biotoxin threat preparedness and learn more about the EU EMBRACE project and the Biotoxin Task Force
A platform for showcasing innovation in biotoxin detection and response
Networking with global experts in biological forensics and toxicology”
This event will take place on October 15, 0900-1700 CEST. Register here.
Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction
From the World Organisation for Animal Health: “In October 2025, WOAH is hosting its third Global Conference, with the goal of galvanising advocacy efforts to manage the rising risk of biological threats from across the world.”
“The Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction – which will take place in Geneva on 28-30 October 2025 – will bring together top minds in the fields of health-security, emerging technologies, and biothreat reduction policies, from the public and private sectors – to focus on the latest strategies, challenges and innovations in combating biological threats to our interconnected ecosystems.”
“The Conference will bring together approximately 400 participants from different sectors, including animal health, law enforcement and security, public health, international and regional organisations, investment and development partners, private sector and industry representatives, research, academia and regulatory authorities, youth organisations.”
“Attendees will engage in thought-provoking discussions and innovative technical presentations aimed at strengthening prevention, preparedness and response capabilities across the world.”
“The event will be guided by a narrative that traces WOAH’s commitment to biological threat reduction and the increasingly relevant role it plays at the health-security interface. Against the backdrop of an uncertain future, WOAH believes that synergies between sectors can drive positive change – making the world a safer and healthier place. ”
From GHS: “We’re excited to officially announce that the 4th Global Health Security Conference (GHS2026) will be held in Kuala Lumpur on the 9 – 12June, 2026!”
“Building on the incredible momentum of GHS2024 in Sydney, we look forward to bringing together the global health security community once again – this time in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.”
“Registration and Call for Abstracts are now live!”
“The Editors of Applied Biosafety are pleased to announce a forthcoming Special Issue focused on the myriad of topics associated with global biosafety management. This special issue will showcase examples of innovative approaches, creative solutions, and best practices developed and used around the world for managing risks associated with the handling, use, and storage of infectious biological agents, toxins, and potentially infectious materials in research and clinical settings.”
From ISODARCO: “In recent years, the global security landscape has become increasingly volatile, shaped by a convergence of geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and evolving nuclear doctrines. The post-Cold War order that once provided a measure of predictability in global security has eroded. Conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and strategic competition between major powers have reshaped alliances and strategic postures.”
“At the same time, disruptive technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonic missiles, and cyber threats – are adding new layers of complexity to both nuclear and conventional deterrence dynamics. These technologies are not only distorting the information landscape but also compressing decision-making timelines and complicating signaling mechanisms, increasing the risk of miscalculation.”
“Effectively managing nuclear escalation risks in this environment will require a combination of innovative diplomacy, technological safeguards, and renewed dialogue mechanisms to rebuild trust, reduce misperceptions, and stabilize strategic relations.”
“The ISODARCO 2026 Winter Course presents an invaluable opportunity for students and experts to discuss and examine these dynamics in depth and explore approaches to re-establishing strategic stability and reducing nuclear dangers in a volatile world.”
This course will take place January 11-18, 2026, in Andalo. Learn more and apply here.
Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! This issue features coverage of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, updates on COVID-19 and long COVID, fallout from recent CDC leadership changes, highlights from new science communication books, and GMU alumni making an impact in public health and national security. Carmen Shaw, a first-year Biodefense PhD student also joined the Pandora Report this week as a co-managing editor. She will oversee the weekly newsletter.
Ebola in the DRC
Last week, Congo’s health authorities declared a new Ebola outbreak in Kasaï province, reporting 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers. WHO has confirmed this as the country’s 16th outbreak of Ebola since 1976, with a case fatality rate of roughly ≈54%. The index case – a 34-year-old pregnant woman admitted to the hospital last month – has died from multiple organ failure. In response, WHO has dispatched teams to strengthen surveillance, treatment and infection control. Yet local leaders warn that critical gaps remain. “The main challenges we face involve the lack of personnel and the shortage of personal protective equipment,” said Dr. Amitié Bukidi, head of the Mweka health zone. “Beyond that, our hospitals need to be supplied with medicines and special equipment capable of addressing this epidemic.”
COVID-19 Trends, Vaccine Scrutiny, and Transparency Gaps in Response
COVID-19 activity in the U.S. continues to show signs of peaking, but the impact remains uneven. The CDC’s COVID-19 surveillance data reports that test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has dipped to 10.8% from last week’s 11.6%, yet emergency visits rose slightly from 1.5% to 1.6% and remain elevated among children ages 0 – 4 and 5 – 17 years. Against this backdrop, the FDA Commissioner Marty Makary announced an “intense investigation” into anecdotal reports of childhood deaths following COVID-19 vaccination. While no causal link has been established and current evidence does not indicate major safety risks, the probe reflects heightened scrutiny of vaccine safety at a time when public confidence remains fragile.
Attention is shifting toward the global prevalence of long COVID, which the WHO defines as a “post-COVID-19 condition” involving lingering symptoms weeks or months after infection with COVID-19. A new global meta-analysis published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found that many teens and adolescents reported long COVID, though most symptoms resolve within three months. In their analysis, the three strongest risk factors were being unvaccinated, infections from pre-Omicron variants, and female sex. The most frequently identified lingering symptoms were memory problems and muscle weakness. “Less than 30% of adolescents reporting symptoms who tested positive reported their symptoms persisted for three or more months,” the authors concluded.
Beyond the clinical challenges of COVID-19, concerns are mounting over U.S. transparency in infectious disease reporting and tracking. HHS has indefinitely suspended a CDC project that would have launched a real-time, user-friendly platform with case counts for 127 notifiable diseases, expert interpretation, and expanded surveillance data. Envisioned as a one-stop hub – akin to a “National Weather Service for public health” – the site was designed to centralize state-level reporting and eventually integrate emergency departments, mortality, and wastewater data. Its suspension follows leadership turmoil, including the recent firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez and the resignation of senior staff like Jennifer Layden [DK1] who led the agency’s Office of Public Health Data, Science, and Technology. “We lost a lot of staff, and we couldn’t re-hire,” Layden said, noting that the ability to be effective had become increasingly difficult. Scientists involved voiced frustration that after major gains in data integration and strategy, political interference and staffing cuts are eroding progress, leaving the U.S. less transparent and less prepared for future health threats.
By Margeaux Malone, Pandora Report Associate Editor
Global Leaders Convene in Brazil to Address Escalating Bird Flu Threat
Approximately 500 experts from across the poultry industry, public health, science, and policy sectors met this week in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, for a global multisectoral dialogue on high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, this landmark meeting aimed to coordinate international defense against the rapidly spreading highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus. Since 2020, HPAI has devastated poultry flocks globally and spread to 83 mammal species, including dairy cattle and wildlife. With far-reaching impacts on biodiversity, international trade, and global food security, the current avian influenza panzootic has prompted urgent calls for coordinated action.
The three-day summit focused on developing effective prevention and control strategies, building on the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of HPAI published by FAO in collaboration with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) earlier this year. Key priorities included promoting early warning systems, vaccination strategies and biosecurity measures, with an emphasis on supporting vulnerable low-income countries and informal backyard poultry systems where surveillance and biosecurity remain challenging. Additionally, the summit focused on strengthening multisectoral coordination through a comprehensive One Health approach and sharing innovative and field-ready solutions for diagnostics, surveillance, and outbreak response. FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol stressed that “no single country or sector can tackle this threat in isolation, and failure is not an option. Practical, science-based collaboration like this is essential to protect our agrifood systems, livelihoods, and public health.”
The event marked the first time that government and scientific leaders were joined by private sector representatives in this type of global dialogue, allowing stakeholders to better understand industry challenges and also acknowledge the ongoing efforts and solutions being implemented by producers to combat the threat posed by H5N1.
Udderly Concerning: CDC Warns Raw Milk Could Carry H5N1 Risk
A new CDC report has concluded that the risk of potentially contracting H5N1 via ingestion of contaminated foods like raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products remains “low but theoretically possible”.
The CDC’s conclusion stemmed from analysis of scientific and medical literature demonstrating that influenza A may infect mammals through non-respiratory routes, including studies demonstrating that seasonal and novel flu viruses can spread to the GI tract of infected ferrets, reports of severe H5N1 infections in dogs and cats that consumed contaminated raw food or milk, and laboratory studies showing influenza A viruses can multiply in human GI tissues.
While it is unknown if avian influenza viruses can be transmitted to people through consumption of raw dairy products from infected cows, the agency emphasized that the possibility remains theoretically viable. Given that HPAI H5N1 has been found in commercially sold raw milk, CDC recommends avoiding the consumption of raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products, noting that pasteurization effectively inactivates influenza viruses. Officials also urge proper cooking of poultry, eggs, and beef to appropriate internal temperatures.
The turmoil at the CDC continues to reverberate. Last Thursday, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before the Senate Finance Committee in a hearing that quickly turned contentious. Lawmakers from both parties pressed him on his decision to fire CDC Director Susan Monarez, appoint vocal vaccine skeptics to the advisory panel that guides immunization policy, and narrow access to updated COVID-19 vaccines. At several points, Secretary Kennedy contradicted established evidence – from vaccine safety and effectiveness to estimates of how many lives COVID-19 vaccines have saved.
Despite Secretary Kennedy’s assurances to lawmakers that “anyone” could get a COVID-19 vaccine, many Americans have reported difficulty accessing updated shots due to patchy pharmacy supply, shifting eligibility rules, and state-level confusion. Doctors, pharmacists, and local health officials are scrambling to adapt while the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices prepares to meet on September 18 to set national guidance. In the meantime, this confusion has left vulnerable populations at risk, pending clearer guidance.
In the days following the hearing, the fallout was swift. Several members of Secretary Kennedy’s own family, including Joseph P. Kennedy III and Kerry Kennedy, publicly called for his resignation, warning that his leadership poses a direct threat to Americans’ health and wellbeing. Their criticism added to bipartisan concern in Congress and growing unease among state and local officials tasked with implementing vaccine policy. Looking ahead, the spotlight will turn back to the CDC on September 17, when former director Susan Monarez is set to testify before a Senate panel about her dismissal and the wave of high-profile resignations that followed.
Scott Wollek, MPA ’12 and adjunct professor in the Biodefense Graduate Program at the Schar School of Policy and Government has been named the new Director of the Maryland Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) at the Maryland Hospital Association (MHA).
Scott, a recognized expert in public health and healthcare emergency preparedness and health security, brings policy experience from leading a health emergency preparedness portfolio at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, including collaborations with ASPR, NIH, DHS and SLTT health departments and private/non-profit healthcare systems, as well practical, operational experience in emergency response and capacity building from service with American Red Cross Disaster Services in the National Capital Region to his new role.
Now in its third decade, the HPP program provides regional collaboration statewide for health care system readiness. In Maryland the program is implemented through partnership between the Maryland Department of Health and MHA. HPP supports four regional healthcare coalitions across Maryland, bringing together hospitals, EMS, emergency management, and local health departments to strengthen and build capacity for response to disasters and large-scale emergencies.
Craig Wiener, PhD ‘16 in Biodefense (Concentration in International Security) at the Schar School of Policy and Government has been appointed as a Nonresident Fellow in Science and Technology Policy and Research Security at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
The Baker Institute is consistently ranked among the world’s top university-based think tanks, known for its nonpartisan, policy-relevant research on global and domestic challenges—from energy, trade, and diplomacy to science, technology, and security.
Wiener said, “In this capacity, I look forward to contributing to the Institute’s Science & Technology Policy Program, with a special focus on safeguarding research integrity and driving forward-thinking policy at the nexus of science, technology, and national security. This new role is complementary to my principal responsibilities as a Technical Fellow at MITRE, advising the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, and the Intelligence Community on cybersecurity, CBRN defense, and national-level threat analysis. I will continue as a Fellow at George Mason University’s National Security Institute, at the Antonin Scalia Law School, where I engage on security issues with a nexus to U.S. national security law, defense and intelligence.”
“At the Baker Institute, I aim to help shape policy-relevant research that reinforces U.S. leadership in secure science and technology innovation, addresses the strategic dimensions of emerging technologies, and supports evidence-based decision-making.”
“I am grateful for this opportunity—and excited to collaborate with the renowned team at the Science & Technology Policy Program, alongside the broader community at Rice University and beyond.”
How to be a Science Ambassador by James L. Olds explores what it means for scientists to step beyond the lab and act as public intellectuals. Drawing on decades of experience in Washington, D.C., and abroad, Olds offers practical guidance on navigating the science-policy ecosystem, engaging in diplomacy and managing crises. He emphasizes the importance of building coalitions, forging trust across political divides, and learning how to advocate effectively for science with leaders and the public. Designed as a “how-to” guide, the book provides students and professionals alike with tools to strengthen their science communication skills and embrace leadership roles in the broader public arena.
In The Big One, Michael T. Osterholm and Mark Olshaker warn that while COVID-19 was devastating, it was not the catastrophic pandemic experts fear most. Drawing on history, they analyze how societies have confronted past pandemics, evaluate the global response to COVID-19, and project scenarios for future outbreaks. The book underscores that the world already has many of the tools needed to prepare – from rapid vaccine platforms to stronger public health systems – but political will and sustained investment remain lacking. Framed as both a cautionary tale and a practical guide, The Big One argues that readiness today is the only way to prevent disaster tomorrow.
CTD–SPECTRE Symposium, “Tropical and Emerging Infectious Diseases for Clinicians and Translational Scientists”
“The CTD-SPECTRE Symposium on Tropical and Emerging Infectious Diseases for Clinicians and Translational Scientists 2025 offers a unique opportunity to connect with global experts, gain cutting-edge insights, and collaborate with peers dedicated to infectious disease research and treatment.”
“Taking place September 16 -19, 2025, at the historic Grand Galvez in Galveston, TX, this immersive symposium will unite clinicians, translational investigators, and trainees to explore the latest breakthroughs in tropical and emerging infectious diseases.”
“Hosted by the Division of Infectious Diseases at UTMB, Center for Tropical Diseases (CTD) and Special Pathogens Excellence in Clinical Treatment, Readiness, & Education (SPECTRE) Program.”
Mirror Image Biology: Pushing the Envelope in Designing Biological Systems – A Workshop
From NASEM: “Most biological molecules are chiral entities where their mirror images have different structures and functional characteristics. Scientists have begun synthesizing left-handed DNA and RNA and creating proteins that can write left-handed nucleic acids. This, and other related research, is described as “mirror biology” and includes research toward creating mirror-image self-replicating living systems. The National Academies will host a foundational workshop on mirror biology, focusing on the state of the science, trends in research and development, risks and benefits of this research, and considerations relating for future governance of relevant enabling technologies.”
This event will take place virtually, September 29-30. Register here.
Doing More with Less: Practical Biosafety on a Budget
“Led by Azelia Labs biosafety experts, Katerina Semenyuk, PhD, RBP (ABSA) and Sarah Ziegler, PhD, RPB, CBSP (ABSA) this webinar will provide a comprehensive guide to maintaining a robust biosafety program in resource-constrained environments. We will address the unique challenges that arise when faced with limited funding or leadership hesitation to invest in safety protocols.”
“This session will focus on practical, actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles. Topics will include how to prioritize essential safety measures when budgets are tight, creative solutions for providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and innovative approaches to maintaining equipment and facilities without costly upgrades. We will also discuss methods for effectively communicating the value of biosafety to leadership to secure the necessary support for your program.”
This online event will take place on October 2, 12-1 pm EDT. Register here.
EMBRACE 2025 – Scientific Pathways to Biotoxin Preparedness Online Event
From CMINE: “Join us at the forefront of chemical and biological security for EMBRACE 2025 – a key event dedicated to cutting-edge research on biotoxins and human biomarkers of intoxication. This international symposium will spotlight ground-breaking scientific work and host the inauguration of EMBRACE’s Biotoxin Task Force.”
“What to Expect:
A unique opportunity to shape the scientific landscape of biotoxin threat preparedness and learn more about the EU EMBRACE project and the Biotoxin Task Force
A platform for showcasing innovation in biotoxin detection and response
Networking with global experts in biological forensics and toxicology”
This event will take place on October 15, 0900-1700 CEST. Register here.
Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction
From the World Organisation for Animal Health: “In October 2025, WOAH is hosting its third Global Conference, with the goal of galvanising advocacy efforts to manage the rising risk of biological threats from across the world.”
“The Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction – which will take place in Geneva on 28-30 October 2025 – will bring together top minds in the fields of health-security, emerging technologies, and biothreat reduction policies, from the public and private sectors – to focus on the latest strategies, challenges and innovations in combating biological threats to our interconnected ecosystems.”
“The Conference will bring together approximately 400 participants from different sectors, including animal health, law enforcement and security, public health, international and regional organisations, investment and development partners, private sector and industry representatives, research, academia and regulatory authorities, youth organisations.”
“Attendees will engage in thought-provoking discussions and innovative technical presentations aimed at strengthening prevention, preparedness and response capabilities across the world.”
“The event will be guided by a narrative that traces WOAH’s commitment to biological threat reduction and the increasingly relevant role it plays at the health-security interface. Against the backdrop of an uncertain future, WOAH believes that synergies between sectors can drive positive change – making the world a safer and healthier place. ”
From GHS: “We’re excited to officially announce that the 4th Global Health Security Conference (GHS2026) will be held in Kuala Lumpur on the 9 – 12June, 2026!”
“Building on the incredible momentum of GHS2024 in Sydney, we look forward to bringing together the global health security community once again – this time in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.”
“Registration and Call for Abstracts are now live!”
“The Editors of Applied Biosafety are pleased to announce a forthcoming Special Issue focused on the myriad of topics associated with global biosafety management. This special issue will showcase examples of innovative approaches, creative solutions, and best practices developed and used around the world for managing risks associated with the handling, use, and storage of infectious biological agents, toxins, and potentially infectious materials in research and clinical settings.”
From ISODARCO: “In recent years, the global security landscape has become increasingly volatile, shaped by a convergence of geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and evolving nuclear doctrines. The post-Cold War order that once provided a measure of predictability in global security has eroded. Conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and strategic competition between major powers have reshaped alliances and strategic postures.”
“At the same time, disruptive technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonic missiles, and cyber threats – are adding new layers of complexity to both nuclear and conventional deterrence dynamics. These technologies are not only distorting the information landscape but also compressing decision-making timelines and complicating signaling mechanisms, increasing the risk of miscalculation.”
“Effectively managing nuclear escalation risks in this environment will require a combination of innovative diplomacy, technological safeguards, and renewed dialogue mechanisms to rebuild trust, reduce misperceptions, and stabilize strategic relations.”
“The ISODARCO 2026 Winter Course presents an invaluable opportunity for students and experts to discuss and examine these dynamics in depth and explore approaches to re-establishing strategic stability and reducing nuclear dangers in a volatile world.”
This course will take place January 11-18, 2026, in Andalo. Learn more and apply here.
This week’s Pandora Report covers the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, updates on the administration, H5N1, and more.
DRC Declares Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak
Officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province. As of September 4, 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths have been reported. Africa CDC reports that the index case is a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted to the hospital in August with high fever and repeated vomiting, among other symptoms. The cases and deaths have been identified across the Bulape and Mweka health zones. Four cases were in healthcare workers. Furthermore, laboratory testing has confirmed the outbreak is of the Zaire strain. Kasai province last reported an EVD outbreak in 2008, while the DRC last reported an outbreak in 2022 in Équateur province.
Following CDC’s chaotic saga last month, Secretary Kennedy is facing even more calls from politicians, former and current health officials, and professional organizations to step down. A letter signed by over 1,000 former and current HHS staff this week formally called for Kennedy’s resignation from HHS, building on a previous letter written following the shooting at CDC early last month. The latest letter cites Kennedy’s role in the firing of Susan Monarez, the subsequent resignations of several top CDC officials, the appointment of “ideologues who pose as scientific experts and manipulate data to fit predetermined conclusions,” and more. The letter came amid similar calls from Senate Democrats and yet more professional organizations for the secretary’s resignation. Kennedy also faced similar calls during a particularly explosive hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday.
“Joint Statement Calling for Secretary Kennedy Resignation,” Infectious Diseases Society of America; American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American Academy of HIV Medicine; American Association of Immunologists; American Public Health Association; American Society for Microbiology; American Society for Virology; Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology; AIDS Vaccine Advisory Committee; Camenzind Solutions LLC; Fast-Track Cities Institute; HIV Medicine Institute; ID Care; International Association of Providers of AIDS Care; NTM Info & Research; Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society; Peggy Lillis Foundation; Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America; Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists; Stop TB USA; Treatment Action Group
Kennedy Set to Nominate New ACIP Members Amid Vaccine Clashes
With COVID-19 activity continuing to rise and more Americans uncertain if they will be able to receive updated COVID-19 immunizations this fall, Secretary Kennedy is set to appoint seven more members to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Among those on the list are a cardiologist, neurologist, and geneticist who have previously been critical of vaccines or mandates. The views of the four others are not clear as of yet.
Yvonne Maldonado, a pediatrician at Stanford University who served on the panel until Kennedy fired everyone on it in June, toldThe New York Times, “At first blush, none of these potential candidates appear to have vaccine expertise…It seems that there is a theme of ‘mainstream’ Covid policy denial. Covid is not the only disease we are dealing with now, and we should move on to dealing with the overall vaccine disease prevention landscape.”
In related news, the governors of California, Oregon, and Washington announced this week that they are forming the West Coast Health Alliance to provide unified recommendations to “ensure residents remain protected by science, not politics,” in response to upheaval at CDC. The trio warned that there will be serious ramifications if CDC becomes “a political tool that increasingly peddles ideology instead of science.”
By Margeaux Malone, Pandora Report Associate Editor
AI Tool Shows Promise for H5N1 Detection in Emergency Departments
University of Maryland researchers have developed an artificial intelligence tool that could greatly enhance H5N1 surveillance by identifying high-risk patients who slip through the cracks during routine emergency department visits. In the study recently published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, the team used GPT-4 Turbo to analyze over 13,000 emergency department visits from patients presenting with respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis in 2024.
While these symptoms could indicate seasonal flu, they’re also consistent with early H5N1 infections, making it crucial to also identify potentially relevant animal exposures. The AI tool successfully flagged 76 cases where patients mentioned risk factors like working as butchers or on livestock farms. After human review, 14 patients were confirmed to have had recent exposure to animals known to carry H5N1. Notably, these exposures were often mentioned incidentally in medical notes rather than being recognized as clinically significant by healthcare providers. The entire process required just 26 minutes of human oversight and cost only 3 cents per patient record. This scalability could enable widespread deployment across hospital systems nationwide.
“Because we are not tracking how many symptomatic patients have potential bird flu exposures, and how many of those patients are being tested, infections could be going undetected,” explained lead researcher Katherine Goodman. “It’s vital for healthcare systems to monitor for potential human exposure and to act quickly on that information.”
However, experts noted some important limitations. The model was conservative when identifying animal exposures relevant to avian influenza, flagging even low-risk contact with animals such as pet dogs, emphasizing the need for human review of any flagged cases. Furthermore, current AI tools like this one rely on already knowing what to look for when screening for H5N1. More sophisticated systems will be needed to identify emerging patterns as H5N1 evolves or new pandemic threats emerge. Still, for a virus where early detection could mean the difference between containment and widespread human transmission, this represents meaningful progress in our surveillance capabilities.
Typologies of Terrorist Organizations: Conceptual Lenses and Counterterrorism Measures
This forthcoming book was authored by Mahmut Cengiz, Mitchel P. Roth, and Huseyin Cinoglu. Cengiz is an associate professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government and a research faculty member with Mason’s Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center who teaches courses in the Biodefense Graduate Program: “Explore the complex landscape of global terrorism with Typologies of Terrorist Organizations: Conceptual Lenses and Counterterrorism Measures. This essential volume provides a comprehensive examination of hundreds of terrorist groups and employs a detailed framework of typological classifications—religious, left-wing/revolutionary, ethnonationalist, anarchist, right-wing, ecoterrorism, state terrorism, cyberterrorism, and narcoterrorism—to analyze each group in depth, focusing on their ideologies, key actors, methods, and underlying motives.”
“What sets this book apart is its multidimensional approach, using conceptual lenses to delve into the causes of terrorist actions, the motivations driving these groups, and their strategies. This approach not only aids in combating terrorism but also enhances understanding of the broader context in which these groups operate. It provides insights into their organizational structures, tactics, weaponry, victim profiles, target types, funding sources, and networks, painting a comprehensive picture of the evolving nature of terrorism.”
“Additionally, Typologies of Terrorist Organizations offers a critical review of domestic and global counterterrorism strategies, examining how these strategies have evolved to address emerging threats. Each chapter provides a detailed perspective on counterterrorism efforts, making this book a valuable resource for understanding both the development of terrorist tactics and the responses designed to counter them.”
“Ideal for scholars, policymakers, and security professionals, this book is not only crucial for those engaged in counterterrorism but also for anyone seeking to understand the broader contextual dynamics of global terrorism. Its combination of theoretical depth and practical analysis makes it a significant contribution to the field of counterterrorism studies and an indispensable guide for navigating contemporary security challenges.”
“Neutralizing Nipah”
Rekha Dixit recently published this article in Shaastra: “Pedro is a fluffy seven-year-old alpaca from the Andes mountains of Chile. The Pteropus medius is a large fruit bat native to the Indian subcontinent. There is little to connect the two — barring the fact that Pedro’s blood might be able to fight the deadly Nipah virus harboured by the fruit bat.”
“Researchers from Austral University of Chile and The University of Queensland, Australia, have isolated a nanobody — DS90 — from Pedro’s immune cells that can bind to a surface protein of the Nipah virus, thereby blocking its ability to enter and infect mammalian cells (bit.ly/alpaca-Nipah).”
“Nanobodies are very small antibodies — one-tenth the size of standard antibodies — and are produced only in the Camelid group of animals, which includes alpacas. Researchers are looking at nanobodies to tackle diseases ranging from infection to cancer because of their size, enhanced ability to bind with antigens, robust stability and capability to breach the blood-brain barrier. Nanobodies can also be manufactured to scale. Discovered in 1989 by a team led by Raymond Hamers and Cécile Casterman, the first nanobody-based therapy was approved in 2018 to treat acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a blood disorder.”
Geoffrey Kamadi recently published this article in The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, writing in part, “The cholera outbreak in Malawi illustrates how natural disasters and climate change can create or exacerbate public health crises. But researchers are only beginning to understand the relationship between climate change and AMR specifically. “For the last five years, a lot of new work has gone into how climate change and AMR are relating to one another,” says Arshnee Moodley, the team lead for AMR at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi.”
“Simplifying Research Regulations and Policies”
From NASEM: “The U.S. scientific enterprise has produced countless discoveries that have led to significant advances in technology, health, security, safety, and economic prosperity. However, concern exists that excessive, uncoordinated, and duplicative policies and regulations surrounding research are hampering progress and jeopardizing American scientific competitiveness. Estimates suggest the typical U.S. academic researcher spends more than 40 percent of their federally funded research time on administrative and regulatory matters, wasting intellectual capacity and taxpayer dollars. Although administrative and regulatory compliance work can be vital aspects of research, the time spent by researchers on such activities continues to increase because of a dramatic rise in regulations, policies, and requirements over time.”
“To better ensure that the research community is maximally productive while simultaneously ensuring the safety, accountability, security, and ethical conduct of publicly funded research, Simplifying Research Regulations and Policies: Optimizing American Science examines current federal research regulations. This report identifies ways to improve regulatory processes and administrative tasks, reduce or eliminate unnecessary work, and modify and remove policies and regulations that have outlived their purpose while maintaining necessary and appropriate integrity, accountability, and oversight. Simplifying Research Regulations provides a roadmap for establishing a more agile and resource-effective regulatory framework for federally funded research.”
NEW: Doing More with Less: Practical Biosafety on a Budget
“Led by Azelia Labs biosafety experts, Katerina Semenyuk, PhD, RBP (ABSA) and Sarah Ziegler, PhD, RPB, CBSP (ABSA) this webinar will provide a comprehensive guide to maintaining a robust biosafety program in resource-constrained environments. We will address the unique challenges that arise when faced with limited funding or leadership hesitation to invest in safety protocols.”
“This session will focus on practical, actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles. Topics will include how to prioritize essential safety measures when budgets are tight, creative solutions for providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and innovative approaches to maintaining equipment and facilities without costly upgrades. We will also discuss methods for effectively communicating the value of biosafety to leadership to secure the necessary support for your program.”
This online event will take place on October 2, 12-1 pm EDT. Register here.
From CMINE: “Join us at the forefront of chemical and biological security for EMBRACE 2025 – a key event dedicated to cutting-edge research on biotoxins and human biomarkers of intoxication. This international symposium will spotlight ground-breaking scientific work and host the inauguration of EMBRACE’s Biotoxin Task Force.”
“What to Expect:
A unique opportunity to shape the scientific landscape of biotoxin threat preparedness and learn more about the EU EMBRACE project and the Biotoxin Task Force
A platform for showcasing innovation in biotoxin detection and response
Networking with global experts in biological forensics and toxicology”
This event will take place on October 15, 0900-1700 CEST. Register here.
ICYMI: Strengthening Biosecurity in the Latin America / Caribbean Region From IFBA: “The International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA), alongside its network of biosafety associations and partners, continue to jointly implement activities designed to strengthen biological security across the Latin America/Caribbean (LAC) region. Most recently, an IFBA/LAC delegation, including included two participants from IFBA’s LAC Mentorship Program, participated in the Sixth Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention between August 12-15, 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. In addition to attending the plenary meeting and its associated events, the delegation engaged with the Youth for Biosecurity Fellows in collaboration with UNODA representatives during their field visit to Geneva. The IFBA’s Senior Program Officer presented the IFBA’s existing program successes and future strategic planning to the Global Partnership’s Biological Security Working Group.”
Biological Threats in the Age of Emerging Biotechnology – A Workshop Series
From NASEM: “The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) will convene an ad hoc planning committee to organize a workshop series with international scientists. The series will engage early-career and established experts to: a) examine dual-use risks in biotechnology research; b) explore potential misuse of knowledge, tools, and materials; c) review existing frameworks for assessing and mitigating dual-use concerns; and d) identify steps to reduce exploitation while promoting responsible innovation. The workshops will focus on balancing scientific progress with security considerations. Key insights and recommendations will be compiled in a publicly available workshop proceedings document.”
These workshops will take place 10 am-1 pm ET on September 10, 17, and 18. Register here.
CTD–SPECTRE Symposium, “Tropical and Emerging Infectious Diseases for Clinicians and Translational Scientists”
“The CTD-SPECTRE Symposium on Tropical and Emerging Infectious Diseases for Clinicians and Translational Scientists 2025 offers a unique opportunity to connect with global experts, gain cutting-edge insights, and collaborate with peers dedicated to infectious disease research and treatment.”
“Taking place September 16 -19, 2025, at the historic Grand Galvez in Galveston, TX, this immersive symposium will unite clinicians, translational investigators, and trainees to explore the latest breakthroughs in tropical and emerging infectious diseases.”
“Hosted by the Division of Infectious Diseases at UTMB, Center for Tropical Diseases (CTD) and Special Pathogens Excellence in Clinical Treatment, Readiness, & Education (SPECTRE) Program.”
Mirror Image Biology: Pushing the Envelope in Designing Biological Systems – A Workshop
From NASEM: “Most biological molecules are chiral entities where their mirror images have different structures and functional characteristics. Scientists have begun synthesizing left-handed DNA and RNA and creating proteins that can write left-handed nucleic acids. This, and other related research, is described as “mirror biology” and includes research toward creating mirror-image self-replicating living systems. The National Academies will host a foundational workshop on mirror biology, focusing on the state of the science, trends in research and development, risks and benefits of this research, and considerations relating for future governance of relevant enabling technologies.”
This event will take place virtually, September 29-30. Register here.
Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction
From the World Organisation for Animal Health: “In October 2025, WOAH is hosting its third Global Conference, with the goal of galvanising advocacy efforts to manage the rising risk of biological threats from across the world.”
“The Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction – which will take place in Geneva on 28-30 October 2025 – will bring together top minds in the fields of health-security, emerging technologies, and biothreat reduction policies, from the public and private sectors – to focus on the latest strategies, challenges and innovations in combating biological threats to our interconnected ecosystems.”
“The Conference will bring together approximately 400 participants from different sectors, including animal health, law enforcement and security, public health, international and regional organisations, investment and development partners, private sector and industry representatives, research, academia and regulatory authorities, youth organisations.”
“Attendees will engage in thought-provoking discussions and innovative technical presentations aimed at strengthening prevention, preparedness and response capabilities across the world.”
“The event will be guided by a narrative that traces WOAH’s commitment to biological threat reduction and the increasingly relevant role it plays at the health-security interface. Against the backdrop of an uncertain future, WOAH believes that synergies between sectors can drive positive change – making the world a safer and healthier place. ”
From GHS: “We’re excited to officially announce that the 4th Global Health Security Conference (GHS2026) will be held in Kuala Lumpur on the 9 – 12June, 2026!”
“Building on the incredible momentum of GHS2024 in Sydney, we look forward to bringing together the global health security community once again – this time in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.”
“Registration and Call for Abstracts are now live!”
“The Editors of Applied Biosafety are pleased to announce a forthcoming Special Issue focused on the myriad of topics associated with global biosafety management. This special issue will showcase examples of innovative approaches, creative solutions, and best practices developed and used around the world for managing risks associated with the handling, use, and storage of infectious biological agents, toxins, and potentially infectious materials in research and clinical settings.”
From ISODARCO: “In recent years, the global security landscape has become increasingly volatile, shaped by a convergence of geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and evolving nuclear doctrines. The post-Cold War order that once provided a measure of predictability in global security has eroded. Conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and strategic competition between major powers have reshaped alliances and strategic postures.”
“At the same time, disruptive technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonic missiles, and cyber threats – are adding new layers of complexity to both nuclear and conventional deterrence dynamics. These technologies are not only distorting the information landscape but also compressing decision-making timelines and complicating signaling mechanisms, increasing the risk of miscalculation.”
“Effectively managing nuclear escalation risks in this environment will require a combination of innovative diplomacy, technological safeguards, and renewed dialogue mechanisms to rebuild trust, reduce misperceptions, and stabilize strategic relations.”
“The ISODARCO 2026 Winter Course presents an invaluable opportunity for students and experts to discuss and examine these dynamics in depth and explore approaches to re-establishing strategic stability and reducing nuclear dangers in a volatile world.”
This course will take place January 11-18, 2026, in Andalo. Learn more and apply here.
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.
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.”
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).”
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 20here.
The Pandora Report 