Tag: health

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:

For Prospective MS Students:

• Faculty Led: Biodefense MS Virtual Information Session on Wednesday, October 8 (noon-1:00pm ET)

For Prospective PhD Students:

• Virtual PhD Open House on Monday, October 27 (6-7:30pm ET)

🔗 See all upcoming events here.

☕ 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.

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.  

Scientists, however, are pushing back. Some are filing lawsuits to reinstate grants, others are compiling budgetary records to help in lawsuits, and many are speaking out against the administration’s actions, often at the risk of their own careers. Groups like Stand Up for Science, a non-profit dedicated to countering harmful policy and funding changes to science under the current administration, are working to spotlight these issues and support scientific integrity. These efforts have led to some victories, for example, with judicial decisions reinstating hundreds of terminated projects at the NIH, or the restoration of $500 million in UCLA and other University of California school research grants.

Further Reading:

• “House Panels Charge U.S. National Academies with Producing Partisan Studies,” Jeffrey Mervis, Science
• “State Department Outlines Plans to Move from Global Health Aid to Self-Reliance,” Filip Timotijia, The Hill

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.

Further Reading:

• “The Costs to Global Health,” Carrie Arnold, Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health
• “America First, Health Last?” Global Biodefense
• “What’s In — and What’s Missing — In the New U.S. Strategy for Global Health,” Gabrielle Emanuel and Fatma Tanis, NPR
• “Trump Dissed World Leaders at the UN While Asking for Their Help on a Bioweapons Prevention Plan,” Matt Field, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
• “Russia Says it Backs Trump’s Call for Ban on Biological Weapons,” Reuters

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.

Further Reading:

• “Ousted CDC Officials Clap Back at RFK Jr.,” KFF Health News
• I’m a Former CDC Director. I’m Deeply Concerned About the Future of Vaccines in the U.S.,” Rochelle Walensky, STAT News
• “NIH Outlines New System for Awarding Research Grants to Foreign Scientists,” Megan Molteni, STAT News
• “Amended International Health Regulations Enter into Force,” WHO
• “Trump’s Escalating Attacks on Vaccines Shock Public Health Leaders,” Lena H. Sun and Dan Diamond, Washington Post
• “Poll: Public Trust in US Health Agencies Down, Only 39% Trust RFK Jr,” Jim Wappes, CIDRAP
• “A New Era of Vaccine Federalism,” Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker

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.

Further Reading:

• “Ebola Vaccine Arrives in DR Congo Hot Spot as Illnesses, Deaths Rise,” Lisa Schnirring, CIDRAP
• “The Trump Administration’s Response to Congo’s Ebola Outbreak Isn’t Normal, Infectious Disease Leaders Say,” Margaret Manto, NOTUS
• “Bill Gates Pledges $US912 Million to AIDS and Malaria Non-Profit as US Cuts Funding,” ABC News

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.

Further Reading:

• “AI-Designed Phages,” Niko McCarty, Asimov Press
• “World’s First AI-Designed Viruses a Step Towards AI-Generated Life,” Katie Kavanagh, Nature

Avian Influenza Updates and More

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.

Further Reading:

• “EU restores Brazilian poultry imports after avian flu outbreak closed the market,” Marta Iraola Iribarren, EuroNews
• “Canada pauses cull of ostrich flock that had cases of avian flu amid US push to save them,” Anna Mehler Paperny, Reuters
• “AI-based antibody design targeting recent H5N1 avian influenza strains,” Nicholas Santolla and Colby T. Ford, ScienceDirect

New World Screwworm Inches Closer to U.S. Border

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. ”

Learn more and register here.

GHS 2026

From GHS: “We’re excited to officially announce that the 4th Global Health Security Conference (GHS2026) will be held in Kuala Lumpur on the 9 – 12 June, 2026!”

“Building on the incredible momentum of GHS2024 in Sydney, we look forward to bringing together the global health security community once again – this time in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.”

“Registration and Call for Abstracts are now live!”

Learn more, submit abstracts, and register here.

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 31 here.

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”

Learn more and submit your papers here.

Applied Biosafety Call for Papers

“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.”

Learn more and submit by November 1 here.

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 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:

For Prospective MS Students:

• Faculty Led: Biodefense MS Virtual Information Session on Wednesday, October 8 (noon-1:00pm ET)

For Prospective PhD Students:

• Virtual PhD Open House on Monday, September 22 (6-7:30pm ET)

• Virtual PhD Open House on Monday, October 27 (6-7:30pm ET)

🔗 See all upcoming events here.

☕ 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.

Further Reading:

• “Kennedy’s vaccine committee plans to vote on COVID-19, hepatitis B and chickenpox shots,”Mike Stobbe, AP News
• “Why 1 in 6 U.S. parents are rejecting vaccine recommendations,” Lauren Weber, Scott Clement, Emily Guskin, and Lena H. Sun, The Washington Post
• “Ousted CDC director expected to push back against RFK Jr.’s version of her firing,” Sophie Gardner, Politico

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.

Further Reading:

• “Trump’s Tariff Threat for Imported Medicines Poses Political Risks,” Rebecca Robbins, The New York Times
• “After lagging far behind, NIH now seems on pace to spend its entire $47 billion budget by Sept. 30” Megan Molteni, Anil Oza, and J. Emory Parker, STAT News

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 19^th-century discovery of molecular asymmetry, underscoring the long history of anxieties over humanity accidentally unleashing forces beyond its control.

Further Reading:

• “How new technology could make it easier to identify covert bioweapons programs” Filippa Lentzos, Hailey Wingo, Jez Littlewood, and Alberto Muti, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
• “The Next Public Health Emergency Workshop Recommendations on How Regulatory Agencies and Vaccine Developers Across the World Can Be Better Prepared” Catherine Hoath, Adam Hacker, and John Skerritt, DIA Global Forum
• “The Costs to Global Health” Carrie Arnold, Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health
• “Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender snapshot 2025” UN Women
• “‘Critical’ to Complete Pandemic Agreement by UN Meeting in 2026” Kerry Cullinan, Health Policy Watch

Avian Influenza Updates

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.

Further Reading:

• “More Data From Farms Could Help Scientists Better Track Avian Flu, but Privacy Concerns Stand in the Way,” Grey Moran, Sentient
• “#NoBirdFlu: clear communications for better biosecurity,” European Food Safety Authority

“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. ”

Learn more and register here.

GHS 2026

From GHS: “We’re excited to officially announce that the 4th Global Health Security Conference (GHS2026) will be held in Kuala Lumpur on the 9 – 12 June, 2026!”

“Building on the incredible momentum of GHS2024 in Sydney, we look forward to bringing together the global health security community once again – this time in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.”

“Registration and Call for Abstracts are now live!”

Learn more, submit abstracts, and register here.

Applied Biosafety Call for Papers

“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.”

Learn more and submit by November 1 here.

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.