Biosecurity Events

1928 - 1979

1980 - 1989

1990 - 1999

2000 - 2005

2006 - 2008

 

2008

Meeting of States Parties to Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
Date: 1 - 5 December, 2008
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participant(s): State Parties to the BWC
Description: This inter review conference meeting is part of a four-year programme mandated by the Sixth Review Conference aimed at, “strengthening the implementation of the Convention and improving its effectiveness as a practical barrier against the development or use of biological weapons.” Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: November 4 - 6, 2008
Location: Bethesda , MD , USA
Participant(s): NSABB
Description: The meeting agenda and presentations are not yet available. Top

 

Meeting of Experts from States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
Date: August 18-22, 2008
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participant(s): State Parties to the BWC
Description: The Meeting of Experts (the second part of a four-year programme) is aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Convention and improving its effectiveness as a practical barrier against the development or use of biological weapons. The meeting will focus on n ational, regional and international measures to improve biosafety and biosecurity, as well as oversight, education, awareness raising, and adoption and/or development of codes of conduct. Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: August 12 - 14, 2008
Location: Bethesda , MD , USA
Participant(s): NSABB
Description: The meeting agenda and presentations are not yet available. Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: April 29 - May 1, 2008
Location: Bethesda , MD , USA
Participant(s): NSABB
Description: The meeting agenda and presentations are not yet available. Top

 

The Global Health Initiative of the World Health Organization, and How to Develop and Strengthen Ethics Programs for Scientists
Date: April 22, 2008
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Peter Folb and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

Agricultural Bioterrorism
Date: March 12, 2008
Location: Stanford University, CA, USA
Participant(s): Richard Bostock and guests
Description: This seminar is being held by the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University. Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: February 26-28, 2008
Location: Bethesda , MD , USA
Participant(s): NSABB
Description: The meeting agenda and presentations are not yet available. Top

 

6th ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research
Date: February 24-27, 2008
Location: Baltimore, MD, USA
Participant(s): American Society for Microbiology
Description: This meeting brings together researchers and decision makers working to defend against bioterrorism. Top

 

 

2007

Global Biosecurity: Challenges & Opportunities: Options for Reducing Natural and Intentional Biological Risks
Date: December 18, 2007
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): David Franz and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

Biotechnology Nonproliferation: U.S. Export Regulations and International Collaboration
Date: December 11, 2007
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Elizabeth Scott and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

Meeting of States Parties to Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
Date: 10 - 14 December, 2007
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participant(s): State Parties to the BWC
Description: This inter review conference meeting is part of a four-year programme mandated by the Sixth Review Conference aimed at, “strengthening the implementation of the Convention and improving its effectiveness as a practical barrier against the development or use of biological weapons.” Top

 

Plague in a Virtual World: What Real World Bio-Security Can Learn from Warlock Night Elves
Date: November 27, 2007
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Nina Fefferman and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

Biosafety and Biosecurity International Conference 2007: A Seminar for the Life Sciences and Policy Communities the Gulf and MENA region
Date: November 12 - 14, 2007
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Participant(s): The Environment agency of Abu Dhabi & the International Council for Life Sciences (ICLS)
Description: The conference will feature presentations on best practices, standards, and training in biosafety and biosecurity and success stories for national and trans-national disease surveillance networks. Special attention will be paid to identifying priority areas for the Gulf and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and developing an action plan for future work. Top

 

8th Meeting of the Global Health Security Action Group
Date: November 2, 2007
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): Ministers/Secretaries/Commissioner of Health and senior health officials from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Mexico, the European Union and the World Health Organization.
Description: This annual meeting is held to coordinate public health activities throughout the world. Top

 

Strengthening a Global Biosecurity/Biosafety Framework and Coping with the Biotechnology Revolution
Date: October 25- 26, 2007
Location: Como, Italy
Participant(s): Landau Network Centro Volta (LNCV) and The Partnership for Global Security (PGS) Description: The workshop is aimed at examining options for global biosecurity. Top

 

Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences Presents "Biosecurity Code of Conduct"
Date: October 22, 2007
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Participant(s): Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences
Description: Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences has developed a code of conduct and is encouraging its implementation in organizations conducting life sciences research. "The code is intended to raise awareness among scientists of the potential misuse of their research." Top

 

National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) - Roundtable on Synthetic Biology
Date: October 11, 2007
Location: Bethesda , MD, USA
Participant(s): NSABB
Description: This roundtable will explore the biosecurity and biosafety dimensions of synthetic biology – the agenda is available on the NSABB website. Top

 

Prevention of Biocrimes: A Discussion on Achieving International Security while Promoting Scientific Advancement
Date: September 27, 2007
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): Barry Kellman, Special Agent Kristine Beardsley, Nancy Connell, and guests.
Description: This conference examine, “ the potential impact of measures to criminalize the misuse of biology on scientific advancement and international security. Top

 

The Future of Biosecurity Communications
Date: September 10, 2007
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): The US National Academy and the Federation for American Scientists
Description: The meeting will discuss how the biosecurity policy community can form the infrastructure necessary to effectively disseminate information to the public and other stakeholders on biosecurity. Top

 

Meeting of Experts from States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
Date: August 20-24, 2007
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participant(s): State Parties to the BWC
Description: The Meeting of Experts (the first part of a four-year programme) is aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Convention and improving its effectiveness as a practical barrier against the development or use of biological weapons. The 2007 Meeting of Experts will focus on ways and means to enhance national implementation and regional and sub-regional cooperation on implementation of the Convention. Top

 

Combating Bioterrorism / Pandemics: Implementing Policies for Biosecurity
Date: July 23-25, 2007
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
Participant(s): MIT, Professional Institute
Description: This workshop aims to address the organizational difficulties in addressing bioterrorism and the challenges of the implementation of biosecurity policies. Each agency has developed its only organizational style and is resistant to change during times of crisis. Participants will learn to identify how existing agencies will be able to change their priorities concerning bioweapons and how alternative approaches can be implemented. Finally, participants will tackle the question on how accurate information regarding bioterrorism and biosecurity may be provided to the public. Top

 

Public Policy and Biological Threats: Training the Next Generation
Date: July 22-August 4, 2007
Location: IGCC Public Policy and Biological Threats Program, UC San Diego, USA
Participant(s): UC San Diego and invited guests
Description: This summer training program will address among other things the following elements of public policy tools and biological threats: science of biological weapons and biological threats: an introduction to infectious diseases, treatment, weaponization, dispersion, and detection of biological agents best practices for organizing trans-disciplinary and high-volume data; Improved risk-scenario planning and improved tools for scenario building; Large-scale modeling evaluation analysis to achieve cost-benefit evaluations; Assessment of response strategies and plans, International rules and regime building (creation of shared understandings of the strategic challenge and policy norms); Strategic interaction analysis (game theory and other policy tools; Analysis of building consensus among stakeholders, including a concise introduction to public policymaking; and analysis of the intersection of the growth of a sophisticated biotechnology industry around the world and the issues posed for the control of bioterrorism. Top

 

Biodefense, genomics and synthetic biology: the dual-use dilemma
Date: 12 June, 2007
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): Dr. Claire Fraser-Liggett and guests.
Description: This conference is s ponsored by the National Institutes of Health Emergency Preparedness and Biodefense Interest Group. Top

 

Controlling Dangerous Pathogens Project Regional Workshop on Dual-Use Research
Date: May 28-30, 2007
Location: National University of Singapore, Singapore
Participants: The Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM)
Description: This workshop is designed to engage a broad range of government, scientific, academic, security, and industry experts in the Asian Pacific region on the issue of dual-use biotechnology research. It has two primary goals: to help raise awareness among key stakeholders about the dual-use issue; and to obtain feedback on the governance proposals that have been developed for managing the most consequential areas of dual-use research, whether government, academic or industry-sponsored. Top

Bio-Safety and Security in Asia (BIOSECASIA)
Date: May 21-22, 2007
Location: Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
Participant(s): Malaysian Science and Technology Research Institute for Defense(STRIDE) and guests
Description: This conference seeks to address issues and challenges regarding biosafety, biosecurity, and national defense. Moreover, the conference intends to function as a coordinating platform in developing policies, issuing guidance and encompassing issues in the advancement of biosecurity and biosafety and their impact on the global community. Top

 

Dual-Use Biotechnology Threats in a Post 9/11 World: Synthetic Genomics and Bioterrorism
Date: May 18, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participant(s): Dr. Kathleen Vogel and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

Terror Medicine
Date: May 11, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participant(s): Dr. Leonard A. Cole and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . This lecture will contain highly graphic materials that have been shown primarily to medical audiences.  It should not be attended by the faint-hearted. Top

 

The Weapon Potential of a Microbe and the Select Agents Act
Date: May 4, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participant(s): Dr. Arturo Casadevall and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

Dr. Ken Alibek presentation at Princeton University (Title to be Announced)
Date: April 27, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participant(s): Dr. Ken Alibek and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: April 19, 2007
Location: Bethesda , MD , USA
Participant(s): NSABB
Description: At the meeting the NSABB considered the DRAFT Report of the NSABB Working Group on Oversight Framework Development . Top

 

Emerging Exotic Diseases of Food Producing Animals: Global Implications
Date: April 13, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participant(s): Dr. James A. Roth and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

Agricultural Biosecurity - Protecting our Livestock and Crops
Date: April 2-3, 2007
Location: Washington D.C. , USA
Participants: American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Description: The Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy at AAAS will host this two-part briefing series on agriculture security and food defense.

 

The Threat of Bioterrorism and Pandemics since 9/11, How to Improve North American Cooperation
Date: April 2, 2007
Location: Washington D.C. , USA
Participants: American University Center for North American Studies
Description: This workshop on biosecurity and pandemic response within the North American community brought together experts to explore cooperation measures.

 

The Biological Weapons Threat and Nonproliferation Options: A Survey of Senior U.S. Decision Makers and Policy Shapers
Date: March 30, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participant(s): Dr. Amy Smithson and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

OECD releases "Best Practice Guidelines for Biological Resource Centres (BRCs)"
Date: March 27, 2007
Location: Paris, France
Participant(s): OECD Committee on Science and Technology Policy
Description: The OECD Best Practice Guidelines on Biosecurity for BRCs are designed to secure all types of biological materials (e.g. plant-, animal-, micro-organism- and human-derived) in proportion to the risk they present. The Guidelines on Biosecurity direct facilities within their purview to perform a risk assessment of the various biological materials they hold, assign a biosecurity risk level to each type of material and implement risk management practices to reduce the chance of their loss or theft. Top

 

Interpol Workshop on Preventing Bioterrorism
Date: March 19-21, 2007
Location: Muscat, Oman
Participant(s): Interpol and security representatives from various countries
Description: This workshop covering the Middle East and North Africa region called for delegates to encourage their governments to be aware of, and prepared for, the threat of biological attack.The three-day meeting aimed to educating senior law enforcement officials in areas relating to bioterrorism prevention and response, with input from international scientific and legal experts. Participants from 15 countries took part in a simulation of a major bioterrorism event to underline the importance of inter-agency co-operation.

 

"Synthetic Biology and Biological Security"
Date: March 9, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA .
Participants: Dr. Drew Endy and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: The seminar series hopes for a multidisciplinary approach to potential risks of dual use research. It seeks a collaborative relationships between policy and security experts and the life sciences community to improve strategies for addressing the dual-use dangers of modern biology. This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

Developing Options for Global Biosecurity: Assessing Progress and Evaluating New Mechanisms
Date: March 6 -7, 2007
Location : Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington D.C. , USA
Participant(s): organized by the Partnership for Global Security
Description : This workshop examines the scope of existing biosecurity activities and initiatives while outlining the new challenges arising from the rapid growth of the biotechnology sector. The seminars will consider a wide range of proposals that can facilitate the harmonization of global biosecurity approaches and mechanisms. The second part of the workshop will focus on a discussion of the formation of a Global Biosecurity Task Force, which will play an important advisory role to this project.  Top

 

The New Arms Race: Making the Case for an International Compact for Infectious Diseases
Date: February 16, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participant(s): Dr. Harvey Rubin and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

"Governance for Biological Threat Reduction: A Comprehensive, Interdisciplinary, International Approach.” 
Date: February 9, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participants : Dr. Gerald L. Epstein and Dr. David Heyman and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description : The seminar series seeks to engage leading university, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industry scientists in discussions with security analysts on issues of biodefense, biothreats, biosecurity, biosafety, and bioethics in order to help the life sciences community contribute to biodefense policy development.  This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: January 31, 2007 (Closed Session)
Location: Bethesda , MD , USA
Participant(s): Closed Meeting, NSABB
Description: The meeting agenda and presentations are not yet available. Top

 

2006

7th Meeting of the Global Health Security Action Group
Date: Late 2006
Location: Japan
Participant(s): Ministers/Secretaries/Commissioner of Health and senior health officials from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Mexico, the European Union and the World Health Organization.
Description: This annual meeting is held to coordinate public health activities throughout the world. Top

 

Controlling Dangerous Pathogens Project Regional Workshop on Dual-Use Research
Date: December 8-10, 2006
Location: Teresopolis, Brazil
Participants: The Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM)
Description: The second Regional Workshop on Dual-Use Research had two primary purposes: to help raise awareness among key stakeholders about the dual-use issue; and to obtain feedback on the governance proposal that we have developed for managing the most consequential areas of dual-use research. Nearly two dozen scientists, academic researchers, government science ministry officials, security experts, and industry representatives participated in the workshop, from 8 Latin American and Caribbean countries.

 

6th Review Conference for the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction - often referred to as the Biological Weapons Convention - BWC
Date: 20 November - 8 December 2006
Location: Geneva , Switzerland
Participant(s): State Parties to the BWC
Description: This is the 6th BWC Review Conference and the first since the establishment of intercessional Experts’ Meetings. At the Conference, States will discuss ways of strengthening the BWC. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan addressed the Conference, pointing to the heightened insecurity after September 11, 2001, and the growing importance of countries to come together to address the global threat of potential advancements in science and technology. Top

 

Workshop: Biosecurity & Genomics
Date: 13-14 November 2006
Location: Edinburgh, UK
Participant(s): Representatives from OECD, US NAS, UK Royal Society as well as social and political scientists
Description: This workshop will explore the emergence of biosecurity controls and their impact on genomics and biomedical research. Top

 

Enhancing Biosafety and Biosecurity: Developing National and International Strategies
Date: November 7-9, 2006
Location: Moscow , Russia
Participant(s): ICLS, NP TEMPO, and the  I.M. Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy
Description: At this seminar, the International Council of Life Scientists (ICLS) announced the development of International Advisory Groups (IAGs) composed of local partners and international experts to promote best practices, standards and training curricula. The IAGs sought to enhance biosafety and biosecurity on an international, regional and national level. Top

 

Interpol Workshop on Preventing Bioterrorism
Date: November 6-8, 2006
Location: Kiev , Ukraine
Participant(s): Interpol and security representatives from various countries
Description: This workshop followed the 1st Interpol Global Conference on Preventing Bioterrorism and regional workshops ( Africa , Asia , and the Americas ). It sought to provide information and training in bioterrorism prevention policies and to enhance response capabilities in Member States. Furthermore, the conference served as an opportunity to bring together international, regional and national organisations and law enforcement agencies to promote greater cooperation. In launching its Biocriminalization Project, Interpol focused the agenda on the development of national legislation and possible national information gaps. Top

 

Chemical and Biological Weapons: Facing Future Challenges
Date: 29 September - 1 October 2006
Location: West Sussex, United Kingdom
Participant(s): Wilton Park and the International Security Bureau of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Description: This conference was aimed at analyzing questions such as, "What are the prospects beyond the Biological and Toxin Weapons Review Conference? What are the critical issues in the run up to the 2008 Chemical Weapons Review Conference? How can industry be more involved and what are the implications of technological change for CBW non-proliferation? What are the future prospects for counter-proliferation?" Top

 

OECD/Russian Federation Workshop on “Biosecurity of Microbial Biological Resources – Complementing Innovation”
Date: 20 - 21 September 2006
Location: Moscow, Russia
Participant(s): OECD and the Russian Federation
Description: The Workshop will focus on how to improve research on biosecurity and biosecurity measures in entities handling dangerous biological materials. Top

OPCW and IUPAC Develop Code of Ethical Principles of Chemistry
Date: September 21 – 22, 2006
Location: Bologna , Italy
Participant(s): Scientific Advisory Board of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)
Description: This joint seminar centered on the OPCW/IUPAC chemical education and outreach project, particularly focusing on the development of a code of conduct for the scientific community dealing with chemistry. Discussions on a Code of Ethics were perceived as relevant to ensure that university and post-graduate curricula in chemistry will include education in the ethical norms that govern the peaceful uses of chemistry. Top

Bioterrorism International Coordination Exercise (Black ICE)
Date: 7-8 September 2006
Location: Montreux, Switzerland
Participant(s): The United States Department of State and the Foreign Ministry of Switzerland as well as numerous intergovernmental organizations
Description: This two-day tabletop exercise is an opportunity for officials from numerous international organizations to examine the critical cooperation and coordination issues that would be necessary to respond to an international bioterrorism attack. Top

Scientific and Technological Developments Relevant to the Biological & Toxin Weapons Convention
Date: 4-6 September 2006
Location: The Royal Society, London, United Kingdom
Participant(s): The Royal Society (RS), InterAcademy Panel (IAP) & International Council for Science (ICSU)
Description: The workshop brought together 84 leading international scientific and policy experts from 23 countries to provide independent and authoritative advice to BTWC States Parties on new scientific and technological developments relevant to the Sixth Review Conference, which will take place in Geneva between 20 November and 8 December 2006. Top

 

 

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: 13 July, 2006
Location: Bethesda, MD, USA
Participant(s): NSABB Board Members (click for list)
Description: This is the fourth meeting of the NSABB. The meeting agenda and presentations are not yet available. Top

 

Biological Threats to Global Health and Security
Date: 26 June 2006
Location: Monterey, California, USA
Participant(s): Commonwealth Club of California and the Monterey Institute of International Studies
Description: As the threat from infectious diseases grows as a result of technology and increased travel and population density, the world's ability to deal with such threats is increasingly inadequate. Panel participants will discuss the threats and the adequacy of measures put in place to address it. Top

 

Controlling Dangerous Pathogens Project Regional Workshop on Dual-Use
Date: 12 - 14 May 2006
Location: Matrahaza, Hungary
Participant(s): The Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM)
Description: CISSM designed this workshop to engage a broad range of scientific, academic, government, security, and industry experts on the issue of dual-use biotechnology research. It had two primary goals: to help raise awareness among key stakeholders about the dual-use issue; and to build support for the development of internationally harmonized arrangements for managing the most consequential areas of dual-use research, whether government, academic or industry-sponsored. Nearly 30 scientists, academic researchers, government science and health ministry officials, security experts, and industry representatives representing 15 Western and Eastern European countries participated in the workshop. Three international organizations -- the World Health Organization (WHO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) -- were also represented. Top

Managing Dual-use Biosecurity Concerns in the Bioindustry
Date: 13 April 2006
Location: Paris, France
Participant(s): Institut de Relations Internationales et Strategiques (IRIS) and guests
Description: IRIS is holding a debate series on nonproliferation and disarmament, this event will focus on dual-use concerns. For more info, contact: karbal@iris-france.org

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: 30 - 31 March, 2006
Location: Bethesda, MD, USA
Participant(s): NSABB Board Members (click for list)
Description: At this meeting, the NSABB was brought up to date on Working Group and related NGO activities related to biosecurity. Top

 

 

Biodefense Research: NIH Role, NIH Management, Oversight of Safety, Oversight of Security, and Oversight of Dual-Use Implications
Date: 10 March, 2006
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

2nd Biological Weapons Convention Regional Workshop
Date: 6-7 March, 2006
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Participants: The Australian and Indonesian governments along with regional neighbors
Description: Following on a regional workshop held in February 2005, "The objectives of the Second Workshop were to promote regional awareness of and engagement in the BWC; to discuss the importance of bio-security; to examine national mechanisms for maintenance of the security and oversight of pathogenic micro-organisms and toxins; to facilitate the establishment of a forum for networking with a view to developing partnerships in enhancing bio-security and bio-safety; and to provide a forum for sharing of information." Top

 

University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics Calls for International Organization to Monitor Biotechnology
Date: 28 February, 2006
Location: Toronto, Canada
Participant(s): University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics
Description: In the report entitled, "DNA for Peace: Reconciling Biodevelopment and Biosecurity," the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics calls for an International Organization to monitor biotechnology. The group concluded that despite biotechnology's promise to improve living standards around the globe, there is a great deal of risk of misuse. They urge the G8 to identify an appropriate organization (similar to the IAEA for atomic energy) to monitor the use of biotechnology so that the risks and benefits are balanced.

 

Assessing Synthetic Genomics: Applications, Risks, and Governance
Date: 24 February, 2006
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

The Life Sciences, Biosecurity, and Dual-Use Research
Date: 23 February, 2006
Location: Ithaca, NY, USA
Participant(s): Cornell University Peace Studies Program
Description: This presentation is meant to inform participants about current issues arising from dual use research in the life sciences and spur debate. Top

 

The American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) Annual Meeting
Date: 18 February, 2006
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Participant(s): AAAS and guests
Description: Though this meeting will cover many topics unrelated to biosecurity, there are three symposia of particular interest: Future Potential of Biological Weapons: Science, Technology, and Policy; Biosecurity Challenges in the Post 9-11 World; & Codes of Conduct and the Biological Weapons Convention. Top

 

Future Measures on Strengthening the BWC Regime
Date: 14 February, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Participant(s): 26 Nations
Description: Twenty six nations met in Tokyo to exchange views on the BWC and prepare for the formal BWC review conference later this year. Top

 

Preventing Bio Violence - The Need for International Legal Action
Date: 10 February, 2006
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

Russian Scientist States That Bird Flu is not a Biological Weapon
Date: 2 February, 2006
Location: Russia
Participant(s): Oleg Kiselyov, head of the Russian Influenza Research Institute
Description: Kiselyov stated that the Bird Flu virus was not manmade. He claims that, "we have not advanced enough to create such a genetic machine.” He also stated that international agreements needed to be signed to effectively fight the spread of avian flu. Top

 

Globalization, Biosecurity, and the Future of the Life Sciences
Date: 31 January, 2006
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): US National Academy of Science (NAS) and guests
Description: A new report by the US NAS call for a coordinated global effort to stem the threat of misuse of the biosciences. It recommends the creation of an independent advisory board that could analyze and forecast advances in the biosciences and coordinate with intelligence officials. The full report can be found here. Top

 

Advancing the International Biosecurity Dialogue: Clarifying Definitions
Date: 27 January, 2006
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): Nearly 40 experts invited by the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
Description: There is great national and international interest in biosecurity and the associated topic of biosafety. Dialogue is hindered to a degree because these terms do not have a universally understood meaning and in fact mean different things in different communities.  The goal of the meeting was to determine whether additional work on this topic could contribute to reducing definitional confusion and establish overlaps and areas of agreement between definitions. Top

 

2005

Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction - often referred to as the Biological Weapons Convention - BWC
Date: 5 – 9 December, 2005
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participant(s): State Parties to the BWC
Description: This is the final intercessional meetings of States Parties. At the Conference, States will discuss strengthening the BWC through codes of conduct for life scientists. States Parties agreed on the importance of codes being, "compatible with national legislation and regulatory controls and contributing to national implementation measures; simple, clear and easily understandable both to scientists and to wider civil society; relevant, helpful and effective for guiding relevant actors in making decisions and taking action in accordance with the purposes and objectives of the Convention; sufficiently broad in scope; and regularly reviewed, evaluated for effectiveness, and revised as necessary." Top

 

Strengthening European Action on WMD Non-proliferation and Disarmament: How Can Community Instruments Contribute?
Date: 7 – 8 December, 2005
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Participant(s): UNIDIR, ISIS-Europe, SIPRI, and guests
Description: This conference presented the finding of a one-year research study undertaken by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). The research was aimed at exploring the ways in the EU can contribute to strengthening non-proliferation efforts. Top

 

Bioscience Oversight: Where are We and Where Should We Go?
Date: 2 December, 2005
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This was the initial workshop to kick off the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

The InterAcademy Panel (IAP) releases a statement on biosecurity
Date: 1 December, 2005
Location: Trieste, Italy
Participant(s): More than 65 National Academies of Science
Description: The IAP released a statement on biosecurity which has been signed by a majority of its members. The IAP released a statement on biosecurity which has been signed by a majority of its members. The statement lays out principles (in the areas of awareness, safety & security, education & information, accountability, and oversight) to guide individuals and organizations in developing codes of conduct for life scientists. The full statement and list of signatories is available on the IAP site. Top

 

Interpol African Regional Training Workshop on Bioterrorism
Date: 21 - 23 November, 2005
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Participant(s): Interpol and police representatives from various African countries
Description: Interpol’s bio-terrorism prevention initiative is seeking to guide its 184 member countries toward improved awareness, preparedness and a clear understanding of the measures police agencies need to take to prevent bioterror attacks.  Interpol will host regional training workshops with senior police officials that have operational and/or training responsibilities, as well as experts in the terrorism field to train them in the context of bio-terrorism prevention and first-response. South Africa will host the first of these workshops in November 2005, and others will follow in Singapore in March 2006 and Chile later in 2006. Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: 21 - 22 November, 2005
Location: Bethesda, MD, USA
Participant(s): NSABB Board Members (click for list)
Description: This is the second meeting of the NSABB. The meeting will focus on progress of board business following the inaugural NSABB meeting. Top

 

6th Meeting of the Global Health Security Action Group
Date: 18 November, 2005
Location: Rome, Italy
Participant(s): Ministers/Secretaries/Commissioner of Health and senior health officials from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Mexico, the European Union and the World Health Organization.
Description: This annual meeting is held to coordinate public health activities throughout the world. Top

 

6th European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) / European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Conference on Science and Society
Date: 28 – 29 October, 2005
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
Participant(s): EMBO/EMBL and guests
Description: This conference is to promote mutual interest, understanding, and dialogue between biologists and a variety of other sectors of society that are concerned with the impact of modern biology. Top

 

Protecting Against Foodborne Threats to Health
Date: 25– 26 October, 2005
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): US National Institute of Medicine and guests
Description: Deliberate contamination of food by chemical or biological agents can occur at any vulnerable point along the food chain - from farm to table - depending upon both the food and the agent.  In an attempt to understand the nature and extent of foodborne threats to health and what policies and practices are in place to identify and mitigate these risks, the workshop will explore risks associated with globalization of the food supply, burden of illness associated with foodborne threats to health, regulatory responsibility in both the domestic and international realms, and threat reduction research and policy opportunities. Top

 

The Responsibility of Scientists in a Changing World
Date: 25 October, 2005
Location: New York, NY, USA
Participant(s): The NY Academy of Sciences and guests
Description: In recognition of the 60th anniversary, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, public forums are being convened to address contemporary issues at the forefront of science, global security, and sustainability. Top

 

Singapore Passes "Biological Agents & Toxins Bill"
Date: 18 October, 2005
Location: Singapore, Singapore
Participant(s): The Singaporean Government
Description: Singapore's strict new Biological Agents & Toxins Bill imposes up to a one million dollar fine and life imprisonment for anyone found flouting its rules concerning biological agents. The bill sets up a framework regulating biological activities in Singapore which addresses import/export controls, biosafety, and biological terrorism. Top

 

Reconstruction of the 1918 Flu Virus
Date: 5 October, 2005
Location: Rockville, MD, USA
Participant(s): Two teams of US federal and university scientists
Description: The 1918 flu virus, which caused the deaths of over 20 million people, was reconstructed through a full genetic sequencing. The scientists were sensitive to concerns that the work shouldn't be published due to the risk for misuse. The work was submitted to the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), which unanimously voted that the benefits of the research outweighed the risk of misuse. Despite this vote of confidence, critics are unconvinced, and are calling the publication "foolish" and a "Recipe for Destruction (editorial)" because of its potential for use as a biological weapon. Top

 

CBW Proliferation: Developing New Responses
Date: 30 September - 2 October, 2005
Location: West Sussex , UK
Participant(s): Wilton Park and the Chemical and Biological Arms Control institute
Description: This conference convened to answer a number of questions related to how chemical and biological weapons regimes can be strengthened. Top

 

The Global Bargain for Biosecurity and Health
Date: 28 September - 1 October, 2005
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Participant(s): The International Consortium on Law and Strategic Security & The International Law institute of Uganda
Description: This conference convened to discuss the ways in which security against biological weapons and promotion of global public health are interlinked. It asserts that legitimate bioscience is good for society and should be advanced while international laws are developed to protect against the spread of disease, oversee scientific research, and criminalize the misuse of pathogens. Top

 

Asia Pacific Roundtable: Preventing the Hostile Use of the Life Sciences
Date: 20 - 21 September, 2005
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Participant(s): The Asia - Pacific life sciences community
Description: To advance the International Committee of the Red Cross' belief that scientists, health professionals, and those who employ them, have a responsibility to uphold the international rules prohibiting the hostile use of the life sciences, the event, was intended to foster the creation of a regional network of specialists. Top

 

Joint Statement on Biomedical Research Misuse Issued by the Wellcome Trust, the Medical Research Council (MRC), and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Date: 8 September, 2005
Location: UK
Participant(s): The Wellcome Trust, MRC, & BBSRC
Description: Three of the largest biosciences funding institutions in the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on the misuse of research for harmful purposes by terrorists or others. The statement, which builds on previous policies enacted by the institutions to curtail abuse, initiates a change in funding policies requiring applicants to address questions specifically aimed at determining the research's potential for misuse. Top

 

Education and Raising Awareness: Challenges of Responsible Stewardship of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences
Date: 8 - 9 September, 2005
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): The US National Academies & the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Description: This conference brought together experts to discuss the responsible stewardship of dual use research and the effectiveness and utility of codes. Top

 

China issues white paper on, "China's Endeavors for Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation"
Date: 1 September, 2005
Location: Beijing, China
Participant(s): The Chinese Government
Description: The white paper was released by the Chinese government to clarify its positions and elaborate on its efforts in relation to Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation. In regards to the Biological Weapons Convention, China states that the international community should take three actions: encourage more countries to accede to the BWC and urge all its States Parties to fulfill their obligations in a comprehensive and faithful manner, maintain and facilitate the multilateral process aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the BWC and explore and formulate concrete measures through full consultations, and encourage more countries to submit to the UN declarations on confidence-building measures regarding the BWC. Top

 

US and Ukraine sign an agreement to stem bioterrorism threat
Date: 30 August, 2005
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Participant(s): US and Ukrainian Governments
Description: The US and Ukraine signed an agreement designed to stem the risk of bioterrorism. The agreement places new safeguards on Soviet-era biological weapons facilities that could be vulnerable to theft. Top

 

The US Department of State releases the, "Adherence to and Compliance With Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments," report
Date: 30 August, 2005
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): US Department of State Bureau of Verification and Compliance
Description: The report, which is required by Section 403 of the Arms Control and Disarmament Act, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2593), documents US and international efforts at compliance with international arms agreements. In the report, the US claims that Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Syria continue to maintain biological weapons programs and that China maintains 'some elements' of an offensive biological program. The report goes on to state that US experts are divided as to whether or not Cuba is attempting to develop offensive biological weapons. Top

 

France Increases Bird Flu Defence
Date: 30 August, 2005
Location: Paris, France
Participant(s): The French Government
Description: France announced that it is increasing its defences against the H5N1 strain of bird flu which infected humans in Asia. They stated that there is a "moderate but real" risk of the virus being carried to Europe via migratory birds. France will increase border controls and begin stockpiling vaccine and protective masks to be used in the event of an outbreak. Top

 

New York City conducts large test for biochemical attack
Date: 8 August, 2005
Location: New York City (NYC), NY, USA
Participant(s): Around 100 scientists
Description: NYC scientists began simulating a terrorist attack using biochemical gas released in the city's metro system. The tests will help officials plan evacuation routes and emergency efforts in case of a real attack. Top

 

Training Course on Prevention and Crisis Management of Biological Terrorism
Date: 18 - 22 July, 2005
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Participant(s): Approximately 50 expert participants from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, People's Republic of China, Japan, the US, Canada, France, Singapore, and the World Health Organization.
Description: At this training course, experts discussed past experiences in bioterrorism, biosecurity, infectious diseases and surveillance, preparedness and response. Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: 30 June - 1 July, 2005
Location: Bethesda, MD, USA
Participant(s): NSABB Board Members (click for list)
Description: This is the first meeting of the NSABB. At the meeting members will be sworn in and introduced and the structure and function of the board will be discussed. Following will be presentations relevant to the Board's work. The agenda of the meeting is available on the NSABB website. Top

 

Appointment of the Members of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: 29 June, 2005
Location: Bethesda, MD, USA
Description:  US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt announced the appointment of 24 members to the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB). The 24 members consist of doctors, scientists, lawyers, researchers, publishers, and consultants from government, academia, and the private sector. The list of members is available from the link above. Top

 

Publication of "Analyzing a bioterror attack on the food supply: The case of botulinum toxin in milk" in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science (PNAS)
Date: 28 June, 2005
Participants: Lawrence M. Wein and Yifan Liu
Description:  This paper was the subject of debate because it was labeled by Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Stewart Simonson as, "a road map for terrorists and [its] publication is not in the interests of the United States," in a letter to the science academy chief Dr. Bruce Alberts. The paper gives "very detailed information on vulnerability nodes" in the milk supply chain and "includes ... very precise information on the dosage of botulinum toxin needed to contaminate the milk supply to kill or injure large numbers of people," Simonson wrote. After debate, PNAS decided to publish the article with an accompanying editorial by Alberts in which he wrote that all of this information is "immediately accessible on the World Wide Web through a simple Google search." He continued, "A terrorist who wants to do great damage will therefore not find anything in the article that is likely to increase his or her certainty concerning the minimum level of toxin to use," Alberts wrote. Top

 

Brazil's Biosecurity Law Faces Legal Challenge
Date: 21 June, 2005
Participants: Claudio Fonteles (Brazil's attorney-general)
Description:  Brazil's attorney-general asked the Brazilian Supreme Court to review the countries four-month old Biosecurity Law. Specifically, Fonteles challenged a section of the law that gives the Brazilian National Biosafety Committee (CTNBio), rather than federal and local governments, the power to decide whether a genetically modified organism (GMO) is environmentally safe. Top

 

Third Intercessional Meeting of Experts of Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BWC)
Date: 13 – 24 June, 2005
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participant(s): State Parties to the BWC
Description: This was the third intercessional expert’s meeting prior to the 6th BWC Review Conference (to be held in 2006). It focused on the content, promulgation, and adoption of codes of conducts for scientists. Top

 

Virginia Tech: University Biosecurity Summit
Date: 9 - 10 May, 2005
Location: Alexandria, VA, USA
Participant(s): Representatives from 12 U.S. and Canadian universities, two
prominent non-profit institutes, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health and the President’s Council on Bioethics
Description: This conference was held based on the conviction of Virginia Tech that the complexity, challenges and diversity of the problem set of biosecurity requires strong consideration be given now to developing and preparing the next generation within academia to support and advance global biodefense. Virginia Tech reasoned that this will only succeed by the current generation of biosecurity performers laying down a well conceived and robust foundation in a coordinated and harmonious manner for those who will succeed us. Top

 

New Defense Agenda (NDA) 4th Experts' Meeting on Bioterrorism
Date: 25 April, 2005
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Participant(s): NDA’s Bioterrorism Reporting Group
Description: NDA convened its 4th Bioterrorism Report Group meeting on the subject, “ Countering Bioterrorism: How can Europe and the United States work together?” Top

 

International Forum on Biosecurity
Date: 20-22 March 2005
Location: Como, Italy
Participant(s): The InterAcademy Panel on International Issues (IAP), the International Council for Science (ICSU), the InterAcademy Medical Panel (IAMP), The National Academies of the United States, and guests.
Description: This Forum was convened to discuss issues raised in the 2003 report by The National Academies on Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism that reflects growing awareness that rapid developments in the life sciences and biomedical research, while offering great benefits, also pose the risk that the knowledge, tools, and techniques that enable these advances might be misused to cause deliberate harm. Top

 

Preventing Bioterrorism: The 1st Interpol Global Conference on Bioterrorism
Date: 01 - 02 March, 2005
Location: Lyon, France
Participant(s): Senior police officers including Chiefs of Police, Heads of NCB and those involved in counter-terrorism; relevant national and international governmental and non governmental agencies, academics and scientists.
Description: Interpol convened this conference to discuss and examine how to strengthen law enforcement preparedness and develop effective police training for bioterror events. Top

 

Biological Weapons Convention Regional Workshop
Date: 21 - 25 February, 2005
Location: Asia-Pacific Centre for Military Law, University of Melbourne, Australia
Participants: The Australian and Indonesian governments
Description: Workshop participants discussed the obligations of States Parties to the BWC, codes of conduct for scientists involved in biological research, different approaches to national implementing legislation, biological defence and surveillance, detection and combating of infectious diseases. Top

 

New Defence Agenda (NDA) 3rd Experts’ Meeting on Bioterrorism
Date: 25 January, 2005
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Participant(s): NDA’s Bioterrorism Reporting Group
Description: NDA convened its 3rd Bioterrorism Report Group meeting on the subject, “Next Generation Threat Reduction: Bioterrorism’s Challenges and Solutions.” Top

 

2004

Second Intercessional Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction - often referred to as the Biological Weapons Convention - BWC
Date: 6 - 10 December, 2004
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: State Parties to the BWC
Description: This was the second intercessional meeting of states of parties to the BWC. At the Conference, States discussed ways of strengthening the BWC. Top

 

5th Meeting of the Global Health Security Action Group
Date: December 2004
Location: Paris, France
Participant(s): Ministers/Secretaries/Commissioner of Health an