The BWC Global Forum: Biotech, Biosecurity & Beyond

Dr. Kelly Chibale, Founder & Director, University of Cape Town Holistic Drug Discovery & Development Centre

April 23, 2024

In this episode, we discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery, particularly in lower-resource settings. AI typically requires advanced computing infrastructure and tremendous power and other resources to utilize, but Dr. Chibale's team at the University of Cape Town (South Africa) has adapted these tools for use on lower-capacity computing systems. Their principal aim is to support African-centric drug discovery, utilizing data from local populations and tailoring products to their specific genotypic and phenotypic characteristics.

Dr. David Williams, Chief of the Division of Hematology & Oncology at Boston Children’s Hospital, Associate Chairman of the Department of Pediatric Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Leland Fikes Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School

March 15, 2024

In this episode, we discuss advances in gene therapy and its use in treating pediatric patients. Using modified viruses as delivery vehicles, researchers and clinicians can target therapies to specific types of cells, providing patients with long-lasting—and potentially life-long—treatments for a variety of severe genetic conditions. Future advances hope to make these therapies less expensive, less invasive, and more accessible for patients around the world and to expand their use for more common conditions.

Dr. Adam Leman, Lead Scientist, Fermentation, Good Food Institute

December 19, 2023

In this episode, we discuss the convergence of fermentation, perhaps the world's oldest biotechnology, with modern advancements in molecular biology to produce non-animal proteins as a sustainable food source. The exponential growth of the human population and our continued reliance on traditional processes for growing crops and raising animals for food risk widespread food security challenges, as we approach the limit of Earth's arable land. Cutting-edge biotechnology tools and novel applications of ancient fermentation processes allow us to modify bacteria, fungi, and other organisms, so we can leverage their unique properties to produce sustainable and nutritious—and tasty!—alternatives to animal-based proteins.

Dr. James Diggans, Head of Biosecurity, Twist Bioscience & Chair, International Gene Synthesis Consortium

October 19, 2023

In this episode, we discuss the role of international screening efforts in protecting against the misuse of synthetically manufactured genetic materials. Rapid expansion in the capacity, affordability, and accessibility of gene synthesis—the ability to assemble genetic sequences from scratch—enables anyone with an internet connection to order custom genomes from vendors around the world. In the absence of consistent national or global regulatory frameworks, the responsibility falls on gene synthesis companies and researchers themselves to ensure that these services are not being misused to produce dangerous pathogens or their components. The International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC) is an industry organization that supports the development and implementation of screening protocols for gene synthesis orders and customers to mitigate the risk of this misuse, in order to facilitate the broadest use of these technologies for peaceful purposes.

Mr. Saurabh Todi, Research Analyst, High-Tech Geopolitics Programme, The Takshashila Institution, India Dr. Shambhavi Naik, Head of Research, The Takshashila Institution, India

September 28, 2023

In this episode, we discuss advancements in gene drive capabilities and their potential as a tool to control vectors of zoonotic diseases. Gene drives are a natural process that preferentially propagates specific genetic traits through a population via sexual reproduction, and advances in genomic engineering have enabled scientists to harness this capability to target specific traits for spread in specific populations. They are best suited for use in animals that have short reproductive cycles and produce a large number of offspring, making them impractical for humans but immensely powerful for insects. Gene drives are being investigated as a tool to control mosquitoes' ability to procreate or their susceptibility to infections that could then spread to animals and humans, as a way to control diseases like malaria. Mr. Todi and Dr. Naik discuss the potential benefits of these capabilities, as well as barriers, costs, risks, and other considerations that factor into decisions regarding their future use.

Dr. Andy Spry, Consultant to the Planetary Protection Officer, NASA

April 21, 2023

In this episode, we discuss NASA's Office of Planetary Protection, which focuses on mitigating contamination risk for space missions. Their efforts cover both forward contamination—ie, contaminating extraterrestrial bodies with organisms from Earth—and backward contamination—ie, contaminating Earth with extraterrestrial life. Planetary protection functions much like laboratory biosafety, but on a much larger scale! The Planetary Protection office is responsible for developing and implementing the processes and standards necessary to ensure cleanliness and containment, and these considerations are part of the long-term planning that goes into all of NASA's space missions, including historical, current, and future efforts to return sample materials collected from the Moon, asteroids, and Mars.

Ms. Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, Chair & Chief Executive Officer, IKP Knowledge Park, India

Dr. Diah Iskandriati, Biosafety Officer, Primate Research Center, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia

August 14, 2023

This episode was recorded live, on site at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of the BWC Global Forum side event hosted during the August 2023 meeting of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention. BWC states parties will convene as the Working Group semiannually during the BWC's 2023-26 Intersessional Period, with a mandate to develop concrete proposals for consideration at the 10th Review Conference in 2027. The BWC Global Forum side event coincided with Working Group debate on the need for science and technology review capacity for the BWC. The event was attended by dozens of BWC delegates and civil society experts from around the world.

Our podcast guests discussed gene synthesis screening and other biosecurity oversight programs, efforts to facilitate engagement between governments and civil society researchers on biosecurity priorities, and biosecurity education and awareness-raising programs for the next generation of cutting-edge scientists. Following the discussion, the guests engaged with audience members during a Q&A period. These discussions will inform BWC delegations on challenges and priorities associated with emerging biology and biotechnology capabilities as they work toward solutions to develop and implement science and technology review capacity for the treaty.

Dr. Lauren Oldfield, Director of Synthetic Genomics, Replay

April 17, 2023

In this episode, we discuss efforts to develop large DNA viruses, such as herpesviruses, as vectors to deliver gene therapies, including advantages over other types of pathogen platforms. Notably, large viruses enable the delivery of larger genes for therapeutic purposes, and the characteristics of herpes simplex viruses (HSV) can allow gene therapies to be delivered over longer periods of time.

Dr. Mariam Elgabry, Founder & CEO, Bronic Ltd

April 11, 2023

In this episode, we discuss the risks and challenges associated with the emerging field of cyberbiosecurity and some considerations and approaches to mitigating those risks, as biology continues to integrate further with advanced computing, machine learning, and other cyber-related technologies.

Dr. James Revill, Head, WMD & Space Security Programmes, UN Institute for Disarmament Research

Dr. Anna Laura Ross, Head, Emerging Technologies, Research Prioritization & Support Unit, World Health Organization

Dr. Leifan Wang, Assistant Professor, Center for Biosafety Research & Strategy, Tianjin University

November 28, 2022

This episode was recorded live, on site at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of the BWC Global Forum side event hosted on the opening day of the 9th BWC Review Conference. Our panel of international experts discusses a broad scope of advances in biology and biotechnology, with a particular focus on policy implications and global frameworks to understand the impact of these advancements and promote their responsible use. These challenges are among the highest priorities for BWC states parties, including in meetings held since the 8th Review Conference (2016), the 9th Review Conference, and looking ahead to the coming years.

Dr. Robert Mayall, Chief Technical Officer & Founder, FREDsense

September 14, 2022

In this episode, we discuss the technologies and capabilities associated with wastewater surveillance systems, their rise to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic response, and prospective benefits and risks associated with expansion to other pathogens and purposes.

Dr. Jung-Mo Ahn, Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Texas at Dallas

September 14, 2022

In this episode, we discuss the use of small molecules as targeted treatments to interrupt the regulatory pathways responsible for cancer growth, neurodegenerative diseases, and other conditions, with relatively minimal off-target effects.

Dr. Kazuto Kato, Professor of Biomedical Ethics & Public Policy, Osaka University

October 11, 2022

In this episode, we discuss the current state of technologies and ethics associated with human genome editing, including as direct treatment for patients and to modify inheritable traits for future generations.

Ben Novak, Lead Scientist & Program Manager, Revive & Restore

September 6, 2022

In this episode, we discuss Revive & Restore's de-extinction efforts for the passenger pigeon, including the current state of associated technologies, timeline for developing and implementing future technologies, and intended and unintended consequences of de-extinction.