Singapore, November 6, 2025

The International Meeting on Standards for DNA Synthesis Screening: Towards Common Global Standards for Biosecurity brought together stakeholders from industry, government, academia, international organisations, and standards bodies to strengthen international coordination on DNA synthesis screening.

Convened by International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS), the meeting marked the launch of the IBBIS International Standards Initiative, aimed at supporting the consistent global adoption of DNA synthesis screening practices. As synthetic biology and AI-enabled design tools accelerate and become more widely accessible, participants underscored the importance of knowing what DNA is being ordered and by whom as a foundational safeguard for the global bioeconomy.

Discussions highlighted that DNA synthesis is a globally interconnected system in which gaps in one jurisdiction can create risks for all. While guidance exists in a limited number of countries, screening practices remain uneven worldwide, underscoring the need for shared technical foundations and international alignment.

“Biosecurity in DNA synthesis is a shared global challenge. No country or provider operates in isolation, and uneven screening practices anywhere can introduce risks everywhere. Strengthening international standards is essential to ensuring that innovation in the life sciences can advance safely, securely, and with global trust,” said Piers Millet, IBBIS Executive Director.

The meeting recognised ISO 20688-2:2024 as a major milestone in defining responsible expectations for sequence and customer screening, while also noting the need for additional practical guidance to support implementation across diverse regulatory and operational contexts.

To address this need, IBBIS formally announced the launch of a DNA Screening Standards Consortium (DSSC). The Consortium will bring together experts from across sectors and regions to assess technical gaps, develop practical implementation guidance, and support scalable, globally relevant screening practices.

“The launch of the DSSC is about moving from principles to practice,” said Sophie Peresson International Standards Lead at IBBIS. “By working collaboratively across regions and disciplines, we aim to translate international standards into clear, operational guidance that can be implemented by providers of all sizes and capacities.”

The Singapore meeting concluded with strong support for continued international cooperation and sustained engagement through 2026 and beyond, reinforcing the role of international standards as a key enabler of a secure, transparent, and resilient global DNA synthesis ecosystem.

For more information about the DNA Screening Standards Consortium (DSSC), contact Sophie Peresson: sophie@ibbis.bio