A world in which bioscience and biotechnology can advance and flourish safely and responsibly.

The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) works collaboratively with global partners to strengthen biosecurity norms and develop innovative tools to uphold them. We undertake this work to safeguard science and reduce the risk of catastrophic events that could result from deliberate abuse or accidental misuse of bioscience and biotechnology.

IBBIS is the only independent organization with a primary mission dedicated to reducing emerging biological risks associated with technology advances. We address risk-reduction opportunities throughout the bioscience research and development lifecycle to incorporate effective risk-reduction practices at every stage — from project conceptualization and funding, through research execution, and on to publication or commercialization.

Currently, our work focuses on mapping where synthetic DNA is being made; providing tools so that anyone, anywhere can screen what is being ordered and by whom; and supporting global biosecurity through international standards, regional policy dialogues, and and industry best practices.

In 2019, NTI | bio and international stakeholders identified the need for an organization dedicated to reducing emerging biological risks associated with technology advances. NTI | bio then incubated IBBIS in preparation for its establishment and helped it develop new biosecurity tools, eventually appointing Dr. Piers Millett as the inaugural executive director of IBBIS in the fall of 2022. Throughout 2023 IBBIS and its tools were developed and readied for launch. IBBIS was launched in February 2024, released its DNA synthesis screening tool in May 2024, and was accepted as a non-profit foundation with a public-good mission in June 2024. As of January 2025, IBBIS has taken ownership of its HQ offices in Geneva, Switzerland.