On December 16, 2024, IBBIS hosted a side event on “DNA Synthesis Screening and the Biological Weapons Convention” at the BWC Meeting of States Parties in Geneva. The session explored four topics:

• Why talk about DNA synthesis screening? Tessa Alexanian discussed the changing risk landscape for the misuse of synthetic DNA for pathogen acquisition or engineering, screening approaches to mitigate risk, and the development of screening standards over the past 17 years.


• BWC Agreements related to DNA synthesis screening. Piers Millet discussed how synthesis screening is consistent with BWC obligations under Article I, III, IV and X and has been highlighted as an important control measure by many BWC States Parties as far back as 2009.


• Filling the information gap with a global map of DNA synthesis providers and policies. Mayra Ameneiros introduced a new effort to answer the questions: “can a non-state actor order potentially dangerous DNA?” and “how can we move towards a world where all orders are screened?” This effort will involve mapping DNA synthesis companies, national and regional policies affecting synthetic DNA, and interviewing pathogen scientists in many languages about the source of their synthetic DNA.


• Common Mechanism: a free, open-source tool to support synthesis screening. Tessa Alexanian introduced open-source sequence and customer screening resources designed to address key challenges faced by DNA providers.

The event concluded with a discussion of the need for global collaboration to develop international standards for synthesis screening, as well as the ways in which these control measures connect to BWC obligations relating to other dual-use technologies. Organizations interested in implementing screening can contact screening@ibbis.bio for support.

Archival slides from the event are available here.