The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) held its first Advisory Group meeting on December 14, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland. Leading experts from the Advisory Group participated in discussions regarding IBBIS’s achievements, ongoing initiatives, and ambitious plans for 2025. During the meeting, the Advisory Group engaged in in-depth discussions to ensure that current and future projects align with IBBIS’s overarching mission and strategic goals. This collaborative effort will guide the development and planning of impactful initiatives aimed at safeguarding bioscience.

Key themes explored at IBBIS’s inaugural Advisory Group meeting:

• Balancing scientific advancements and safety: The group discussed strategies to support the growth of global bioscience while safeguarding against potential misuse, ensuring innovation is accompanied by robust biosecurity measures.


• International focus: The group highlighted IBBIS unique ability to engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including those often inaccessible to other organizations.


• Public-private partnerships: Emphasis was placed on building strong collaborations with industry and other partners in the private sector, promoting shared responsibility in enhancing biosecurity.


• Focus on neglected areas: Addressing gaps in biosecurity and biosafety, particularly in emerging and industrial biotechnology, was identified as a priority. These areas often remain underrepresented in the global dialogue.

The meeting also sought expert advice on:

• Strengthening community engagement for the Common Mechanism.


• Expanding and integrating user verification protocols to enhance customer screening processes.


• Leveraging international standard bodies to create accessible and globally recognized screening standards.

These discussions reflect IBBIS’s commitment to developing innovative, inclusive, and actionable strategies to address the evolving challenges in biosecurity and biosafety.