The same advances that make biology faster and more precise also lower the barriers to misuse. Robust, interoperable standards for sequence screening are essential, so that from small labs to national authorities, we are all working from the same playbook to detect and prevent biological threats.

Cyril Martel is the head of the Biosecurity Division at the Danish Centre for Biosecurity and Biopreparedness (CBB), Denmark’s national biosecurity authority under the Ministry of Health. He holds a Ph.D. in immunology from the University of Copenhagen and has a scientific background in influenza research and surveillance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cyril contributed to national testing and vaccination efforts and has extensive experience as a bioweapons specialist, participating in numerous national and international exercises, inspections, and outreach activities.

He currently leads Denmark’s efforts to enhance biosecurity governance and mitigate dual-use risks, advises national authorities on export control, biotechnology, and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), and is a regular speaker in European and international forums on dual-use risks and emerging technologies.