Sequence screening is only as strong as its weakest link. Global alignment on standards is essential to closing gaps between jurisdictions, risk shifting across jurisdictions, and ensuring that responsible practices are the norm across the entire DNA synthesis ecosystem.

James Diggans is Vice President for Policy and Biosecurity at Twist Bioscience, where he leads the company’s engagement on biosecurity, regulatory policy, and responsible innovation in DNA synthesis. In parallel, he serves as Chair of the International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC), the leading industry body advancing harmonized DNA sequence and customer screening practices among gene synthesis providers worldwide.

Through his dual roles, James operates at the intersection of industry implementation, international standards development, and public-sector engagement. He has been a central figure in advancing practical, interoperable screening frameworks—working with governments, standards bodies, and the scientific community to reduce misuse risk while enabling the continued growth of the bioeconomy. His experience gives him a unique, operational perspective on how global alignment of screening standards can close gaps, reduce fragmentation, and strengthen trust across borders.