As biotechnology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, experts are increasingly sounding the alarm on the need for stronger biosecurity measures. The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2025 highlights growing concerns about losing control of biotechnology due to the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and other frontier technologies. Section 2.4 of the report, Losing Control of Biotech, warns of the low-probability yet high-impact risks associated with both accidental and malicious misuse of advanced gene editing tools. These risks, while significant, should not overshadow the immense potential of biotechnology to advance human health, sustainability, and economic growth.
Similarly, a recent WEF blog post, Synthetic Biology: How to Screen for DNA Danger Now and for the Future, underscores the urgent need to enhance biosecurity in synthetic biology by implementing standardized screening methods for synthetic DNA. With the rise of industries like DNA-based computing, there is an increased risk of inadvertently creating or misusing harmful DNA sequences. Companies such as CATALOG are using the Common Mechanism in their efforts to develop “clean libraries”—rigorously screened DNA components that adhere to strict biosecurity protocols and are continuously updated against emerging risks.
These concerns are directly aligned with the work of IBBIS. As an organization dedicated to safeguarding biotechnology from misuse, IBBIS has been at the forefront of establishing global open-source free tools for DNA screening and risk assessment. Through initiatives such as the Common Mechanism—a free, open-source, globally-available tool designed to scan DNA/RNA sequences against known pathogens and toxins databases—IBBIS is actively working to ensure that synthetic DNA remains a force for good while preventing its exploitation for harmful purposes.
IBBIS’s mission extends beyond technological safeguards as we collaborate with policymakers, industry leaders, and scientific communities to strengthen governance frameworks that balance scientific innovation with security. This includes promoting responsible research practices, enhancing dual-use oversight, and fostering international cooperation to address emerging biosecurity threats.
The WEF’s recent report reinforces the urgency of these efforts, highlighting the dual nature of biotechnology advancements: transformative breakthroughs on one hand and potential catastrophic risks on the other. By integrating rigorous biosecurity measures—such as standardized DNA screening, updated monitoring against emerging risks, and industry-wide adoption of safe research practices—stakeholders can harness the full potential of biotechnology while mitigating the risks that come with it.
As global discussions around biotech governance continue to gain momentum, the collaboration between organizations like IBBIS, industry pioneers, and international policymakers will be critical in shaping a future where biotechnology remains a tool for progress, not peril.
Cover image derived from WEF’s Global Risks Report 2025.