At the BIO2025 International Convention, CEPI, the World Economic Forum (WEF), and the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) co-hosted a high-level roundtable focused on reducing biosafety and biosecurity risks in the context of an evolving global bioeconomy.
The session convened over 30 senior leaders across the life sciences industry, national security, and multilateral organizations for a closed-door discussion focused on advancing responsible innovation in biotechnology and vaccine development, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the life sciences.
Co-chaired by Dr. Andrew Hebbeler (CEPI), Brynne Stanton (WEF) and O’Neil Hamilton (IBBIS), the roundtable built on prior convenings and ongoing collaboration between the three organizations. Discussions were held under the Chatham House Rule to enable candid dialogue across sectors.
STRENGTHENING BIOSECURITY THROUGH INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT
Over the past year, CEPI, WEF, and IBBIS have collaborated to elevate the role of biosecurity in global health and innovation discussions, with a focus on sustained industry engagement. The roundtable continued this effort, emphasizing the need to embed biosafety and biosecurity principles into biotech and vaccine development and investment processes.
Participants explored concrete opportunities to strengthen risk governance frameworks, improve safeguards around dual-use research, and foster a global culture of responsibility, particularly as the bioeconomy continues to grow in scale and complexity.
NAVIGATING THE RISKS AND BENEFITS OF AI IN THE LIFE SCIENCES
The group discussed the transformative potential of AI in accelerating areas such as therapeutic discovery and protein design, while highlighting the importance of fair AI training data practices and equitable access models. Discussants advocated that equity, inclusion, and fair access to AI biodesign technologies are essential for achieving global success in the 100 Days Mission.
Stakeholders also examined emerging frameworks and initiatives that promote responsible adoption of AI tools, noting the ongoing reliance on voluntary implementation of safeguards, such as nucleic acid synthesis screening, and new initiatives such as the International Bio Funders Compact and Community Principles for Responsible Biodesign.
A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE GLOBAL BIOECONOMY
Acknowledging the increasing intersection of biosecurity, innovation, and global health equity, participants underscored the need for inclusive dialogue. The discussion centered on advancing responsible bio-innovation through stronger public engagement, closing critical funding gaps in biosafety and biosecurity, promoting sustainable laboratory infrastructure and practices, and enhancing coordination among funders and stakeholders.
A meeting report is available here.
For inquiries regarding IBBIS’s biosecurity engagement with industry, please contact Mayra Ameneiros.