Biosecurity
Safeguarding against pandemics and addressing extreme biological risks through targeted policy engagement
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the powerfully destructive force infectious pathogens can have globally.
We work to enhance global preparedness against extreme biological risks. By engaging policymakers, we advise on strategies to bolster pandemic prevention, strengthen biosecurity measures, and promote the responsible development of biotechnologies.
We work closely with the UK Government and wider AI policy community to develop and implement best-practice governance recommendations to protect against these risks while enabling the benefits of AI.
Our current focus
- Supporting the effective implementation of the UK’s 2023 Biological Security Strategy
- Assessing the benefits and risks at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biology
- Mitigating misuse threats associated with AI-enabled biological tools, including biodesign tools (BDTs) and foundation models
- Advocating for the development of robust early warning systems to detect and prevent novel pathogen pandemics
- Fostering international collaboration to address global biosecurity challenges
Featured Work
Biosecurity
Independent Progress Tracker: UK Biological Security Strategy
In June 2023, the UK Cabinet Office published an updated national Biological Security Strategy (BSS) outlining the government’s plan to strengthen the UK’s
Response to the Covid Inquiry Module 1 Report on ‘Preparedness and Resilience’
On July 18th, The Right Honourable Baroness Hallett published Module 1 of the UK COVID-19 Inquiry, focusing on the Resilience and Preparedness of the
The near-term impact of AI on biological misuse
Various broad claims have been made about the impact of AI on biological misuse risk. Some argue that AI is likely to provide
Capability-Based Risk Assessment for AI-Enabled Biological Tools
Life sciences research and industries are undergoing a rapid transformation due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
What we want to see
- Ensure adequate funding and resources are allocated to fully implement the UK’s 2023 Biological Security Strategy and achieve its fifteen commitments by 2030
- Prioritise the development and operationalisation of the National Biosurveillance Network as a critical tool for early detection and response to novel pathogen outbreaks
- Implement an approach for screening synthetic nucleic acid orders to prevent unauthorised access to dangerous biological materials
- Develop and promote responsible development guidelines for creators of AI-enabled biological tools, fostering a culture of safety and security within the growing UK bioeconomy
- Strengthen and expand the US – UK Strategic Dialogue on Biological Security beyond 2024, driving collaborative efforts to enhance global resilience against the full spectrum of biological threats
£376 million
UK government public spending on COVID-19
£1.5 million
per year spent on biological security in the UK
£1.4 million
annual budget for the Biological Weapon Convention Implementation Support Unit
Our future plans
Assist the UK in becoming the global leader in responsible innovation of engineered biology, capitalising on the potential while mitigating the risks
Ensure robust risk assessment is conducted at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biosecurity
Ensure full implementation of the UK’s Biological Security Strategy
