The Biosecurity Office regularly attends international meetings with the aim of sharing knowledge, gaining insights, and networking. For example, we participated in two events focused on DNA synthesis screening and the safe ordering of genetic sequences. In addition, we supported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at a conference on the Biological Weapons Convention.
The purpose of ‘Biosecurity Office international’ is to inform you about our international activities: where we have (virtually) been and where you might encounter us (online). If you are planning to attend an international meeting yourself and would like to share biosecurity knowledge and information there, please do not hesitate to contact us. We may be able to support you with materials or by sharing experiences we have gained in certain countries.
EBRC Workshop on International Best Practices for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening, Brussels, 7-8 July
The Biosecurity Office attended a meeting on “Building International Best Practices for Robust Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening,” organized by the Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC). The goal of the meeting was to exchange best practices regarding (bio)safety in the ordering of genetic sequences. This includes preventing the unauthorized ordering of dangerous sequences, such as those from the smallpox virus (sequence screening), but also ensuring that the synthesis company knows who is placing the order and whether this is a trustworthy customer (customer screening).
https://ebrc.org/publications-strengthening-a-safe-and-secure-nucleic-acid-synthesis-ecosystem/
Biosecurity Innovation and Risk Reduction Initiative (BIRRI) Meeting, Amsterdam, 9-11 July
The Biosecurity Office participated in this conference organized by the Biosecurity Innovation and Risk Reduction Initiative (BIRRI). BIRRI is an initiative of the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), an American non-profit organization. The aim of BIRRI is to identify biosecurity risks and to develop guidelines to mitigate these risks. During the meeting, extensive discussions were held on measures to ensure the safety of three developments in the life sciences and biotechnology: DNA synthesis screening, mirror life, and artificial intelligence (AI).
https://www.nti.org/news/nti-advances-biotechnology-governance-framework-to-reduce-emerging-biological-risks/
Biological Weapons Convention (BTWC) Conference, Geneva, 8-12 December
The seventh meeting of the Working Group to strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention took place in Geneva. The Biosecurity Office was present to provide substantive support to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The aim of the working group is to develop and elaborate concrete and effective measures. These may also include legally binding measures. These measures are intended to strengthen the operation of the BTWC, enabling the establishment of a monitoring and inspection mechanism. This would make it possible to verify whether countries are complying with the convention, something that is currently lacking. During the meeting, small steps were taken again in this direction.
https://meetings.unoda.org/bwc-/biological-weapons-convention-working-group-on-the-strengthening-of-the-convention-seventh-session-2025