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Announcing the ISC Expert Group for the Biological Weapons Convention

We are pleased to announce the formation of the International Science Council Expert Group dedicated to enhancing the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).

In May 2024, the International Science Council (ISC) and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) have been jointly awarded a grant by the Geneva Science Policy Interface to strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).

This initiative is a significant step toward integrating scientific advancements into the operations of the BWC, addressing the critical need for a structured mechanism to review relevant science and technology developments.

Project overview

The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) effectively prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons. It was signed in 1972, came into force in 1975 and currently has 185 States Parties.

The BWC currently lacks a structured mechanism for systematically reviewing relevant science and technology developments. This initiative addresses this need, highlighted during the recent Ninth BWC Review Conference (December 2022), with the aim to integrate scientific developments into the convention’s operations, particularly through scientific review and verification mechanisms.

The ISC project “Science-policy synergies for the Biological Weapons Convention” fosters collaboration between BWC delegates and scientific experts, developing methodologies that build mutual understanding and trust. By facilitating targeted discussions and creating tailored knowledge products, the initiative aims to equip delegates with tools to tackle current and future biological threats, enhancing the BWC’s effectiveness in global biosecurity.

The ISC Expert Group

The ISC has assembled a panel of esteemed experts from diverse disciplines and regions, drawn from candidates proposed by its Members. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, with expertise spanning disarmament, life sciences, and international cooperation.

Prof. Irma Makalinao

Prof. Irma Makalinao

Professor and Coordinator for CBRN Health Security Initiatives, University of the Philippines Manila

Affiliated with the National Research Council of the Philippines

Prof. Irma Makalinao
Prof. Levent Kenar

Prof. Levent Kenar

Chief of the CBRN Department

University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey

Prof. Levent Kenar
Ms. Laura Cochrane

Ms. Laura Cochrane

Vice President, Global Medical Affairs

Emergent BioSolutions, UK

Ms. Laura Cochrane
Dr. Jonathan Forman

Dr. Jonathan Forman

Science and Technology Advisor

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, United States

Dr. Jonathan Forman
Dr. Otim Maxwell Onapa

Dr. Otim Maxwell Onapa

Associate Professor of Public Health

Busitema University, Uganda

Dr. Otim Maxwell Onapa
Dr. Sana Zakaria

Dr. Sana Zakaria

Research Leader in Science and Emerging Technologies

RAND Europe, UK

Dr. Sana Zakaria
Prof. Ali Asy

Prof. Ali Asy

Professor and Biosafety Advisor at the Animal Health Research Institute, Egypt

Affiliated with the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)

Prof. Ali Asy
Dr. Shambhavi Naik

Dr. Shambhavi Naik

Head of Research at Takshashila Institution, India

Affiliated with the Indian National Science Academy (INSA)

Dr. Shambhavi Naik
Prof. Zabta Khan Shinwari

Prof. Zabta Khan Shinwari

Vice Chancellor of Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology, Pakistan

Affiliated with the Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS)

Prof. Zabta Khan Shinwari
Dr. Sandra Lopez-Verges

Dr. Sandra Lopez-Verges

Senior Health Researcher, Department Head, Gorgas Memorial Research Institute for Health Studies, Panama

Affiliated with the Global Young Academy (GYA)

Dr. Sandra Lopez-Verges


Goals and impacts

The primary aim of this initiative is to create a collaborative platform where scientific insights can inform policy discussions within the BWC. Experts will interact with delegates, provide independent scientific advice, and produce knowledge products that facilitate understanding between scientists and policymakers. Activities will include online briefings, the production of informational videos, and participation in BWC meetings.

The initiative will focus on three critical topics:

  1. Science and Technology Advisory Mechanisms: Identifying best practices and enhancing scientific advisory mechanisms to support evidence-informed negotiations.
  2. Compliance and Verification: Characterizing potential verification measures for biological weapons-related activities and providing suggestions for stakeholder engagement.
  3. International Cooperation and Assistance: Developing a comprehensive framework under Article X of the BWC and assessing ICA project proposals scientifically.

The ISC Expert Group is poised to make a significant impact on the BWC’s effectiveness in addressing biological threats. Through collaboration and scientific insights, we aim to ensure that the BWC remains a robust framework for global biosecurity.


Image by Yk K on Unsplash.

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