Science-policy synergies for the Biological Weapons Convention

Background

This initiative addresses the need, highlighted during the recent BWC Review Conference, to integrate scientific developments into the convention’s operations, particularly through scientific review and verification mechanisms.

The project 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.

ISC Expert Group

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, Türkiye

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

Activities and impact

• May 2024: Geneva Science Policy Interface grants the award to conduct the project.
• June – August 2024: The ISC forms a group of experts to provide independent scientific advice.
• September – October 2024: The ISC Expert Group participates in the collaborative effort to strengthen science-policy interface within the BWC.
• December 2024: The fifth session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention will take place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland from 2 to 13 December 2024 and will be attended by the ISC Expert Group.

The project will be concluded in 2024.