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Science-policy synergies for the Biological Weapons Convention

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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).

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, 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

Activities and impact

The project will be concluded in 2024.

News & Events

news
26 September 2024 - 4 min read

Announcing the ISC Expert Group for the Biological Weapons Convention

Learn more Learn more about Announcing the ISC Expert Group for the Biological Weapons Convention
A person in a hazmat suit news
20 June 2024 - 10 min read

Call for nominations of experts: Providing scientific advice within the Biological Weapons Convention

Learn more Learn more about Call for nominations of experts: Providing scientific advice within the Biological Weapons Convention
blog
01 May 2024 - 2 min read

ISC and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs awarded joint grant to support the Biological Weapons Convention

Learn more Learn more about ISC and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs awarded joint grant to support the Biological Weapons Convention

Project team

Anne-Sophie Stevance

Anne-Sophie Stevance

Senior Science Officer, Head

Global Science Policy Unit, International Science Council

Anne-Sophie Stevance
Please contact Science Officer Anda Popovici (anda.popovici@council.science) should you have any questions regarding the work of the Global Comission. Anda Popovici

Anda Popovici

Science Officer

Global Science Policy Unit, International Science Council

Anda Popovici

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