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Suggested Citation: "Appendix A: Meeting Agendas." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. Biological Threats in the Age of Emerging Biotechnology: Proceedings of a Workshop Series. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27767.

A

Meeting Agendas

WORKSHOP #1: FRAMEWORKS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024 VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

Purpose

  • Existing biosafety and biosecurity policies and frameworks, which are focused on pathogens and toxins, may not address concerns associated with advances in research and development of bioeconomy-relevant biotechnologies and biomanufacturing.
  • This meeting will discuss existing frameworks and their relationship to the participating countries–Argentina, Mexico, Peru, and India.
08:00–08:10 Welcome and Introduction
08:10–08:20 Workshop Series Statement of Task
08:20–08:30 Project Definitions
08:30–09:00 Framework and Guidance History
09:00–09:10 Break
Suggested Citation: "Appendix A: Meeting Agendas." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. Biological Threats in the Age of Emerging Biotechnology: Proceedings of a Workshop Series. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27767.
09:10–10:10 Current Framework Status Discussion
10:10–10:20 Break
10:20–10:50 Current Framework Status and Discussion - Continued
Dr. Emmanuelle Lievina A. Tuerlings, Technical Officer, Emerging Technologies, Research Prioritisation and Support, WHO
Mr. Luis Ochoa Carrera, Michigan State University; Mexican Biosafety Association Founding Member (pre-recorded remarks)
10:50–11:20 Committee Impressions and Key Themes
11:20–11:30 Workshop #2 and #3 Preview

WORKSHOP #2: THE USE OF MULTI-OMIC DATA TO AFFECT HUMAN HEALTH

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

Purpose

  • Existing biosafety and biosecurity policies and frameworks, which are focused on pathogens and toxins, may not address concerns associated with advances in research and development of emerging biotechnologies and biomanufacturing.
  • The field of multi-omics, which includes the analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data, has revolutionized our ability to understand and influence human health.
  • This emerging biotechnology presents significant ethical, legal, and social implications due to its dual-use potential and the risks associated with data security, privacy, and misuse.
  • This meeting will discuss existing Human Health multi-omic frameworks in India and examine the benefits and risks associated with multi-omic and bioinformatic data and technologies.
Suggested Citation: "Appendix A: Meeting Agendas." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. Biological Threats in the Age of Emerging Biotechnology: Proceedings of a Workshop Series. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27767.
19:30–19:40 Welcome, Introductions, and Workshop Series Statement of Task
19:40–20:10 Facilitated Discussion–Framework and Guidance
20:10–20:40 Facilitated Discussion–Risk & Benefit Questions
20:40–21:00 Committee Reflections–Committee and Attendees

WORKSHOP #3: THE USE OF MULTI-OMIC DATA TO AFFECT CROP IMPROVEMENT

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

Purpose

  • Existing biosafety and biosecurity policies and frameworks, which are focused on pathogens and toxins, may not address concerns associated with advances in research and development of emerging biotechnologies and biomanufacturing.
  • The integration of multi-omic data, which includes genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic information, has the potential to revolutionize agriculture by enhancing crop improvement strategies
  • The use of in-silico modeling and bioinformatic approaches allows for the precise prediction and manipulation of crop traits, improving yield, and resistance to diseases.
  • This emerging biotechnology also presents challenges in terms of data security, regulatory frameworks, and ethical considerations, especially with regard to biodiversity and food security.
  • This meeting will discuss existing Crop Improvement multi-omic frameworks in Latin America and examine the benefits and risks associated with multi-omic and bioinformatic data and technologies.
10:00–10:10 Welcome, Introductions, and Workshop Series Statement of Task
10:10–11:10 Multi-omic Analysis for Crop Improvement: The Case of Chia (Salvia hispanica)
Dr. Luis Herrera-Estrella, Texas Tech University
Suggested Citation: "Appendix A: Meeting Agendas." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. Biological Threats in the Age of Emerging Biotechnology: Proceedings of a Workshop Series. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27767.
11:10–11:20 Break
11:20–12:20 Advances on the Research of Peruvian Andean Maize Diversity Using Metabolomic Platforms
Dr. Lena Gálvez Ranilla, Universidad Catolica de Santa Maria, Peru
12:20–12:30 Committee Reflections–Committee and Attendees

WORKSHOP #4: DNA SYNTHESIS SCREENING

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

Purpose

  • Existing biosafety and biosecurity policies and frameworks, which are focused on pathogens and toxins, may not address concerns associated with advances in research and development of emerging biotechnologies and biomanufacturing.
  • Since the early days of chemical synthesis of DNA, the methods have improved toward “writing” longer pieces of DNA. The increase in speed of DNA synthesis contributed to these improvements. This emerging biotechnology presents significant ethical, legal, and social implications due to its dual-use potential and the risks associated with data security, privacy, and misuse.
  • This meeting will discuss existing DNA Synthesis capabilities and screening policy and frameworks in the project countries of Argentina, Mexico, Peru, and India; and examine the benefits and risks associated with DNA Synthesis capabilities.
10:00–10:10 Welcome, Introductions, and Workshop Series Statement of Task
10:10–11:40 DNA Synthesis: Safeguarding Modern Bioscience and Biotechnology Presentation by the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS):
Mayra Ameneiros, Senior Fellow (Global DNA Synthesis Map Lead), IBBIS
Tessa Alexanian, Technical Lead (Common Mechanism), IBBIS
Dr. Suryesh Namdeo, DST Centre for Policy Research, IBBIS Advisory
Suggested Citation: "Appendix A: Meeting Agendas." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. Biological Threats in the Age of Emerging Biotechnology: Proceedings of a Workshop Series. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27767.
Group Member
Ricardo Chávez, Consultant (Global DNA Synthesis Map), IBBIS
11:40–12:20 International Best Practices for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening
Dr. Becky Mackelprang, Director for Security Programs at the Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC)
12:20–12:45 Committee Reflections–Committee and Attendee
Suggested Citation: "Appendix A: Meeting Agendas." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. Biological Threats in the Age of Emerging Biotechnology: Proceedings of a Workshop Series. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27767.
Page 73
Suggested Citation: "Appendix A: Meeting Agendas." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. Biological Threats in the Age of Emerging Biotechnology: Proceedings of a Workshop Series. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27767.
Page 74
Suggested Citation: "Appendix A: Meeting Agendas." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. Biological Threats in the Age of Emerging Biotechnology: Proceedings of a Workshop Series. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27767.
Page 75
Suggested Citation: "Appendix A: Meeting Agendas." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. Biological Threats in the Age of Emerging Biotechnology: Proceedings of a Workshop Series. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27767.
Page 76
Suggested Citation: "Appendix A: Meeting Agendas." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. Biological Threats in the Age of Emerging Biotechnology: Proceedings of a Workshop Series. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27767.
Page 77
Next Chapter: Appendix B: Planning Committee Developed Scenarios
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