Skip to main content

Biosecurity

Biosecurity research protects against biological threats and misuse of biotechnology. The National Academies study detection, preparedness, and policy frameworks that strengthen public safety.

AI Tools Can Enhance U.S. Biosecurity; Monitoring and Mitigation Will Be Needed to Protect Against Misuse Mar 14, 2025 News Release
Biomedical Journal Editors Announce New Practices for Using Race, Ethnicity, and Ancestry Descriptors in Genomics Research, Following Recommendations from 2023 National Academies Report Mar 12, 2024 Feature Story

Featured Publications

The Age of AI in the Life Sciences: Benefits and Biosecurity Considerations

Consensus

2025

Artificial Intelligence and Automated Laboratories for Biotechnology: Leveraging Opportunities and Mitigating Risks: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief

Workshop_in_brief

2024

A Strategic Vision for Biological Threat Reduction: The U.S. Department of Defense and Beyond

Consensus

2020

Exploring Lessons Learned from a Century of Outbreaks: Readiness for 2030: Proceedings of a Workshop

Workshop

2019

Developing Norms for the Provision of Biological Laboratories in Low-Resource Contexts: Proceedings of a Workshop

Workshop

2019

Featured work

Strengthening Southeast Asian Academia and Industry Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Safety and Security - A Workshop

Meeting of Experts

Genomics Databases for Bioterrorism Threat Agents

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Enhancing Global Health Security Through International Biosecurity and Health Engagement Programs

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Strategies for Identifying and Addressing Biodefense Vulnerabilities Posed by Synthetic Biology

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Dual Use Research of Concern: Options for Future Management

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Chemical Laboratory Safety and Security: A Guide to Developing Standard Operating Procedures

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Establishing and Promoting a Culture of Safety in Academic Laboratory Research

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Assessing the Biosecurity Implications of Genome Editing Technology: A Workshop

Other

Biosecurity Implications of Genome Editing: An InterAcademy Workshop in India

Other

Upcoming events

Units

Life Sciences and Biotechnology Program Area

Oversight Unit

Magnified body's raw materials, stem cells

Biomedical and Health Sciences Program Area

Oversight Unit

Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST)

Oversight Unit

Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases and 21st Century Health Threats

Standing Committee

Forum on Microbial Threats

Roundtable/Forum

Committee on Science, Technology, and Law

Standing Committee

Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies

Roundtable/Forum

Board on Life Sciences

Standing Committee

Standing Committee on Advances and National Security Implications of Transdisciplinary Biotechnology

Standing Committee

Board on Global Health

Standing Committee

Subscribe to Email from the National Academies

Keep up with all of the activities, publications, and events by subscribing to free updates by email.