Science-policy synergies for the Biological Weapons Convention

Background

This initiative responds to the need – emphasized during the recent BWC Review Conference – to better integrate scientific developments into the Convention’s operations, particularly through scientific review and verification mechanisms.

It fosters collaboration between BWC delegates and scientific experts by developing methodologies that promote mutual understanding and trust. Through targeted discussions and tailored knowledge products, the initiative aims to equip delegates with the tools needed to address current and emerging biological threats, thereby strengthening the BWC’s role in global biosecurity.

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 took place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland from 2 to 13 December 2024 and was attended by the ISC Expert Group.
• In July 2025, the ISC released a series of three discussion papers offering comprehensive frameworks to inform discussions on compliance and verification. These frameworks address emerging biothreats and propose an expanded verification system. Building on the work of past committees, they combine off-site and on-site measures and leverage cutting-edge technologies.

ISC Expert Group

Hear directly from members of the ISC Expert Group about their recommendations and the role of science in strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention.

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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