The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) currently lacks a structured mechanism to systematically review developments in science and technology. To support stronger science-policy engagement, the International Science Council (ISC) convened an Expert Group in 2024 and 2025 to provide independent scientific input to the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention. The project responds to a call from the Ninth BWC Review Conference to better integrate science into the implementation of the Convention with a focus on compliance and verification, international cooperation and assistance, and Science & Technology.
Three discussion papers synthesize the Expert Group’s reflections and recommendations to support BWC States Parties and broader stakeholders.
Hear directly from members of the ISC Expert Group about their recommendations and the role of science in strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention.
This paper outlines a practical, science-informed framework for compliance and verification under the BWC. It proposes tools and indicators to support risk assessment, detection and deterrence of biological weapons, and introduces a sliding scale to evaluate levels of compliance based on national capacities.
Strengthening compliance and verification under the biological weapons convention
DOI: 10.24948/2025.02
Publication date: 07 July 2025
Publisher: International Science Council
Focusing on Article X of the BWC, this paper provides guidance to enhance international cooperation and assistance efforts to enhance biosafety and biosecurity. It outlines mechanisms to identify and respond to capacity building needs, improve oversight of projects and prioritization of funding, and promote scientific collaboration, emphasizing the need for equitable access to resources, technology and knowledge.
Strengthening international cooperation and assistance under the biological weapons convention
DOI: 10.24948/2025.06
Publication date: 07 July 2025
Publisher: International Science Council
This paper provides key considerations for designing and implementing a scientific advisory mechanism under the BWC under consideration by State Parties. It includes recommendations on the design and governance of the mechanism, and the prioritization of scientific topics to inform policy and ensure timely, credible and transparent science advice to support the treaty implementation.
Strengthening science and technology under the biological weapons convention
DOI: 10.24948/2025.07
Publication date: 30 June 2025
Publisher: International Science Council
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