Program on Science, Technology and Society at Harvard

Harvard Kennedy School of Government | Harvard University

Initiating a Renaissance in Biosecurity Governance

20 April, 2023, 9am-1pm
Room 434, Wexner Building, Harvard Kennedy School, 79 JFK St

Abstract

Biosecurity governance is going through a renaissance. This seminar brings together experts to discuss the current biosecurity landscape and what it means to think differently about how we understand when we need to be concerned about life science research, who has a responsibility for addressing those concerns, and what should actually be done.

 

Register here

 

9:00am Opening and Welcome: Syra Madad, Senior Director of the System-wide Special Pathogens Program at NYC Health + Hospitals
9:05am Panel 1: The big picture shifts in biosecurity governance

Moderator:
Sam Weiss Evans
Senior Research Fellow, Program on Science, Technology & Society, HKS

 

Guests:
Megan Palmer
Senior Director of Public Impact, Ginkgo Bioworks

 

Jaime Yassif
Vice President, Global Biological Policy and Programs, NTI | bio

 

Kavita Berger
Director, Board on Life Sciences, National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

10:30am Break
10:45am Panel 2: Trying out new directions

Moderator:
Syra Madad
Senior Director of the System-wide Special Pathogens Program at NYC Health + Hospitals

 

Guests:
Matt McKnight General Manager, Biosecurity, Ginkgo Bioworks

 

Rabecca Caruso Director, Committee on Microbiological Safety, Harvard Medical School

 

Will So, Program Manager, Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate, FBI

12:00pm Lunch

Co-sponsored by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs