Navigating the Benefits and Risks of Publishing Studies of In Silico Modeling

Navigating the Benefits and Risks of Publishing Studies of In Silico Modeling and Computational Approaches of Biological Agents and Organisms – A Workshop will take place on April 3 – April 4, 2025.

Hosted by the National Academies, this workshop will explore the benefits and biosecurity risks of communicating studies that use computational modeling and generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to understand and design biological systems.

The committee will examine existing policies and guidance on dual use research of concern and pathogens of pandemic potential, challenges in balancing the benefits and risks of publishing life sciences research, the relevance of ongoing AI safety efforts, and policy options. Experts from journals, professional societies, academia, and industry will contribute through a series of events, with key themes summarized in the workshop proceedings.

This project was developed following the release of the U. S. Government Policy for Oversight of DURC and PEPP, asking for the development of voluntary guidance for research involving in silico models and computational approaches. The implementation of this policy is planned for May 2025. The activity aims to strike a balance between scientific advancement and security risks through the active engagement of experts and policy
discussions.

Please visit the National Academies’ Navigating the Benefits and Risks of Publishing Studies of In Silico Modeling and Computational Approaches of Biological Agents and Organisms – A Workshop page for more information and to register to attend.