Biological Threats in the Age of the Bioeconomy Workshop 3: Scenario Discussions

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) will host the third installment of its ongoing workshop series, Biological Threats in the Age of the Bioeconomy, on July 30–31, 2025. This multiday event—Workshop 3: Scenario Discussions—will further explore how bioeconomy-related research intersects with global biosecurity concerns and the responsible advancement of biotechnology.

Building on the framework established in earlier sessions, this workshop will focus on two scenario-specific research domains: Non-Model Microbes and Human Health Multi-Omics. Participants will examine both the transformative potential and dual-use risks associated with these areas of innovation, identifying strategies to responsibly manage emerging threats without stifling scientific progress.

Workshop Objectives Include:

• Continuing scenario-based exploration of bioeconomy-relevant technologies.
• Identifying both beneficial outcomes and security risks of using non-model microbes and human health multi-omics in research and biomanufacturing.
• Applying and refining frameworks to mitigate dual-use potential while supporting innovation.
• Fostering dialogue among scientists, public health experts, and global health security professionals.

This event is part of the broader Biological Threats in the Age of the Bioeconomy – A Workshop Series, a global initiative by NASEM that convenes interdisciplinary experts to modernize guidance on dual-use risk assessment in the context of bioeconomic development. The series aims to balance innovation with international security by highlighting strategies for responsible research and biotechnological application.

Final Workshop in the Series:

• Workshop 4: Scenario and Workshop Series Summary Discussion | August 6–7, 2025

Registration information has not yet been released. Interested participants are encouraged to check the event site for the most up-to-date details.

To learn more about Biological Threats in the Age of the Bioeconomy Workshop 3: Scenario Discussions, please visit the official NASEM event page.