Biological Threats in the Age of the Bioeconomy Workshop 4: Scenario and Workshop Series Summary Discussion

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) will host the final session in its four-part workshop series, Biological Threats in the Age of the Bioeconomy, on August 6–7, 2025. Workshop 4: Scenario and Workshop Series Summary Discussion will build on the momentum and insights from previous events and bring the series to a close with a comprehensive discussion of key findings and future directions.

This culminating workshop will complete the scenario-based discussion series with a focus on a Neuroscience topic area. Like prior sessions, this discussion will explore both the benefits and dual-use risks associated with cutting-edge bioeconomy research—this time within the context of neurobiological tools, data, and innovation.

In addition to the scenario analysis, the planning committee will lead a broader reflection on the overarching themes that have emerged across the series. These include risk mitigation, responsible science, framework adaptation, and the intersection of bioeconomic growth with biosecurity and global health imperatives.

Workshop Objectives Include:

• Completing the final scenario discussion in the neuroscience domain.
• Reviewing cross-cutting themes and key takeaways from the full workshop series.
• Identifying forward-looking recommendations to guide responsible research and innovation in the bioeconomy.
• Engaging a diverse audience of scientists, public health professionals, and global health security stakeholders in framing future priorities.

This event concludes the Biological Threats in the Age of the Bioeconomy – A Workshop Series. Each workshop in the series has examined specific bioeconomy-relevant research areas:

• Workshop 1 introduced the foundational framework for scenario-based discussions.
• Workshop 2 focused on Crop Improvement Multi-Omics.
• Workshop 3 addressed Non-Model Microbes and Human Health Multi-Omics.
• Workshop 4 now completes the sequence with Neuroscience, along with a synthesis of the series’ insights.

The workshop series has aimed to develop practical approaches to reducing dual-use risk in the bioeconomy while promoting safe, secure, and peaceful scientific progress. The conclusions from this series will be captured in a published Proceedings by NASEM.

Registration information is not yet available. Interested participants should check the host organization’s website for the latest updates and participation details.

To learn more about Biological Threats in the Age of the Bioeconomy Workshop 4: Scenario and Workshop Series Summary Discussion, please visit the official NASEM event page.