The U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Biological Policy Staff has launched a new initiative targeting Latin America and the Asia-Pacific to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity, prevent biological accidents, and reduce the risk of dangerous pathogens being misused. Through a $2 million, two-year program, the Department will work with countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
The effort supports the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and addresses emerging risks from rapid advances in biotechnology, expanding pathogen research, and uneven adoption of biological safety standards worldwide.
Program Scope and Priorities
The initiative aims to enhance national-level policies, laboratory operations, and research oversight in ways that reduce risks to both researchers and the public. Its strategy includes:
- Strengthening biorisk management in high-containment laboratories (~40% of funds) – Establishing regional networks in Latin America to share expertise, improve operations and maintenance, and promote sustainable safe practices.
- Promoting policies for oversight of high-risk research (~40% of funds) – Encouraging harmonized international standards for gain-of-function and dual-use research oversight, informed by evolving U.S. policies.
- Supporting a global biorisk research agenda (~20% of funds) – Coordinating international research to develop scientifically validated biosafety practices, replacing inconsistent or ad hoc approaches.
Significance for Public Health Security and National Interests
As biotechnology and pathogen research expand, they bring important public health and scientific benefits—but also heighten the potential for accidental release or deliberate misuse. Without robust safeguards, biological incidents abroad can quickly become global crises.
For the general public, stronger biosafety abroad reduces the likelihood of cross-border disease outbreaks that could impact communities in the United States. For the national interest, the program strengthens the BWC, enhances U.S. leadership in global health security, and builds durable partnerships that help prevent the development and use of biological weapons.
Implementation Approach
Projects will be carried out through cooperative agreements or inter-agency partnerships, ensuring substantial involvement from the Department of State in selecting participants, reviewing curricula, and guiding event planning. Activities will include workshops, trainings, and policy dialogues bringing together government officials, laboratory directors, researchers, funders, and other stakeholders to foster sustainable, harmonized approaches to biological risk management.
Opportunities for Participation
Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations, universities, private sector entities, and public international organizations. The Department of State encourages proposals from applicants with a proven track record in biosafety, biosecurity, or related fields. Proposals are due August 11, 2025, and must include a detailed monitoring and evaluation plan to ensure measurable results.
By focusing on Latin America and the Asia-Pacific, this initiative addresses urgent biosafety and biosecurity needs in regions of strategic importance. It seeks to reduce biological risks, align policies with scientific best practices, and prevent threats before they emerge—helping to safeguard public health, national security, and global stability.
Notice of Funding Opportunity: Effectively Strengthening Safety and Security of Biological Research Globally (DFOP0017422). U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Biological Policy Staff.