2024 Game Changers Workshop for Biosecurity Policy Inspires Next Generation Experts

The second-annual Biosecurity Game Changers Workshop will convene this weekend (10/18-10/20) in Washington, DC, sponsored by the Brown Pandemic Center and the Horizon Institute for Public Service, together with support from Sentinel Bio, Helena, and the Policy Entrepreneurs Network (PEN), which is fiscally sponsored by Digital Harbor Foundation.

Workshop 2024 Horizons — Lynda Stuart & Andrew Hebbeler on AI x Bio

Workshop 2024 Horizons #2 — Sabrina Chwalek & Rhys Dubin on the pivot to policy

This weekend (10/18-10/20), the Brown University Pandemic Center, Horizon Institute for Public Service, together with support from Sentinel Bio, Helena, and the Policy Entrepreneurs Network (PEN) hosted the second annual Biosecurity Game Changers Workshop in Washington, D.C. The workshop is part of the Biosecurity Game Changers program, which aims to build the next generation of biosecurity professionals across sectors and around the world.

This year’s event brought together early-to-mid-career professionals from across the country who are considering careers in biosecurity and pandemic preparedness policy. The workshop was designed to provide insight into emerging issues at the intersection of AI and biology and what a career in biosecurity policy entails.

Following the workshop, 76% of participants reported being more likely to pursue a career in biosecurity policy, and 94% said they are more excited about contributing to policy in this area going forward.

In their own words (participant responses anonymized):

“ “I wasn’t sure that I wanted to enter a biosecurity or public health policy career and this was very affirming. It showed me many opportunities that I didn’t know of beforehand.” ”

“ “The workshop validated my interest in pivoting my career from entrepreneurship and consulting to public policy.” ”

“ “It made me realize that it might be easier than I thought to transition into the space if I wanted to.” ”

“ “It confirmed my interest to enter the field of biosecurity. It showed me different opportunities to enter the field and areas of the government that are focused on AIxBio convergence.” ”

Over the course of the weekend, participants gained insight from keynote speakers Maj. Gen. (ret) Paul Friedrichs, Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, and Dr. Michelle Rozo, Vice Chair of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology. They also attended a fireside chat on current issues in biosecurity and pandemic preparedness policy with an emphasis on the impact of artificial intelligence in the field featuring Dr. Lynda Stuart, Executive Director for the Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington and Dr. Andrew Hebbeler, Director of Biosecurity at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The group also included more than two dozen experts who have served in roles from across U.S. departments and agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations and Congressional offices. Thanks to all of the top leaders who served as outstanding speakers and facilitators for the workshop: Beth Cameron, Sarah Carter, Willy Chertman, Sabrina Chwalek, Amanda Cogan, Rhys Dubin, Paul Friedrichs, Joan Gass, Ella Guest, Andrew Hebbeler, Chris Houchens, Temi Ibitoye, Wilmot James, Nils Justen, Norm Kahn, Evan Davison Kotler, Eric Landree, Anastasia Lambrou, Tracie Lattimore, Mark Lucera, Tim Manning, Meghan Pennini, Claire Qureshi, Ryan Remmel, Ryan Ritterson, Michelle Rozo, Mikaela Saccoccio, Jon Arizti Sanz, David Stiefel, Lynda Stuart, Sapana Vora, and Katarina Watney.

Attendees engaged with top leaders and policymakers, learned about the latest gaps in biosecurity-related public policy issues, practiced pitching their own policy recommendations, participated in a scenario-based table top exercise, and received personalized career advice from top leaders in the field.