Jon Arizti Sanz is a researcher and innovator in biomedical engineering and infectious disease technologies, holding a PhD from MIT and Harvard Medical School. As a member of Prof. Pardis Sabeti's lab, Jon's research aimed to address critical gaps in global diagnostic testing capacity, focusing on developing novel diagnostic technologies that are accurate, affordable, and accessible in decentralized settings.
Jon led the development of SHINE, a robust, rapid, and highly portable diagnostic platform for infectious diseases based on the novel CRISPR-Cas13 enzyme. His efforts to develop, validate, and deploy SHINE represents a significant leap in early detection and surveillance of high-consequence infectious disease agents, including SARS-CoV-2, Influenza virus, Lassa virus, and various tick-borne diseases. SHINE has since become an integral component of Sentinel, an infectious disease surveillance program in West Africa, and a benchmark for field-deployable CRISPR-based diagnostics.
Recognizing the biosafety and biosecurity challenges posed by advancing biotechnologies, Jon has expanded his engagement beyond research environments. In 2022, Jon participated in the 9th Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) at the United Nations. In collaboration with young researchers and activists, he co-authored the official Youth Recommendations report, contributing specifically to the "Review of Developments in the Field of Science and Technology" section, and proposing five recommendations for the optimal review of biotechnological advances within the BWC.
Moreover, Jon serves on MIT's Institutional Biosafety Committee, where he reviews protocols to ensure they meet the stringent guidelines set by the CDC and NIH. He is also an Associate Editor for MIT Science Policy Review, a journal at the intersection of scientific advancements and policy. These experiences highlight Jon's engagement with critical global issues related to pandemic prevention and biosecurity.
Originally from Spain, Jon is currently based in Boston, USA. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking (and eating), running, swimming and Latin dances.