Biosecurity Research Group

Working with institutions around the world to reduce risks from especially dangerous pathogens

Rapid developments in biotechnology and genetic engineering will pose novel risks and opportunities for humanity in the decades to come.  Arms races or proliferation with advanced bioweapons could pose existential risks to humanity, while advanced medical countermeasures could dramatically reduce these risks.  Human enhancement technologies could radically change the human condition.  FHI’s biotechnology research group conducts cutting-edge research on the impacts of advanced biotechnology and their impacts on existential risk and the future of humanity.  In addition to research, the group regularly advises policymakers: for example, FHI researchers have consulted with the US President’s Council on Bioethics, the US National Academy of Sciences, the Global Risk Register, the UK Synthetic Biology Leadership Council, as well as serving on the board of DARPA’s SafeGenes programme and directing iGEM’s safety and security system.