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FBI Perspective:Addressing Synthetic Biology
and Biosecurity
Edward H. YouSupervisory Special AgentBioterrorism ProgramCountermeasures Unit IFBI Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate
July 9, 2010
Reinforce norms of safe and responsible conduct
Obtain timely and accurate insight on current and emerging risks
Take reasonable steps to reduce the potential for exploitation
Transform the international dialogue on biological threats
July 2006
FBI consolidated all WMD operations into the new WMD Directorate
1. Countermeasures and Preparedness
2. Investigative and Operations
3. Intelligence Analysis
Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate
Build national and international bioterrorism threat detection, identification, and reporting capabilities
Improve bioterrorism assessment and investigative capabilities
Enhance bioterrorism scientific, industry, and academic outreach
Bioterrorism Prevention Program Goals
Challenges
• Bridging the gaps and addressing misperceptions and misconceptions between law enforcement/USG and industry/research community
– Distinctly different cultures– Rapid development of technologies– Requires education and awareness training
• Balance between maintaining homeland security while maintaining openness in Life Sciences
– FBI understands this need to support this balance– FBI Outreach meant to foster openness while keeping
labs and scientific research secure
How to engage communities regarding biosecurity?
FBI Synthetic Biology Tripwire Initiative
• Partnership with the U.S. synthetic biology industry to report suspicious requests for genetic sequences– Reporting mechanism in place between
participating industry leaders and FBI field office WMD Coordinators
– Shared best practices with Germany and Canada during bilateral meetings (2009)
Industry very happy that problem of “who to call” was resolved
Federal Register /Vol. 74, No. 227 / Friday, November 27, 2009
Screening Framework Guidance for Synthetic Double-Stranded DNA Providers
1. Customer Screening Recommendations
2. Sequence Screening Recommendations
3. Government Notification Recommendations
“Building Bridges Around Building Genomes”
FBI Synthetic Biology Conference
August 4 - 5, 2009 San Francisco, California
International Industry Workshop on Synthetic Biology
November 03, 2009 in Cambridge, MA (USA)
1. Focused on tangible results for the improved biosecurity of DNA synthesis services
2. Finalized the Code of Conduct with the approval of all participating industry players
FBI, UN BWC, and U.S. Dept. of State attended workshop
•Presented FBI Synthetic Biology Tripwire Initiative
1,200 Attendees
26 Countries
100 Universities
FBI Biosecurity Workshop (U.S. Dept. of State, UN BWC)
FBI Outreach Booth
“Learn about FBI Outreach: Promoting Responsible Research & Career Opportunities”
A symposium to learn about do-it-yourself biology (DIYbio), open source science, at home medical genetics, bio-art and DNA chemistry, citizen science and novel ethical engagements with science at the cutting edge
Amateur Biology Outreach
UN Crime & Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) Synthetic Biology and Nanobiotechnology
Risk and Response Assessment
• Engaged experts from government agencies, international organizations, academia/research, the security community, and the private sector
• Focused on present and future biosecurity implications of advances in synthetic biology and nanobiotechnology
• Propose possible response and mitigation measures
May 3-4, 2010
The 3 I's: Learning through Collaboration, Connection and Community … Advancing Bioscience and Security
• First biosecurity conference organized by FBI WMD Directorate in partnership with the Massachusetts Society for Medical Research (MSMR) attended by:
• Institutional Biosafety Committee Members• Institutional Review Board Members• Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Members
• Focused on how the research and security communities can work together in addressing biosafety and biosecurity
FBI-MSMR Biosecurity Conference
THREAT Scientific CommunityFBI
The Role of the FBI
Mitigating the Potential Risks: •Outreach•Partnership•Effective Policy Making