Educating life scientists on biosecurity and dual-use issues has been recognized as one of several approaches that can, in combination with other measures, enhance biorisk governance and biosecurity. However, the topic of biorisk is often overlooked or underemphasized in education and training, and there is a prevailing lack of awareness of how life science research could be exploited for hostile purposes.
This report outlines seven approaches to biosecurity related educational initiatives drawing from a wide range of past and present activities in this area. It provides a general overview of the relevance of this form of education in the work of both the Biological Weapons Convention and the World Health Organization. The report then explores a roadmap for the development of a systematic process of integrating biosecurity into life science teaching. Finally, the appendix showcases some of the biosecurity-related education initiatives undertaken by national, regional and international actors.
Citation: Sarah Ruth Opatowski, Biorisk Governance: Advancing Biosecurity Education for Life Scientists (Geneva: UNIDIR, 2025), https://doi.org/10.37559/WMD/25/CBW/01.