London Met researchers advocate for best practice in biosecurity education at Biological Weapons Convention meeting in Geneva
Date: 19 August 2025
As part of its ongoing work on the important issue of improving biosecurity education for life and associated scientists, London Met’s Biological Security Research Centre (BSRC) organised a side event during the Sixth Working Group meeting.
The event explored developments in best practices in biosecurity education. It inspired discussion around informing further development of an International Biological Security Education Network (IBSEN) as proposed in the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Chair’s 2025 non-paper rolling text.
The side event was open to State representatives and experts and highlighted the rapid transition of biosecurity education, from broad concepts into a dynamic and diverse field of practice, encompassing development of biosecurity education materials and innovative means of implementation.
Presentations at the side event were made by:
- David Riley, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva of the United Kingdom – welcome and opening remarks
- MaryKate Monahan, Associate Political Affairs Officer, BWC ISU – Youth for Biosecurity programme
- Maria Garzon Maceda, Project Coordinator for the WMD Programme
- Soatiana Rajatonirina, Technical Officer, Science Division, WHO – WHO UNIDIR – BWCEdu initiative Academy hosted training course on dual-use research and responsible use of the life sciences
- Lijun Shang, Director, Biological Security Research Centre, London Metropolitan University – Implementing the International Biological Security Education Network (IBSEN)
The presentations were followed by a discussion chaired by Ambassador David Riley.
Professor Lijun Shang, the Director of London Met's BSRC commented: “This side event was a significant contribution to the overall discussion amongst diplomats about how, during this period of rapid scientific and technological change, the Tianjin Guidelines for the responsible use of the life sciences can be best supported by advances through the implementation of effective biosecurity education.”
He added: “Organising this kind of side event and promoting IBSEN demonstrates the important work from my centre and we will continue to play a leading role in biosecurity education.”
Side event explored developments in best practices in biosecurity education