Call for international collaboration to enhance global biosecurity education and strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
Date: 15 October 2025
Progress in international relations is often slow and incremental – but these gradual advances allow opportunities for civil society to make meaningful contributions. Civil society scientists have played key roles in areas such as nuclear and chemical security: supporting the development of the International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN) and contributing to the Advisory Board on Education and Outreach (ABEO) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Comparable efforts to support the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), however, have been slower to gain traction. Now, researchers are calling for renewed efforts to accelerate the development of biosecurity education aligned with the BWC’s objectives.
In a recent Nature Correspondence article, Professor Lijun Shang, Director of London Met’s Biological Security Research Centre (BSRC), and Professor Malcolm Dando, Visiting Professor at BSRC, advocate for active civil society engagement in shaping global biosecurity education. Their recommendations build on recent work and discussions held at a side event during the sixth session of the BWC Working Group on Strengthening the Convention, held in Geneva in August.
Civil society organisations – including the BSRC at London Met – have undertaken several initiatives in biosecurity education. Over the past two years, these efforts have converged in the establishment of a pilot International Biosecurity Education Network (IBSEN), funded through charitable grants. (See: Shang, “Building up an International Biosecurity Education Network,” ibsen.org.uk).
With continued collaboration and international support, these initiatives aim to lay the groundwork for an IBSEN formally linked to the BWC, ahead of its next Five-Year Review Conference. Such a venture, the academics argue, could unite life scientists globally to prevent the misuse of biological research and promote responsible innovation.
“My centre has been dedicated to global biosecurity education since its founding in 2020,” said Professor Lijun Shang. “We take an active approach to integrating biosecurity education with other CBRNe security issues to meet the new challenges posed by advancing science and technology, and by changing global environments. With sustainable support, we hope to drive progress by educating the life science community about biosecurity, and by radically improving the safe and responsible use of their research.”
Professor Malcolm Dando added: “Through our funded IBSEN project and effective communication with policymakers, we hope to enhance global awareness and strengthen biosecurity capacity worldwide.”
The initiative reflects London Met’s ongoing commitment to fostering international collaboration, advancing responsible science, and ensuring that research continues to serve peaceful and ethical purposes.
You can read the full article here: Life scientists: educate others to help strengthen biosecurity
