Legal Issues in Biosecurity and Biosafety
Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI) Legal Summit on Navigating Legal Challenges and Solutions for Pandemic Preparedness and Response
November 12, 2025
London
On 8–9 October 2025, I participated in the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI) Legal Summit held in London, under the theme “Navigating Legal Challenges and Solutions for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.”
I spoke in the panel discussion on “Legal Issues in Biosecurity and Biosafety.” The session examined how legal frameworks can strengthen global systems to prevent accidents and misuse of pathogens while supporting scientific progress.
My remarks addressed several key questions:
- Legal and regulatory gaps: What are the main weaknesses in biosafety and biosecurity frameworks across different regions, and how do they affect pandemic preparedness?
- Best practices: What successful initiatives or models exist for harmonizing biosafety and biosecurity regulations at the national or regional level?
- Emerging technologies: How should legal frameworks evolve to address risks and opportunities associated with synthetic biology and the AI–bio interface?
- Role of funders: How can CEPI and other global funders leverage contracts and funding mechanisms to incentivize stronger biosafety and biosecurity standards among research partners?