◄ Primary Topics Covered:
Balancing benefits and risks in scientific advancements
National Science Advisory Board proposing a framework to tighten regulations and oversight of pathogens
Controversy surrounding gain of function research
Difficult discussions needed to address security risks associated with research and access to genetic material
Authentication system for researchers accessing relevant resources proposed
Risky virology research often government-funded and subject to government review
Synthetic biology advances and the potential for dual use risks
Conceptualizing risks in a broader way to allocate resources and research effort proportionally
◄ Episode Description
On this episode of Forward Obsessed, we take a dive into the world of biotechnology and its potential for misuse. Our guest, Yonas Sanbrink, an expert in the field of biosecurity. His research focuses on the dual-use potential of emerging technologies and how to prevent catastrophic biological risks. He is currently a doctoral researcher at the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, studying the security aspects of emerging technologies to create and engineer viruses. He is also working as a Biosecurity Advisor for Google DeepMind. Previously, Jonas was a researcher at the Future of Humanity Institute, where he worked on mitigating risks of emerging technologies and preventing catastrophic biological risks.
We discuss the misconceptions and generalizations related to gain of function research, and the need for nuance and education in these conversations. We also explore the proposed framework by the National Science Advisory Board for biosecurity to tighten regulations and oversight of pathogens, and the controversy surrounding it. In addition, we delve into the potential security risks associated with the access to genetic material, and the proposed implementation of an authentication system for researchers and individuals accessing relevant resources. Lastly, we discuss the dual use risk of synthetic biology advances and the importance of allocating resources and research efforts proportionally. Tune in to this episode for thought-provoking insights on the intersection of science, technology, and security.
◄ Episode Timestamps
(00:00) Introduction
(3:07) The conflict between security and transparency in scientific research
(5:11) Better understanding “Gain Of Function” Research
(9:07) Research with intrinsic risks
(11:03) Why viruses are a useful tool in research
(15:52) The capability to manipulate viruses becoming widespread
(17:49) Delay, Detect, and Defend
(23:13) Regulating the genomes of viruses in scientific research
(28:20) The paradox of democratizing scientific information
(30:50) Vetting scientific research when they apply for funding
(33:20) Educational resources for learning about biosecurity
(35:20) The National Science Advisory Board’s framework to tighten regulations
◄ Episode Topic Score
Culture (6)
Design (7)
Education (8)
Environment (5)
Science (10)
Technology (9)
◄ Topical Keywords
Biosecurity
Pandemic Preparedness
Genetic Research
◄ Additional Episode Resources
Personal Website: https://jonassandbrink.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonassandbrink
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=kSe-jTEAAAAJ&hl=en
“Gain-of-function experiments: time for a real debate” Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/nrmicro3405
“Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology” Paper: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/24890/biodefense-in-the-age-of-synthetic-biology
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