Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense https://biocommission.podbean.com The Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense at Atlantic Council is a privately funded entity established in 2014 to provide for a comprehensive assessment of the state of U.S. biodefense efforts and to issue recommendations that will foster change.

From 2014-2015, the Commission convened four public meetings in Washington, DC on biological threat awareness, prevention and protection, surveillance and detection, and response and recovery. Current and former Members of Congress, former Administration officials, state and local representatives, thought leaders, and other experts provided their perspectives on current biodefense efforts, including strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. While much good work has been achieved toward biodefense, these meetings have revealed systemic challenges in the enterprise designed to protect Americans from biological events.

The Commission continues to advocate for uptake of these recommendations at the highest levels of American government, through additional meetings, reports, and other activities, and is the only such body of bipartisan, former high-level policymakers to do so.

]]> Wed, 06 Aug 2025 16:06:21 -0300 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. Government 1440 episodic The Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense is a privately funded entity established in 2014 to provide for a comprehensive assessment of the state of U.S. biodefense efforts and to issue recommendations that will foster change. From 2014-2015, the Commission convened four public meetings in Washington, DC on biological threat awareness, prevention and protection, surveillance and detection, and response and recovery. Current and former Members of Congress, former Administration officials, state and local representatives, thought leaders, and other experts provided their perspectives on current biodefense efforts, including strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. While much good work has been achieved toward biodefense, these meetings have revealed systemic challenges in the enterprise designed to protect Americans from biological events. The Commission continues to advocate for uptake of these recommendations at the highest levels of American government, through additional meetings, reports, and other activities, and is the only such body of bipartisan, former high-level policymakers to do so. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11612319/Podcast_Logo_cek687.jpg Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense https://biocommission.podbean.com 144 144 Biodefense in Crisis: Danger and Opportunity Biodefense in Crisis: Danger and Opportunity https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/biodefense-in-crisis-danger-and-opportunity/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/biodefense-in-crisis-danger-and-opportunity/#comments Wed, 06 Aug 2025 16:06:21 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/c8558a9c-a8b4-3580-848d-55285d689612
  • Michael Place, MD (Major General, US Army – Retired) – Former Chief of Staff, Office of the Surgeon General, US Army Command, US Army
  • Erica Pan, MD, MPH – Director and State Public Health Officer, California Department of Public Health
  • Alex Hamberg, VMD, PhD – State Veterinarian, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
  • Clint Osborn – Director, District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency
  • Lori Tremmel Freeman, MBA – Chief Executive Officer, National Association of County and City Health Officials
  • Tina Tan, MD, FIDSA, FPIDS, FAAP – President, Infectious Disease Society of America
  • Ali S. Khan, MD, MPH – Dean, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Richard J. Hatchett, MD – Chief Executive Officer, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations
  • Matthew Hepburn, MD – Executive Vice President, Research and Development, Panther Life Sciences
  • Leonard J. Marcus, PhD – Co-Director, National Preparedness Leadership Initiative, Harvard University
  • Taylor Sexton, MPH – Executive Director, Medical Countermeasures Coalition
  • David Stiefel, MA – Director, Global Biological Policy and Programs, Nuclear Threat Initiative
  • Joe Buccina, MA, MS– Policy and Research Director, National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology
  • Patricia R. Bright, DVM – Former Senior Science Advisor, One Health/Global Health Security, US Geological Survey

    • Learn more here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/biodefense-in-crisis-danger-and-opportunity/

     

    ]]>
  • Michael Place, MD (Major General, US Army – Retired) – Former Chief of Staff, Office of the Surgeon General, US Army Command, US Army
  • Erica Pan, MD, MPH – Director and State Public Health Officer, California Department of Public Health
  • Alex Hamberg, VMD, PhD – State Veterinarian, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
  • Clint Osborn – Director, District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency
  • Lori Tremmel Freeman, MBA – Chief Executive Officer, National Association of County and City Health Officials
  • Tina Tan, MD, FIDSA, FPIDS, FAAP – President, Infectious Disease Society of America
  • Ali S. Khan, MD, MPH – Dean, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Richard J. Hatchett, MD – Chief Executive Officer, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations
  • Matthew Hepburn, MD – Executive Vice President, Research and Development, Panther Life Sciences
  • Leonard J. Marcus, PhD – Co-Director, National Preparedness Leadership Initiative, Harvard University
  • Taylor Sexton, MPH – Executive Director, Medical Countermeasures Coalition
  • David Stiefel, MA – Director, Global Biological Policy and Programs, Nuclear Threat Initiative
  • Joe Buccina, MA, MS– Policy and Research Director, National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology
  • Patricia R. Bright, DVM – Former Senior Science Advisor, One Health/Global Health Security, US Geological Survey

    • Learn more here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/biodefense-in-crisis-danger-and-opportunity/

     

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 17661 46 full     Astrobiodefense: Biological Threats and the Next Frontier Astrobiodefense: Biological Threats and the Next Frontier https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/astrobiodefense-biological-threats-and-the-next-frontier/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/astrobiodefense-biological-threats-and-the-next-frontier/#comments Fri, 16 May 2025 16:03:06 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/8595cdf7-9f72-3c69-a97a-d948c5d33ac0 This Commission meeting, Astrobiodefense: Biological Threats and the Next Frontier, was held on May 8, 2025. The focus of this meeting will be to provide the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense with a better understanding of how to strengthen international astrobiodefense and planetary protection efforts through: (1) current government astrobiodefense efforts; (2) new scientific and technological advances for astrobiodefense; and (3) collaborative efforts and public-private partnerships to improve astrobiodefense.

    See more information here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/astrobiodefense-biological-threats-and-the-next-frontier/

     

    ]]>     This Commission meeting, Astrobiodefense: Biological Threats and the Next Frontier, was held on May 8, 2025. The focus of this meeting will be to provide the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense with a better understanding of how to strengthen international astrobiodefense and planetary protection efforts through: (1) current government astrobiodefense efforts; (2) new scientific and technological advances for astrobiodefense; and (3) collaborative efforts and public-private partnerships to improve astrobiodefense.

    See more information here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/astrobiodefense-biological-threats-and-the-next-frontier/

     

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 11368 45 full     2025 State of Biodefense - Remarks by Dr. Asha M. George 2025 State of Biodefense - Remarks by Dr. Asha M. George https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/2025-state-of-biodefense-remarks-by-dr-asha-m-george/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/2025-state-of-biodefense-remarks-by-dr-asha-m-george/#comments Fri, 16 May 2025 16:00:22 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/726e66ee-a6aa-368b-be2e-413fff6e31b7 The Commission's May 8, 2025 meeting began with Executive Director Dr. Asha M. George delivering the first annual State of National Biodefense address. The increasing biological threat and uncertainty surrounding federal biodefense programs and capabilities necessitates a clear-eyed examination of the threat and US efforts to address critical capability gaps. This address will lay out the current realities of national biodefense and the Commission’s vision for a future where the Nation can more effectively prevent, deter, prepare for, detect, respond to, attribute, recover from, and mitigate biological incidents.

    Read her written testimony here: https://biodefensecommission.org/the-state-of-u-s-biodefense-written-remarks-by-dr-asha-m-george/

     

    ]]>     The Commission's May 8, 2025 meeting began with Executive Director Dr. Asha M. George delivering the first annual State of National Biodefense address. The increasing biological threat and uncertainty surrounding federal biodefense programs and capabilities necessitates a clear-eyed examination of the threat and US efforts to address critical capability gaps. This address will lay out the current realities of national biodefense and the Commission’s vision for a future where the Nation can more effectively prevent, deter, prepare for, detect, respond to, attribute, recover from, and mitigate biological incidents.

    Read her written testimony here: https://biodefensecommission.org/the-state-of-u-s-biodefense-written-remarks-by-dr-asha-m-george/

     

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 4065 44 full     Under the Weather: The Nexus of Climate Change and Biodefense Under the Weather: The Nexus of Climate Change and Biodefense https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/under-the-weather-the-nexus-of-climate-change-and-biodefense/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/under-the-weather-the-nexus-of-climate-change-and-biodefense/#comments Tue, 10 Dec 2024 15:47:52 -0400 biocommission.podbean.com/568192f4-5bfe-35ef-93cb-d422a8417b1d This Commission meeting, Under the Weather: The Nexus of Climate Change and Biodefense, was held on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 58 East 68th St., New York, NY 10065. The focus of this meeting was to provide the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense with a better understanding of: 1) the effects of climate change on human health and one health, 2) the future implications of migration and shifting disease patterns, and 3) policy considerations to reduce the inevitable impacts of climate change on biodefense.

    Learn more here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/fluency-true-expertise-and-effectiveness-in-the-battle-against-influenza-2/ 

    ]]>     This Commission meeting, Under the Weather: The Nexus of Climate Change and Biodefense, was held on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 58 East 68th St., New York, NY 10065. The focus of this meeting was to provide the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense with a better understanding of: 1) the effects of climate change on human health and one health, 2) the future implications of migration and shifting disease patterns, and 3) policy considerations to reduce the inevitable impacts of climate change on biodefense.

    Learn more here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/fluency-true-expertise-and-effectiveness-in-the-battle-against-influenza-2/ 

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 14953 43 full     FLUency: True Expertise and Effectiveness in the Battle Against Influenza FLUency: True Expertise and Effectiveness in the Battle Against Influenza https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/fluency-true-expertise-and-effectiveness-in-the-battle-against-influenza/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/fluency-true-expertise-and-effectiveness-in-the-battle-against-influenza/#comments Wed, 16 Oct 2024 12:50:58 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/907cab16-2dbc-3ac5-8dd8-8abfc0d6f41b The Commission meeting, FLUency: True Expertise and Effectiveness in the Battle Against Influenza, was held on Tuesday, October 8th, in Washington, DC. The focus of this meeting is to provide the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense with a better understanding of: (1) national leadership to defend food and agriculture against influenza; (2) federal operational requirements for preparedness, coordination, and response; (3) biosurveillance, forecasting, and the need for diagnostic tests; and (4) front-line needs and partnerships in the fight against influenza.

    Learn more here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/fluency-true-expertise-and-effectiveness-in-the-battle-against-influenza-2/

     

    ]]>     The Commission meeting, FLUency: True Expertise and Effectiveness in the Battle Against Influenza, was held on Tuesday, October 8th, in Washington, DC. The focus of this meeting is to provide the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense with a better understanding of: (1) national leadership to defend food and agriculture against influenza; (2) federal operational requirements for preparedness, coordination, and response; (3) biosurveillance, forecasting, and the need for diagnostic tests; and (4) front-line needs and partnerships in the fight against influenza.

    Learn more here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/fluency-true-expertise-and-effectiveness-in-the-battle-against-influenza-2/

     

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 13087 42 full     Masters of the Air: Overcoming Airborne Pathogens Indoors Masters of the Air: Overcoming Airborne Pathogens Indoors https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/masters-of-the-air-overcoming-airborne-pathogens-indoors/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/masters-of-the-air-overcoming-airborne-pathogens-indoors/#comments Tue, 30 Jul 2024 17:05:34 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/6855b3e5-d371-3560-9f76-21733d18db13 In this meeting, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense will explore: (1) how the federal government currently addresses indoor air quality; (2) new scientific and technological advances for indoor air quality; and (3) how enhancing indoor air quality can help prevent the spread of pathogens.

    Learn more here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/masters-of-the-air-overcoming-airborne-pathogens-indoors/

     

    ]]>     In this meeting, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense will explore: (1) how the federal government currently addresses indoor air quality; (2) new scientific and technological advances for indoor air quality; and (3) how enhancing indoor air quality can help prevent the spread of pathogens.

    Learn more here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/masters-of-the-air-overcoming-airborne-pathogens-indoors/

     

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 10991 41 full     A Tribute to Senator Lieberman with the Release of the 2024 National Blueprint for Biodefense A Tribute to Senator Lieberman with the Release of the 2024 National Blueprint for Biodefense https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/a-tribute-to-senator-lieberman-with-the-release-of-the-2024-national-blueprint-for-biodefense/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/a-tribute-to-senator-lieberman-with-the-release-of-the-2024-national-blueprint-for-biodefense/#comments Tue, 14 May 2024 10:16:16 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/41124691-71bd-36a2-b0c9-1a2121558d8c We all lost a visionary leader and friend with the unexpected passing of Senator Joe Lieberman, who along with Governor Tom Ridge co-chaired the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense for ten years.

    His death came just as the Commission was preparing to release our 2024 National Blueprint for Biodefense: Immediate Action Needed to Defend Against Biological Threats. Senator Lieberman, who worked tirelessly to defend Americans against biological threats, was a driving force behind this report. So, it is only fitting that we host a special tribute to Senator Lieberman as we publicly release the new National Blueprint for Biodefense.

    The Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense (formerly the Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense) was established in 2014 to provide a comprehensive assessment of the state of United States biodefense efforts and to issue recommendations that foster change. Subsequently, the Commission has briefed White House Administrations (including then Vice President Biden); testified before Congress; convened numerous meetings with experts; released 12 reports; produced the graphic novel Germ Warfare; and mobilized biodefense conversations and actions in the private and public sectors.

    In its  2015 bipartisan report,  A National Blueprint for Biodefense: Leadership and Major Reform Needed to Optimize Efforts, the Commission described biological threats to the Nation and made 33 recommendations to optimize US efforts to prevent, deter, prepare for, detect, respond to, attribute, recover from, and mitigate intentionally introduced, accidentally released, and naturally occurring biological events. Many recommendations from this report have been taken up by the government, including the National Biodefense Strategy, a federal biodefense budget crosscut by the Office of Management and Budget, and the recent Biodefense Posture Review by the Department of Defense.

    The world continues to experience rising threats from offensive biological weapons programs, lab accidents, and outbreaks affecting our national security. There have been burgeoning biotechnological advances in medical countermeasures (e.g., antibiotics, antivirals, vaccines, diagnostics) yet huge gaps in prevention, deterrence, preparedness, detection, response, attribution, recovery, and mitigation still remain. The federal government must address gaps in the US biodefense enterprise. Nine years after its seminal report, the Commission is releasing the 2024 National Blueprint on Biodefense with specific recommendations for government leaders in Congress and the Administration to strengthen the federal government’s biodefense posture.

     

    Learn more here: A Tribute to Senator Lieberman with the Release of the 2024 National Blueprint for Biodefense - Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense (biodefensecommission.org)

    ]]>     We all lost a visionary leader and friend with the unexpected passing of Senator Joe Lieberman, who along with Governor Tom Ridge co-chaired the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense for ten years.

    His death came just as the Commission was preparing to release our 2024 National Blueprint for Biodefense: Immediate Action Needed to Defend Against Biological Threats. Senator Lieberman, who worked tirelessly to defend Americans against biological threats, was a driving force behind this report. So, it is only fitting that we host a special tribute to Senator Lieberman as we publicly release the new National Blueprint for Biodefense.

    The Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense (formerly the Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense) was established in 2014 to provide a comprehensive assessment of the state of United States biodefense efforts and to issue recommendations that foster change. Subsequently, the Commission has briefed White House Administrations (including then Vice President Biden); testified before Congress; convened numerous meetings with experts; released 12 reports; produced the graphic novel Germ Warfare; and mobilized biodefense conversations and actions in the private and public sectors.

    In its  2015 bipartisan report,  A National Blueprint for Biodefense: Leadership and Major Reform Needed to Optimize Efforts, the Commission described biological threats to the Nation and made 33 recommendations to optimize US efforts to prevent, deter, prepare for, detect, respond to, attribute, recover from, and mitigate intentionally introduced, accidentally released, and naturally occurring biological events. Many recommendations from this report have been taken up by the government, including the National Biodefense Strategy, a federal biodefense budget crosscut by the Office of Management and Budget, and the recent Biodefense Posture Review by the Department of Defense.

    The world continues to experience rising threats from offensive biological weapons programs, lab accidents, and outbreaks affecting our national security. There have been burgeoning biotechnological advances in medical countermeasures (e.g., antibiotics, antivirals, vaccines, diagnostics) yet huge gaps in prevention, deterrence, preparedness, detection, response, attribution, recovery, and mitigation still remain. The federal government must address gaps in the US biodefense enterprise. Nine years after its seminal report, the Commission is releasing the 2024 National Blueprint on Biodefense with specific recommendations for government leaders in Congress and the Administration to strengthen the federal government’s biodefense posture.

     

    Learn more here: A Tribute to Senator Lieberman with the Release of the 2024 National Blueprint for Biodefense - Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense (biodefensecommission.org)

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 4970 40 full     Meeting the Moment: Biodefense Policy, Procurement, and Public Health Meeting the Moment: Biodefense Policy, Procurement, and Public Health https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/meeting-the-moment-biodefense-policy-procurement-and-public-health/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/meeting-the-moment-biodefense-policy-procurement-and-public-health/#comments Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:56:08 -0400 biocommission.podbean.com/1d30bf71-4605-3b7a-a218-a8c7ce3cd01f This meeting was recorded on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Find more information about this meeting here: Meeting the Moment: Biodefense Policy, Procurement, and Public Health - Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense (biodefensecommission.org)

    As the Nation continues to endure the consequences of recent pandemics, and with continued interest in biological weapons by nation states and other enemies, the federal government has an opportunity to address vulnerabilities in the biodefense enterprise. At this meeting, titled Meeting the Moment: Biodefense Policy, Procurement, and Public Health, the Commission intends to further explore : (1) biodefense policies and activities at the Department of Defense; (2) federal stockpile evaluation and decision-making for smallpox medical countermeasures; (3) needed authorities of the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and (4) biodefense leadership.

    ]]>     This meeting was recorded on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Find more information about this meeting here: Meeting the Moment: Biodefense Policy, Procurement, and Public Health - Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense (biodefensecommission.org)

    As the Nation continues to endure the consequences of recent pandemics, and with continued interest in biological weapons by nation states and other enemies, the federal government has an opportunity to address vulnerabilities in the biodefense enterprise. At this meeting, titled Meeting the Moment: Biodefense Policy, Procurement, and Public Health, the Commission intends to further explore : (1) biodefense policies and activities at the Department of Defense; (2) federal stockpile evaluation and decision-making for smallpox medical countermeasures; (3) needed authorities of the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and (4) biodefense leadership.

    ]]>     As the Nation continues to endure the consequences of recent pandemics, and with continued interest in biological weapons by nation states and other enemies, the federal government has an opportunity to address vulnerabilities in the biodefense enterprise. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 12744 39 full     No Checkered Flag: The Perpetual Race Against Biological Threats No Checkered Flag: The Perpetual Race Against Biological Threats https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/no-checkered-flag-the-perpetual-race-against-biological-threats/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/no-checkered-flag-the-perpetual-race-against-biological-threats/#comments Tue, 10 Oct 2023 16:47:29 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/44f3095e-4f26-3a6c-919c-d8012b52024b In this meeting, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense will explore: (1) state and local efforts to strengthen public health and biodefense; (2) special security management of biological threats to mass gatherings; and (3) efforts to understand and mitigate the agricultural impact of biological threats to plants and animals. Learn more here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/no-checkered-flag-the-perpetual-race-against-biological-threats/

    Speakers will include:

    Governor Eric J. Holcomb

    Virginia A. Caine, MD, Director and Chief Medical Officer, Marion County Public Health Department

    Kristina Box, MD, Former Indiana State Health Commissioner

    Tory Castor, JD, Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Indiana University Health

    Sergeant Robert Brown Jr., Program Manager, Counter-WMD (CBRNE) Unit, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

    Special Agent Casey P. Farrell, Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordinator, Indianapolis, Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Julia Vaizer, MD, Medical Director, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

    John Ball, Vice President, Security and Event Services, Pacers Sports & Entertainment

    Darcy E. P. Telenko, PhD, Associate Professor of Plant Pathology, Purdue University

    Bret D. Marsh, DVM, Indiana State Veterinarian, Indiana State Board of Animal Health

    Paul Ebner, PhD, Professor of Animal Sciences, Purdue University

     

    ]]>     In this meeting, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense will explore: (1) state and local efforts to strengthen public health and biodefense; (2) special security management of biological threats to mass gatherings; and (3) efforts to understand and mitigate the agricultural impact of biological threats to plants and animals. Learn more here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/no-checkered-flag-the-perpetual-race-against-biological-threats/

    Speakers will include:

    Governor Eric J. Holcomb

    Virginia A. Caine, MD, Director and Chief Medical Officer, Marion County Public Health Department

    Kristina Box, MD, Former Indiana State Health Commissioner

    Tory Castor, JD, Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Indiana University Health

    Sergeant Robert Brown Jr., Program Manager, Counter-WMD (CBRNE) Unit, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

    Special Agent Casey P. Farrell, Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordinator, Indianapolis, Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Julia Vaizer, MD, Medical Director, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

    John Ball, Vice President, Security and Event Services, Pacers Sports & Entertainment

    Darcy E. P. Telenko, PhD, Associate Professor of Plant Pathology, Purdue University

    Bret D. Marsh, DVM, Indiana State Veterinarian, Indiana State Board of Animal Health

    Paul Ebner, PhD, Professor of Animal Sciences, Purdue University

     

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 19740 38 full     Solving the Puzzle: Biological Intelligence and Information Sharing Solving the Puzzle: Biological Intelligence and Information Sharing https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/solving-the-puzzle-biological-intelligence-and-information-sharing/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/solving-the-puzzle-biological-intelligence-and-information-sharing/#comments Wed, 02 Aug 2023 14:37:03 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/5c4fc3cb-def7-3b36-b97a-dc704b4d203a As the biological threat continues to evolve, biological intelligence gathering, analysis, and dissemination activities must increase to keep pace with the advances of our adversaries. At this upcoming meeting, the Commission intends to further explore the expanding nature of the biological threat, the federal biological intelligence enterprise, and information sharing with non-federal governments.

    See here for more information: Solving the Puzzle: Biological Intelligence and Information Sharing - Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense (biodefensecommission.org)

    Speakers include:

    The Honorable Kenneth L. Wainstein – Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security

    Dr. Paul Friedrichs – Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Global Health Security & Biodefense, National Security Council, The White House; former Joint Staff Surgeon, Department of Defense

    Marina Mayo – Section Chief, Countermeasures and Mitigation, Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate, Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Dr. William T. “Thom” Burnett – Chief Scientist, National Center for Medical Intelligence, Department of Defense

    Dr. Chris Rodriguez – Director, District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency 

    Joshua Bushweller – Director, Delaware Information & Analysis Center, Delaware State Police                                

    Colin Mulloy – Deputy Director, Kansas Intelligence Fusion Center

    Judith Harrison – Assistant Chief, Counterterrorism Division, New York City Police Department

    ]]>     As the biological threat continues to evolve, biological intelligence gathering, analysis, and dissemination activities must increase to keep pace with the advances of our adversaries. At this upcoming meeting, the Commission intends to further explore the expanding nature of the biological threat, the federal biological intelligence enterprise, and information sharing with non-federal governments.

    See here for more information: Solving the Puzzle: Biological Intelligence and Information Sharing - Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense (biodefensecommission.org)

    Speakers include:

    The Honorable Kenneth L. Wainstein – Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security


    Dr. Paul Friedrichs – Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Global Health Security & Biodefense, National Security Council, The White House; former Joint Staff Surgeon, Department of Defense


    Marina Mayo – Section Chief, Countermeasures and Mitigation, Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate, Federal Bureau of Investigation


    Dr. William T. “Thom” Burnett – Chief Scientist, National Center for Medical Intelligence, Department of Defense


    Dr. Chris Rodriguez – Director, District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency 

    Joshua Bushweller – Director, Delaware Information & Analysis Center, Delaware State Police                                

    Colin Mulloy – Deputy Director, Kansas Intelligence Fusion Center


    Judith Harrison – Assistant Chief, Counterterrorism Division, New York City Police Department

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 12886 37 full     Informing Blueprint 2.0: Know the Enemy Informing Blueprint 2.0: Know the Enemy https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/informing-blueprint-20-know-the-enemy/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/informing-blueprint-20-know-the-enemy/#comments Tue, 16 May 2023 12:14:46 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/1dc6e23c-34a6-35f3-ad93-f7ebfaa38fa0 In this upcoming meeting, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense intends to further explore the prevention, deterrence, and attribution of biological threats. The discussion will delve into how these critical elements of biodefense can be improved through technology, policy, and coordination. This meeting will inform the Commission’s refresh of the National Blueprint for Biodefense, which we will issue later this year. Learn more here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/informing-blueprint-2-0-know-the-enemy/

    ]]>     In this upcoming meeting, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense intends to further explore the prevention, deterrence, and attribution of biological threats. The discussion will delve into how these critical elements of biodefense can be improved through technology, policy, and coordination. This meeting will inform the Commission’s refresh of the National Blueprint for Biodefense, which we will issue later this year. Learn more here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/informing-blueprint-2-0-know-the-enemy/

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 14199 36 full     Informing Blueprint 2.0: Please, Look Up! Informing Blueprint 2.0: Please, Look Up! https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/informing-blueprint-20-please-look-up/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/informing-blueprint-20-please-look-up/#comments Mon, 03 Apr 2023 15:53:21 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/d84bfed9-6488-3b9b-bbca-1734acf3a0d8 Recorded on Tuesday, March 21, 2023

    In this meeting, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense further explores preparedness needs and efforts, new solutions to improve biosurveillance, and data modernization. The discussion delves into how preparedness coordination between federal and state efforts can be better harmonized and how the nation can best ensure having eyes on the ground during the emergence of a biothreat. This meeting will inform the Commission’s refresh of the National Blueprint for Biodefense, which we will issue later this year.

    See more information about this meeting here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/informing-blueprint-2-0-please-look-up/

    ]]>     Recorded on Tuesday, March 21, 2023

    In this meeting, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense further explores preparedness needs and efforts, new solutions to improve biosurveillance, and data modernization. The discussion delves into how preparedness coordination between federal and state efforts can be better harmonized and how the nation can best ensure having eyes on the ground during the emergence of a biothreat. This meeting will inform the Commission’s refresh of the National Blueprint for Biodefense, which we will issue later this year.

    See more information about this meeting here: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/informing-blueprint-2-0-please-look-up/

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 10746 35 full     Afterthoughts: Response, Recovery and Mitigation of Biological Events Afterthoughts: Response, Recovery and Mitigation of Biological Events https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/afterthoughts-response-recovery-and-mitigation-of-biological-events/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/afterthoughts-response-recovery-and-mitigation-of-biological-events/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:31:49 -0400 biocommission.podbean.com/7b9153e3-efe9-3bb2-b0d8-f8ca82f8cf6b Seven years after the release of the Commission’s National Blueprint for Biodefense, the Nation remains critically unprepared for future biological events, which threaten to strain resources and impact government efforts to address threats like COVID-19. At this meeting, the Commission intends to further explore challenges for biodefense response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities at all levels of government and the private sector. Learn more here: https://biodefensecommission.org/even...

    ]]>     Seven years after the release of the Commission’s National Blueprint for Biodefense, the Nation remains critically unprepared for future biological events, which threaten to strain resources and impact government efforts to address threats like COVID-19. At this meeting, the Commission intends to further explore challenges for biodefense response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities at all levels of government and the private sector. Learn more here: https://biodefensecommission.org/even...

    ]]>     Seven years after the release of the Commission’s National Blueprint for Biodefense, the Nation remains critically unprepared for future biological events, which threaten to strain resources and impact government efforts to address threats like COVID-19. At this meeting, the Commission intends to further explore challenges for biodefense response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities at all levels of government and the private sector. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 17365 34 full     Banding Together: Partnerships for Biodefense Banding Together: Partnerships for Biodefense https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/banding-together-partnerships-for-biodefense/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/banding-together-partnerships-for-biodefense/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2022 11:06:59 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/fe2aeb91-c764-30b7-b91d-d25520fde062 On Thursday, September 22, 2022 the Commission held an in-person meeting - Banding Together: Partnerships for Biodefense. The Commission delved into how to optimize partnerships to defend against biological threats, a critical enabler of success identified in its report released earlier this year, The Athena Agenda: Advancing The Apollo Program for Biodefense. The meeting examined what is needed to incentivize and effectively manage partnerships between the federal government and industry, academia, and nongovernmental organizations to drive technology innovation and improve biological intelligence for current and future threats.

    ]]>     On Thursday, September 22, 2022 the Commission held an in-person meeting - Banding Together: Partnerships for Biodefense. The Commission delved into how to optimize partnerships to defend against biological threats, a critical enabler of success identified in its report released earlier this year, The Athena Agenda: Advancing The Apollo Program for Biodefense. The meeting examined what is needed to incentivize and effectively manage partnerships between the federal government and industry, academia, and nongovernmental organizations to drive technology innovation and improve biological intelligence for current and future threats.

    ]]>     On Thursday, September 22, 2022 the Commission held an in-person meeting - Banding Together: Partnerships for Biodefense. The Commission delved into how to optimize partnerships to defend against biological threats, a critical enabler of success identified in its report released earlier this year, The Athena Agenda: Advancing The Apollo Program for Biodefense. The meeting examined what is needed to incentivize and effectively manage partnerships between the federal government and industry, academia, and nongovernmental organizations to drive technology innovation and improve biological intelligence for current and future threats. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 15535 33 full     When Borders Don’t Matter Defending the Homeland Against Biological Threats When Borders Don’t Matter Defending the Homeland Against Biological Threats https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/when-borders-don-t-matter-defending-the-homeland-against-biological-threats/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/when-borders-don-t-matter-defending-the-homeland-against-biological-threats/#comments Tue, 10 May 2022 11:15:17 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/74fcce0a-dd15-3e79-b4f6-662edc264f6f On Tuesday, May 3, 2022 the Commission convened an in-person meeting to provide the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense with a better understanding of: (1) biological incidents that affect homeland and national security; (2) roles and responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in addressing biological threats; and (3) opportunities to enhance national biodefense.

     

    See more information about the event here: When Borders Don’t Matter: Defending the Homeland Against Biological Threats - Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense 

    ]]>     On Tuesday, May 3, 2022 the Commission convened an in-person meeting to provide the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense with a better understanding of: (1) biological incidents that affect homeland and national security; (2) roles and responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in addressing biological threats; and (3) opportunities to enhance national biodefense.

     

    See more information about the event here: When Borders Don’t Matter: Defending the Homeland Against Biological Threats - Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense 

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 15602 32 full     The Biological Threat Expanse - Current and Future Challenges to National Biodefense The Biological Threat Expanse - Current and Future Challenges to National Biodefense https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/the-biological-threat-expanse-current-and-future-challenges-to-national-biodefense/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/the-biological-threat-expanse-current-and-future-challenges-to-national-biodefense/#comments Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:53:57 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/7a699eb5-a8da-3875-a4e5-8e34695ec75d On Tuesday, March 22, 2022, the Commission convened for an in-person meeting to provide a better understanding of: (1) the expanding landscape of current and future biological threats; (2) the roles and responsibilities of the federal government in assess and preparing for various biological threats; and (3) biological weapons, bioterrorism, and biological arms races. More information on the event is available here: The Biological Threat Expanse: Current and Future Challenges to National Biodefense - Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense

    ]]>     On Tuesday, March 22, 2022, the Commission convened for an in-person meeting to provide a better understanding of: (1) the expanding landscape of current and future biological threats; (2) the roles and responsibilities of the federal government in assess and preparing for various biological threats; and (3) biological weapons, bioterrorism, and biological arms races. More information on the event is available here: The Biological Threat Expanse: Current and Future Challenges to National Biodefense - Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 23714 31 full     The Athena Agenda: Executing the Apollo Program for Biodefense The Athena Agenda: Executing the Apollo Program for Biodefense https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/the-athena-agenda-executing-the-apollo-program-for-biodefense/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/the-athena-agenda-executing-the-apollo-program-for-biodefense/#comments Thu, 20 Jan 2022 00:05:00 -0400 biocommission.podbean.com/4206569d-28f6-387e-9261-c06cf8193c1c The Commission’s baseline 2015 report, A National Blueprint for Biodefense: Leadership and Major Reform Needed to Optimize Efforts, warned that the United States was inadequately prepared for biological threats. Six years later, the U.S. experience with COVID-19 continues to validate our original findings. The Commission’s January 2021 report, The Apollo Program for Biodefense: Winning the Race Against Biological Threats, details an ambitious goal-directed program to develop and deploy the technologies needed to defend against all biological threats, empower public health, and prevent pandemics within just ten years. Since the release of this report, the pandemic continues to cause devastation throughout the United States and the world. Likewise, the risk of an accidental or deliberate release of even deadlier pathogens continues to rise. The past year has only emboldened the idea that we cannot let a pandemic like the one we are facing, or something worse, ever happen again.

    On December 8, 2021, we convened an in-person meeting of the Commission, The Athena Agenda: Executing The Apollo Program for Biodefense, to provide a better understanding of ongoing federal efforts to implement The Apollo Program for Biodefense, the role of the private sector in implementing The Apollo Program for Biodefense, how the public and private sectors can fully implement The Apollo Program for Biodefense within ten years.

    ]]>     The Commission’s baseline 2015 report, A National Blueprint for Biodefense: Leadership and Major Reform Needed to Optimize Efforts, warned that the United States was inadequately prepared for biological threats. Six years later, the U.S. experience with COVID-19 continues to validate our original findings. The Commission’s January 2021 report, The Apollo Program for Biodefense: Winning the Race Against Biological Threats, details an ambitious goal-directed program to develop and deploy the technologies needed to defend against all biological threats, empower public health, and prevent pandemics within just ten years. Since the release of this report, the pandemic continues to cause devastation throughout the United States and the world. Likewise, the risk of an accidental or deliberate release of even deadlier pathogens continues to rise. The past year has only emboldened the idea that we cannot let a pandemic like the one we are facing, or something worse, ever happen again.

    On December 8, 2021, we convened an in-person meeting of the Commission, The Athena Agenda: Executing The Apollo Program for Biodefense, to provide a better understanding of ongoing federal efforts to implement The Apollo Program for Biodefense, the role of the private sector in implementing The Apollo Program for Biodefense, how the public and private sectors can fully implement The Apollo Program for Biodefense within ten years.

    ]]>     On December 8, 2021, we convened an in-person meeting of the Commission, The Athena Agenda: Executing The Apollo Program for Biodefense, to provide a better understanding of ongoing federal efforts to implement The Apollo Program for Biodefense, the role of the private sector in implementing The Apollo Program for Biodefense, how the public and private sectors can fully implement The Apollo Program for Biodefense within ten years. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 23372 30 full     Saving Sisyphus: Course Corrections for National Biodetection Saving Sisyphus: Course Corrections for National Biodetection https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/saving-sisyphus-course-corrections-for-national-biodetection/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/saving-sisyphus-course-corrections-for-national-biodetection/#comments Thu, 20 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0400 biocommission.podbean.com/7e95c9f1-726e-33cf-a018-7e766084c882 In its 2015 report, A National Blueprint for Biodefense: Leadership and Major Reform Needed to Optimize Efforts, the Commission addressed inadequacies of BioWatch, the Department of Homeland Security environmental biodetection program. Established in 2003, the federal government intended for BioWatch to provide early warning of biological attacks on major metropolitan areas. However, after nearly two decades of operation, the system is ineffective. There is little evidence that the system effectively detects pathogens of interest, and even if it did, pathogen detection turnaround time is too slow for the government to effectively respond to any actual biological attack. If the federal government continues to spend more taxpayer money on next generation biodetection systems, a reassessment of current efforts is necessary. A new report by the Commission – Saving Sisyphus: Advanced Biodetection for the 21st Century – details specific actions that must be taken by Congress and the Biden Administration before another devastating attack occurs.

    On November 2, 2021, the Commission held an in-person meeting, Saving Sisyphus: Course Corrections for National Biodetection, to provide a better understanding of challenges facing federal biodetection programs, public and private advancements in environmental biodetection technology, and mission requirements for 21st Century biodetection capabilities.

    ]]>     In its 2015 report, A National Blueprint for Biodefense: Leadership and Major Reform Needed to Optimize Efforts, the Commission addressed inadequacies of BioWatch, the Department of Homeland Security environmental biodetection program. Established in 2003, the federal government intended for BioWatch to provide early warning of biological attacks on major metropolitan areas. However, after nearly two decades of operation, the system is ineffective. There is little evidence that the system effectively detects pathogens of interest, and even if it did, pathogen detection turnaround time is too slow for the government to effectively respond to any actual biological attack. If the federal government continues to spend more taxpayer money on next generation biodetection systems, a reassessment of current efforts is necessary. A new report by the Commission – Saving Sisyphus: Advanced Biodetection for the 21st Century – details specific actions that must be taken by Congress and the Biden Administration before another devastating attack occurs.

    On November 2, 2021, the Commission held an in-person meeting, Saving Sisyphus: Course Corrections for National Biodetection, to provide a better understanding of challenges facing federal biodetection programs, public and private advancements in environmental biodetection technology, and mission requirements for 21st Century biodetection capabilities.

    ]]>     On November 2, 2021, the Commission held an in-person meeting, Saving Sisyphus: Course Corrections for National Biodetection, to provide a better understanding of challenges facing federal biodetection programs, public and private advancements in environmental biodetection technology, and mission requirements for 21st Century biodetection capabilities. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 22827 29 full     Biologia et Machina: Cyberbiosecurity for Today's Hybrid Evolution Biologia et Machina: Cyberbiosecurity for Today's Hybrid Evolution https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/biologia-et-machina-cyberbiosecurity-for-todays-hybrid-evolution/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/biologia-et-machina-cyberbiosecurity-for-todays-hybrid-evolution/#comments Tue, 22 Jun 2021 11:22:00 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/77cc642a-6b57-3f66-80f0-fd0db9218cfd NOTE: This event was prerecorded on June 15, 2021.

    In its 2015 report, A National Blueprint for Biodefense: Leadership and Major Reform Needed to Optimize Efforts, the Commission identified the need to safeguard pathogen and advanced biotechnology information against cyber-attacks and illicit access. Due to the increasing convergence of cyber and biological sciences, in September 2019, the Commission addressed cyberbiosecurity at its public meeting, Cyberbio Convergence: Characterizing the Multiplicative Threat. Building on that earlier work, the Commission believes it is imperative to continually evaluate these threats and vulnerabilities to keep pace with these two domains as their convergence accelerates. On June 15, 2021, the Commission held and recorded Biologia et Machina: Cyberbiosecurity for Today’s Hybrid Evolution, a virtual meeting of the Commission to provide a better understanding of current and future cyberbiosecurity threats and vulnerabilities, opportunities and solutions to address these threats, and the role of the federal government in securing the future.

    Please visit the event page for more details, including a list of the speakers: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/biologia-et-machina-cyberbiosecurity-for-todays-hybrid-evolution/

     

    ]]>     NOTE: This event was prerecorded on June 15, 2021.

    In its 2015 report, A National Blueprint for Biodefense: Leadership and Major Reform Needed to Optimize Efforts, the Commission identified the need to safeguard pathogen and advanced biotechnology information against cyber-attacks and illicit access. Due to the increasing convergence of cyber and biological sciences, in September 2019, the Commission addressed cyberbiosecurity at its public meeting, Cyberbio Convergence: Characterizing the Multiplicative Threat. Building on that earlier work, the Commission believes it is imperative to continually evaluate these threats and vulnerabilities to keep pace with these two domains as their convergence accelerates. On June 15, 2021, the Commission held and recorded Biologia et Machina: Cyberbiosecurity for Today’s Hybrid Evolution, a virtual meeting of the Commission to provide a better understanding of current and future cyberbiosecurity threats and vulnerabilities, opportunities and solutions to address these threats, and the role of the federal government in securing the future.

    Please visit the event page for more details, including a list of the speakers: https://biodefensecommission.org/events/biologia-et-machina-cyberbiosecurity-for-todays-hybrid-evolution/

     

    ]]>     On June 15, 2021, the Commission held and recorded Biologia et Machina: Cyberbiosecurity for Today’s Hybrid Evolution, a virtual meeting of the Commission to provide a better understanding of current and future cyberbiosecurity threats and vulnerabilities, opportunities and solutions to address these threats, and the role of the federal government in securing the future. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 18052 28 full     Holding the Line on Biodefense: Supporting First Response to Large-Scale Biological Events Holding the Line on Biodefense: Supporting First Response to Large-Scale Biological Events https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/holding-the-line-on-biodefense-supporting-first-response-to-large-scale-biological-events/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/holding-the-line-on-biodefense-supporting-first-response-to-large-scale-biological-events/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 19:38:12 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/73978141-10bd-352a-9295-59c6866e7714 On March 23, 2021, we premiered a virtual meeting of the Commission to further explore the of the first responder community and how the federal government can better support non-federal response to future biological incidents.

    The Commission’s 2018 report, Holding the Line on Biodefense: State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Reinforcements Needed, focused on federal assistance to state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments in addressing large-scale biological events. Police, fire, emergency medical services, hazmat and other first responders are the backbone of SLTT efforts to react to the biological threat. First responders must also continue serving their communities while addressing the threat. However, the federal government has left the nation’s first responders ill-equipped and underinformed when addressing events like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. First responders require resources and information so that they can effectively manage the biological threat, keep the citizenry informed, and make decisions about using medical countermeasures themselves.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here. 

    ]]>     On March 23, 2021, we premiered a virtual meeting of the Commission to further explore the of the first responder community and how the federal government can better support non-federal response to future biological incidents.

    The Commission’s 2018 report, Holding the Line on Biodefense: State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Reinforcements Needed, focused on federal assistance to state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments in addressing large-scale biological events. Police, fire, emergency medical services, hazmat and other first responders are the backbone of SLTT efforts to react to the biological threat. First responders must also continue serving their communities while addressing the threat. However, the federal government has left the nation’s first responders ill-equipped and underinformed when addressing events like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. First responders require resources and information so that they can effectively manage the biological threat, keep the citizenry informed, and make decisions about using medical countermeasures themselves.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here. 

    ]]>     On March 23, 2021, we premiered a virtual meeting of the Commission to further explore the of the first responder community and how the federal government can better support non-federal response to future biological incidents. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 15679 27 full     The Biological Event Horizon: No Return or Total Resilience The Biological Event Horizon: No Return or Total Resilience https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/the-biological-event-horizon-no-return-or-total-resilience/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/the-biological-event-horizon-no-return-or-total-resilience/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 19:31:15 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/31291143-2ae7-31e5-9423-2e71d09ff260 On September 24, 2020, we premiered a virtual meeting of the Commission to address emerging biological threats and innovative science and technology solutions to address them.

    The ongoing novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is revealing major gaps in national readiness to prepare for, respond to, and recover from biological threats. Decision makers must consider enhancements to policies and programs to better defend against the next biological threat as the Nation continues to respond to the crisis. COVID-19 will not be the last biological threat we face and it likely will not be the worst as the risk of natural and human-generated threats continues to increase with time. Innovative science and technology solutions exist or are in development that could change the game for biodefense.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     On September 24, 2020, we premiered a virtual meeting of the Commission to address emerging biological threats and innovative science and technology solutions to address them.

    The ongoing novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is revealing major gaps in national readiness to prepare for, respond to, and recover from biological threats. Decision makers must consider enhancements to policies and programs to better defend against the next biological threat as the Nation continues to respond to the crisis. COVID-19 will not be the last biological threat we face and it likely will not be the worst as the risk of natural and human-generated threats continues to increase with time. Innovative science and technology solutions exist or are in development that could change the game for biodefense.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     On September 24, 2020, we premiered a virtual meeting of the Commission to address emerging biological threats and innovative science and technology solutions to address them. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 13288 26 full     COVID Complexities: Converging Threats, Fractured Resources COVID Complexities: Converging Threats, Fractured Resources https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/covid-complexities-converging-threats-fractured-resources/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/covid-complexities-converging-threats-fractured-resources/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 19:12:57 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/f9174ce9-28f8-3cdf-9a47-5fa77b1d4b0f On July 21, 2020, the Commission premiered   a virtual meeting to help us better understand the potential for COVID-19’s reemergence, the country’s efforts to track the spread of the disease, and national readiness to address future biological threats.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     On July 21, 2020, the Commission premiered   a virtual meeting to help us better understand the potential for COVID-19’s reemergence, the country’s efforts to track the spread of the disease, and national readiness to address future biological threats.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     On July 21, 2020, the Commission premiered   a virtual meeting to help us better understand the potential for COVID-19’s reemergence, the country’s efforts to track the spread of the disease, and national readiness to address future biological threats. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 14131 25 full     COVID-19: Forewarned, But Not Forearmed COVID-19: Forewarned, But Not Forearmed https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/covid-19-forewarned-but-not-forearmed/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/covid-19-forewarned-but-not-forearmed/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 19:03:29 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/32708c28-bb0a-34bc-978a-4ab8a0f7e581 On May 8, 2020, we premiered a virtual meeting of the Commission to better understand the ongoing response to novel coronavirus 2019, national readiness to address possible large-scale spread of the disease in the United States and throughout the world, and implications for improving preparedness for the next biological threat.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     On May 8, 2020, we premiered a virtual meeting of the Commission to better understand the ongoing response to novel coronavirus 2019, national readiness to address possible large-scale spread of the disease in the United States and throughout the world, and implications for improving preparedness for the next biological threat.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     On May 8, 2020, we premiered a virtual meeting of the Commission to better understand the ongoing response to novel coronavirus 2019, national readiness to address possible large-scale spread of the disease in the United States and throughout the world, and implications for improving preparedness for the next biological threat. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 8299 23 full     Testimony - Are We Prepared? Protecting the U.S. from Global Pandemics Testimony - Are We Prepared? Protecting the U.S. from Global Pandemics https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/testimony-are-we-prepared-protecting-the-us-from-global-pandemics/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/testimony-are-we-prepared-protecting-the-us-from-global-pandemics/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 19:02:32 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/d583156c-c917-3b05-833e-1fc72d24493f On Wednesday, February 12th, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a roundtable hearing titled, “Are we Prepared? Protecting the U.S. from Global Pandemics.”

    The purpose of this roundtable was to examine the nation’s level of preparedness against current and future pandemic threats, particularly in the context of the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China.

    The event featured the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, as a witness.

    More information about this event is available here. 

    ]]>     On Wednesday, February 12th, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a roundtable hearing titled, “Are we Prepared? Protecting the U.S. from Global Pandemics.”

    The purpose of this roundtable was to examine the nation’s level of preparedness against current and future pandemic threats, particularly in the context of the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China.

    The event featured the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, as a witness.

    More information about this event is available here. 

    ]]>     On Wednesday, February 12th, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a roundtable hearing titled, “Are we Prepared? Protecting the U.S. from Global Pandemics.” Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 5699 24 bonus     Containing the Coronavirus: Challenges to Thwarting the Outbreak Containing the Coronavirus: Challenges to Thwarting the Outbreak https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/containing-the-coronavirus-challenges-to-thwarting-the-outbreak/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/containing-the-coronavirus-challenges-to-thwarting-the-outbreak/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 19:00:19 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/fab49965-766d-35e5-a4e2-71aa28eb8c92 On Monday, February 10th, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense and Hudson Institute hosted a panel discussion on the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and how the United States can respond to the growing outbreak effectively. 

    More information about this meeting is available here.

    ]]>     On Monday, February 10th, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense and Hudson Institute hosted a panel discussion on the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and how the United States can respond to the growing outbreak effectively. 

    More information about this meeting is available here.

    ]]>     On Monday, February 10th, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense and Hudson Institute hosted a panel discussion on the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and how the United States can respond to the growing outbreak effectively. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 5840 22 full     Too Great a Thing to Leave Undone: Defense of Agriculture Too Great a Thing to Leave Undone: Defense of Agriculture https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/too-great-a-thing-to-leave-undone-defense-of-agriculture/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/too-great-a-thing-to-leave-undone-defense-of-agriculture/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 18:59:49 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/02e78137-ce58-3e90-b3c0-bc97f9561639 On November 5, 2019, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense convened a meeting to inform its continuing assessment of the biological threat, specific vulnerabilities, and overwhelming consequences to agricultural producers.  Speakers shared their perspectives, experiences, challenges, and recommended solutions with regard to agrodefense, and talked about public and private sector responsibilities to protect U.S. agriculture.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     On November 5, 2019, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense convened a meeting to inform its continuing assessment of the biological threat, specific vulnerabilities, and overwhelming consequences to agricultural producers.  Speakers shared their perspectives, experiences, challenges, and recommended solutions with regard to agrodefense, and talked about public and private sector responsibilities to protect U.S. agriculture.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     On November 5, 2019, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense convened a meeting to inform its continuing assessment of the biological threat, specific vulnerabilities, and overwhelming consequences to agricultural producers. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 20355 21 full     Cyberbio Convergence: Characterizing the Multiplicative Threat Cyberbio Convergence: Characterizing the Multiplicative Threat https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/cyberbio-convergence-characterizing-the-multiplicative-threat/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/cyberbio-convergence-characterizing-the-multiplicative-threat/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 18:27:49 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/ee56e05c-753b-398f-a44f-a1bf57a1ba09 This meeting was held on September 17, 2019, to inform our continuing assessment of the biological threat, specific vulnerabilities, and overwhelming consequences. Topics discussed at this meeting included: The convergence of cyber- and biological sciences; The vulnerability of pathogen and biomanufacturing data systems; Biological risk mitigation;

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     This meeting was held on September 17, 2019, to inform our continuing assessment of the biological threat, specific vulnerabilities, and overwhelming consequences. Topics discussed at this meeting included: The convergence of cyber- and biological sciences; The vulnerability of pathogen and biomanufacturing data systems; Biological risk mitigation;

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     The cyber and biological scientific arenas are converging rapidly. This meeting was held on September 17, 2019, to inform our continuing assessment of the biological threat, specific vulnerabilities, and overwhelming consequences Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 19016 20 full     A Manhattan Project for Biodefense: Taking Biological Threats Off The Table A Manhattan Project for Biodefense: Taking Biological Threats Off The Table https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/a-manhattan-project-for-biodefense-taking-biological-threats-off-the-table/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/a-manhattan-project-for-biodefense-taking-biological-threats-off-the-table/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 18:19:55 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/83762b6e-2ca3-34b8-9fc6-320a3497569f This meeting was held on July 11, 2019, to discuss A Manhattan Project for Biodefense – a national, public-private research and development undertaking to defend the Nation against biological threats.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

     

    ]]>     This meeting was held on July 11, 2019, to discuss A Manhattan Project for Biodefense – a national, public-private research and development undertaking to defend the Nation against biological threats.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

     

    ]]>     This meeting was held on July 11, 2019, to discuss A Manhattan Project for Biodefense – a national, public-private research and development undertaking to defend the Nation against biological threats. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 22760 19 full     Awesome Con Discussion - Max Brooks and Commission Release Graphic Novel on the History of Germ Warfare Awesome Con Discussion - Max Brooks and Commission Release Graphic Novel on the History of Germ Warfare https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/awesome-con-discussion-max-brooks-and-commission-release-graphic-novel-on-the-history-of-germ-warfare/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/awesome-con-discussion-max-brooks-and-commission-release-graphic-novel-on-the-history-of-germ-warfare/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 18:03:29 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/dde427b3-d9aa-39e6-a99b-7ef153394e51 Max Brooks, the best-selling author of “World War Z” and non-resident fellow at the Modern War Institute at West Point, has partnered with the Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense on GERM WARFARE: A Very Graphic History. This highly stylized and engaging graphic novel reminds us never to take public health for granted. It’s all part of an effort by the bipartisan Study Panel to not only work with the federal government to strengthen our national biodefense, but also to educate Americans about the risks, and why a strong biodefense is critical to our individual health and safety.

    GERM WARFARE: A Very Graphic History was officially released Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Awesome Con, Washington DC’s Comic Con event.

    For more information on this discussion, see here.

    ]]>     Max Brooks, the best-selling author of “World War Z” and non-resident fellow at the Modern War Institute at West Point, has partnered with the Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense on GERM WARFARE: A Very Graphic History. This highly stylized and engaging graphic novel reminds us never to take public health for granted. It’s all part of an effort by the bipartisan Study Panel to not only work with the federal government to strengthen our national biodefense, but also to educate Americans about the risks, and why a strong biodefense is critical to our individual health and safety.

    GERM WARFARE: A Very Graphic History was officially released Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Awesome Con, Washington DC’s Comic Con event.

    For more information on this discussion, see here.

    ]]>     Awesome Con Discussion with Max Brooks following the release of our graphic novel. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 2717 18 bonus     Fighting the Next War: Defense Against Biological Weapons Fighting the Next War: Defense Against Biological Weapons https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/fighting-the-next-war-defense-against-biological-weapons/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/fighting-the-next-war-defense-against-biological-weapons/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 18:00:11 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/bf28cf5a-10a1-3bce-8a38-28bd46de8c81 This meeting was held on February 5, 2019, and examined the responsibilities and requirements for federal biodefense efforts that are unique to the U.S. Department of Defense.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     This meeting was held on February 5, 2019, and examined the responsibilities and requirements for federal biodefense efforts that are unique to the U.S. Department of Defense.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     This meeting was held on February 5, 2019, and examined the responsibilities and requirements for federal biodefense efforts that are unique to the U.S. Department of Defense. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 13096 17 full     Biodefense Indicators: Progress in Implementing Key Elements of the National Blueprint for Biodefense Biodefense Indicators: Progress in Implementing Key Elements of the National Blueprint for Biodefense https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/biodefense-indicators-progress-in-implementing-key-elements-of-the-national-blueprint-for-biodefense/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/biodefense-indicators-progress-in-implementing-key-elements-of-the-national-blueprint-for-biodefense/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 17:54:35 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/880676fb-98f1-3f96-8473-d4aa253e79fe This meeting was held on November 14, 2018, and examined how far the Executive Branch has come in implementing the National Blueprint for Biodefense.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     This meeting was held on November 14, 2018, and examined how far the Executive Branch has come in implementing the National Blueprint for Biodefense.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     This meeting was held on November 14, 2018, and examined how far the Executive Branch has come in implementing the National Blueprint for Biodefense. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 15480 16 full     Fits and Starts: Reactionary Biodefense Fits and Starts: Reactionary Biodefense https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/fits-and-starts-reactionary-biodefense/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/fits-and-starts-reactionary-biodefense/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 17:42:48 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/50430782-e22d-3614-a1eb-e6de1dcc417b This meeting was held on October 9, 2018, and reexamined the anthrax events of 2001, as well as subsequent biological events to discuss where we are now and what else we need to do to ensure national biodefense.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     This meeting was held on October 9, 2018, and reexamined the anthrax events of 2001, as well as subsequent biological events to discuss where we are now and what else we need to do to ensure national biodefense.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     This meeting was held on October 9, 2018, and reexamined the anthrax events of 2001, as well as subsequent biological events to discuss where we are now and what else we need to do to ensure national biodefense. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 16851 15 full     The Cost of Resilience: Impact of Large-Scale Biological Events on Business, Finance, and the Economy The Cost of Resilience: Impact of Large-Scale Biological Events on Business, Finance, and the Economy https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/the-cost-of-resilience-impact-of-large-scale-biological-events-on-business-finance-and-the-economy/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/the-cost-of-resilience-impact-of-large-scale-biological-events-on-business-finance-and-the-economy/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 17:26:58 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/007ec343-f332-3581-85c0-f41646e74403 This meeting was held on July 31, 2018, and addressed private sector roles and responsibilities before, during, and after the response to large-scale biological events.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     This meeting was held on July 31, 2018, and addressed private sector roles and responsibilities before, during, and after the response to large-scale biological events.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     This meeting was held on July 31, 2018, and addressed private sector roles and responsibilities before, during, and after the response to large-scale biological events. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 22672 14 full     Transnational Biological Threats and Global Security Transnational Biological Threats and Global Security https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/transnational-biological-threats-and-global-security/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/transnational-biological-threats-and-global-security/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 17:17:06 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/961c5634-41e6-3046-ae06-e55d2099e661 This meeting was held on April 25, 2018, and addressed transnational biological threats and the need to elevate global health security as a national and global priority.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

     

    ]]>     This meeting was held on April 25, 2018, and addressed transnational biological threats and the need to elevate global health security as a national and global priority.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

     

    ]]>     This meeting was held on April 25, 2018, and addressed transnational biological threats and the need to elevate global health security as a national and global priority. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 16653 13 full     SLTT Ability to Respond to Large Scale Biological Events: Challenges and Solutions SLTT Ability to Respond to Large Scale Biological Events: Challenges and Solutions https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/sltt-ability-to-respond-to-large-scale-biological-events-challenges-and-solutions/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/sltt-ability-to-respond-to-large-scale-biological-events-challenges-and-solutions/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 17:10:07 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/4fec1ddb-bda2-33a7-9d8c-830f58b55dec This meeting was held on January 17, 2018, and addressed the ability of state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments to respond to large-scale biological events.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

     

    ]]>     This meeting was held on January 17, 2018, and addressed the ability of state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments to respond to large-scale biological events.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

     

    ]]>     This meeting was held on January 17, 2018, and addressed the ability of state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments to respond to large-scale biological events. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 18515 12 full     National Biodefense Strategy: Implementation and Implications National Biodefense Strategy: Implementation and Implications https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/national-biodefense-strategy-implementation-and-implications/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/national-biodefense-strategy-implementation-and-implications/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 16:52:40 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/75d8745e-96f2-3aaa-bd5d-1b95f99f6380 This meeting was held on November 2, 2017 and addressed implementation of the National Biodefense Strategy and its implications for the Office of Management and Budget, congressional authorization and appropriation, leadership, coordination, collaboration, and innovation.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     This meeting was held on November 2, 2017 and addressed implementation of the National Biodefense Strategy and its implications for the Office of Management and Budget, congressional authorization and appropriation, leadership, coordination, collaboration, and innovation.

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 11062 11 full     Attribution of Biological Crime, Terrorism, and Warfare: Challenges and Solutions Attribution of Biological Crime, Terrorism, and Warfare: Challenges and Solutions https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/attribution-of-biological-crime-terrorism-and-warfare-challenges-and-solutions/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/attribution-of-biological-crime-terrorism-and-warfare-challenges-and-solutions/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 16:32:58 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/9f601481-57c2-35a4-a656-71b36ac010e4 This meeting was held on October 3, 2017 and addressed the current states of science, investigations, and intelligence for biological attribution and the extent to which they inform strategic, operational, and tactical decisions. Federal government, industry, and academic representatives discussed their perspectives, experiences, challenges, and recommended solutions with regard to biological attribution.

     

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

     

    ]]>     This meeting was held on October 3, 2017 and addressed the current states of science, investigations, and intelligence for biological attribution and the extent to which they inform strategic, operational, and tactical decisions. Federal government, industry, and academic representatives discussed their perspectives, experiences, challenges, and recommended solutions with regard to biological attribution.

     

    More information about this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

     

    ]]>     This meeting was held on October 3, 2017 and addressed the current states of science, investigations, and intelligence for biological attribution and the extent to which they inform strategic, operational, and tactical decisions. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 11399 10 full     Budget Reform for Biodefense: Leadership and Coordination Budget Reform for Biodefense: Leadership and Coordination https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/budget-reform-for-biodefense-leadership-and-coordination/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/budget-reform-for-biodefense-leadership-and-coordination/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 16:28:19 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/f3b30346-e851-3b6e-9ff5-4b3afa776d90 On May 1, 2017, experts in biodefense and budget issues gathered to provide Commission Members with an understanding of and recommendations regarding leadership, interagency coordination, and risk challenges to biodefense budgeting.

    More information on this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     On May 1, 2017, experts in biodefense and budget issues gathered to provide Commission Members with an understanding of and recommendations regarding leadership, interagency coordination, and risk challenges to biodefense budgeting.

    More information on this meeting, including a full agenda, is available here.

    ]]>     On May 1, 2017, experts in biodefense and budget issues gathered to provide Commission Members with an understanding of and recommendations regarding leadership, interagency coordination, and risk challenges to biodefense budgeting. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 11472 9 full     Discussion - Bioterrorism, Pandemics, and Preparing for the Future Discussion - Bioterrorism, Pandemics, and Preparing for the Future https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/discussion-bioterrorism-pandemics-and-preparing-for-the-future/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/discussion-bioterrorism-pandemics-and-preparing-for-the-future/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 16:22:59 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/d5e994fc-f550-36bb-a418-114ec4a5f71c Members of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense discuss the growing pandemic threat and the steps the United States government needs to take in order to keep America safe. Their discussion is moderated by Max Brooks (scholar and author of World War Z).

    This discussion took place on May 1, 2017 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. See here for more information.

      ]]>     Members of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense discuss the growing pandemic threat and the steps the United States government needs to take in order to keep America safe. Their discussion is moderated by Max Brooks (scholar and author of World War Z).

    This discussion took place on May 1, 2017 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. See here for more information.

      ]]>     Members of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense discuss the growing pandemic threat and the steps the United States government needs to take in order to keep America safe. Their discussion is moderated by Max Brooks (scholar and author of World War Z). Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense true No 2720 8 bonus     Agrodefense: Challenges and Solutions Agrodefense: Challenges and Solutions https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/agrodefense-challenges-and-solutions/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/agrodefense-challenges-and-solutions/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 16:19:49 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/c0b67afa-a2d7-3aaf-b74e-35134110f1cd This meeting of the Commission took place on January 26, 2017, and covers challenges and solutions for agrodefense. See here for more information on this event.

    Congressional Perspective

    • The Honorable Roger Marshall, United States Representative, Kansas

    Panel One – Prevention and Deterrence

    • Stephen Higgs, PhD, Associate Vice President for Research and Director, Biosecurity Research Institute
    • Amy Kircher, DrPH, Director, Food Protection and Defense Institute, University of Minnesota
    • Gerald W. Parker, Jr., DVM, PhD, Vice President, Public Health Preparedness and Response, and Interim Director, Institute for Animal Infectious Diseases Defense, Texas A&M University
    • Steve Parker, MBA, MSCM, Head, North America Veterinary Public Health, Merial

    Panel Two – Surveillance and Detection

    • Tammy R. Beckham, DVM, PhD, Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University
    • Ali S. Khan, MD, MPH, Dean, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center
    • Kelly F. Lechtenberg, DVM, PhD, President, Midwest Veterinary Services/Central States Research Center/Veterinary and Biomedical Research Center

    Panel Three – Preparedness, Response, Recovery & Mitigation

    • Jackie McClaskey, PhD, Secretary, Kansas Department of Agriculture
    • D. Charles Hunt, MPH, State Epidemiologist and Director, Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics, Kansas Department of Health and Environment
    • Curt J. Mann, DVM, Chief Executive, Empryse Group
    ]]>     This meeting of the Commission took place on January 26, 2017, and covers challenges and solutions for agrodefense. See here for more information on this event.

    Congressional Perspective

    • The Honorable Roger Marshall, United States Representative, Kansas

    Panel One – Prevention and Deterrence

    • Stephen Higgs, PhD, Associate Vice President for Research and Director, Biosecurity Research Institute
    • Amy Kircher, DrPH, Director, Food Protection and Defense Institute, University of Minnesota
    • Gerald W. Parker, Jr., DVM, PhD, Vice President, Public Health Preparedness and Response, and Interim Director, Institute for Animal Infectious Diseases Defense, Texas A&M University
    • Steve Parker, MBA, MSCM, Head, North America Veterinary Public Health, Merial

    Panel Two – Surveillance and Detection

    • Tammy R. Beckham, DVM, PhD, Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University
    • Ali S. Khan, MD, MPH, Dean, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center
    • Kelly F. Lechtenberg, DVM, PhD, President, Midwest Veterinary Services/Central States Research Center/Veterinary and Biomedical Research Center

    Panel Three – Preparedness, Response, Recovery & Mitigation

    • Jackie McClaskey, PhD, Secretary, Kansas Department of Agriculture
    • D. Charles Hunt, MPH, State Epidemiologist and Director, Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics, Kansas Department of Health and Environment
    • Curt J. Mann, DVM, Chief Executive, Empryse Group
    ]]>     This meeting of the Commission took place on January 26, 2017, and covers challenges and solutions for agrodefense. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense true No 15795 7 full     Testimony - Outbreaks, Attacks, and Accidents: Combatting Biological Threats Testimony - Outbreaks, Attacks, and Accidents: Combatting Biological Threats https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/testimony-outbreaks-attacks-and-accidents-combatting-biological-threats/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/testimony-outbreaks-attacks-and-accidents-combatting-biological-threats/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 16:09:14 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/19023685-ac99-3ace-928e-ad3977885bf0 Commissioners Donna Shalala and Jim Greenwood give testimony to the House Committee on Energy & Commerce

    This hearing took place on February 12, 2016. See here for more information. 

    ]]>     Commissioners Donna Shalala and Jim Greenwood give testimony to the House Committee on Energy & Commerce

    This hearing took place on February 12, 2016. See here for more information. 

    ]]>     Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 8106 6 bonus     Testimony - Outside Views on Biodefense for the Department of Defense Testimony - Outside Views on Biodefense for the Department of Defense https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/testimony-outside-views-on-biodefense-for-the-department-of-defense/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/testimony-outside-views-on-biodefense-for-the-department-of-defense/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 16:05:16 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/d54d035c-eec9-39d1-a5e1-3ea550b72e47 Testimony to House Committee on Armed Services

    The subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities of the House Committee on Armed Services held a hearing entitled, “Outside Views on Biodefense for the Department of Defense” and Commissioner Honorable Kenneth Wainstein and Commission Ex Officio member Dr. Gerald Parker served as witnesses. Their testimony can be read on the Committee’s website.

    This hearing took place on February 3, 2016. See here for more information. 

    ]]>     Testimony to House Committee on Armed Services

    The subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities of the House Committee on Armed Services held a hearing entitled, “Outside Views on Biodefense for the Department of Defense” and Commissioner Honorable Kenneth Wainstein and Commission Ex Officio member Dr. Gerald Parker served as witnesses. Their testimony can be read on the Committee’s website.

    This hearing took place on February 3, 2016. See here for more information. 

    ]]>     The subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities of the House Committee on Armed Services held a hearing entitled, “Outside Views on Biodefense for the Department of Defense” and Commissioner Honorable Kenneth Wainstein and Commission Ex Officio member Dr. Gerald Parker served as witnesses. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 2578 5 bonus     Testimony - Defending Against Bioterrorism: How Vulnerable is America? Testimony - Defending Against Bioterrorism: How Vulnerable is America? https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/testimony-defending-against-bioterrorism-how-vulnerable-is-america/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/testimony-defending-against-bioterrorism-how-vulnerable-is-america/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 15:59:44 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/d38c17ea-be98-3bf8-be0d-ca4d5f617fe4 here for more information.  ]]> here for more information. 
    ]]>     Former Senator Lieberman and Former Governor Ridge, the Commission's Co-Chairs, update House Committee on Homeland Security Members on the Commission's work and the state of U.S. biosecurity leadership and programs, including recommendations for improving our biodefense posture. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 8740 4 bonus     Response & Recovery Response & Recovery https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/response-recovery/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/response-recovery/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 15:36:06 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/4442f7bd-4483-3644-8d0a-97072a820b0d This meeting of the Commission took place on April 1, 2015, and covers response and recovery needs for biodefense. See here for more information on this event.

    Objective: Provide panelists with an understanding of the biodefense requirements for effective preparedness, response and recovery from biological and chemical threats that can inflict potentially catastrophic consequences.

    Agenda:

    Congressional Perspective

    • Former Representative Mike J. Rogers, Distinguished Fellow, Hudson Institute

    Panel One: Pre-event Activities and Emergency Response

    • Ms. Myra Socher, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt University  Chief G. Keith Bryant, Fire Chief, Oklahoma City Fire Department; President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs
    • Dr. Matthew Minson, Senior Advisor for Health Affairs, Texas A&M University
    • Dr. Carter Mecher, Senior Medical Advisor, Office of Public Health, Department of Veterans Affairs; former Director for Medical Preparedness Policy, Homeland Security Council and National Security Staff (President George W. Bush and President Barack H. Obama)

    Panel Two: Public Health Response

    • Dr. Suzet McKinney, Deputy Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health
    • Ms. Melissa Hersh, President and CEO, Hersh Consulting
    • Dr. James Terbush, Senior Partner, Martin, Blanck, and Associates; former Command Surgeon, North American Aerospace Defense Command/U.S. Northern Command, Department of Defense

    Lunch Keynote

    • Dr. Irwin Redlener, Professor of Health Policy and Management, Columbia University; Director, National Center for Disaster Preparedness

    Panel Three: Pharmaceutical Response 

    • Dr. Ann DeGroot, CEO, EpiVax
    • Mr. Daniel J. Abdun-Nabi, President and CEO, Emergent BioSolutions
    • Mr. Mike Chervenic, Managing Director, Stokes Evans
    • Mr. Jude Plessas, Executive Manager, Countermeasures Delivery & Distribution, U.S. Postal Service

    Panel Four: Recovery and Mitigation

    • Dr. Kavita Berger, Scientist, Gryphon Scientific
    • Mr. Michael Hopmeier, President, Unconventional Concepts, Inc.
    • Dr. Ken Staley, Consultant, McKinsey & Company; former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counterproliferation, Department of State; former Director for Biodefense Policy, Homeland Security Council (President George W. Bush)

    Panel Five: Leadership

    • Dr. Kenneth Bernard, former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush for Biodefense; former Senior Advisor to President William J. Clinton for Security and Health; Rear Admiral (Retired - US Public Health Service)
    • Ms. Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty, President, Tier Tech International, Inc.; former Director for Combating Terrorism, National Security Council (President William J. Clinton)
    • Dr. Robert Kadlec, Deputy Staff Director, U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush for Health and Biodefense; Colonel (Retired - US Air Force)
    ]]>     This meeting of the Commission took place on April 1, 2015, and covers response and recovery needs for biodefense. See here for more information on this event.

    Objective: Provide panelists with an understanding of the biodefense requirements for effective preparedness, response and recovery from biological and chemical threats that can inflict potentially catastrophic consequences.

    Agenda:

    Congressional Perspective

    • Former Representative Mike J. Rogers, Distinguished Fellow, Hudson Institute

    Panel One: Pre-event Activities and Emergency Response

    • Ms. Myra Socher, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt University  Chief G. Keith Bryant, Fire Chief, Oklahoma City Fire Department; President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs
    • Dr. Matthew Minson, Senior Advisor for Health Affairs, Texas A&M University
    • Dr. Carter Mecher, Senior Medical Advisor, Office of Public Health, Department of Veterans Affairs; former Director for Medical Preparedness Policy, Homeland Security Council and National Security Staff (President George W. Bush and President Barack H. Obama)

    Panel Two: Public Health Response

    • Dr. Suzet McKinney, Deputy Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health
    • Ms. Melissa Hersh, President and CEO, Hersh Consulting
    • Dr. James Terbush, Senior Partner, Martin, Blanck, and Associates; former Command Surgeon, North American Aerospace Defense Command/U.S. Northern Command, Department of Defense

    Lunch Keynote

    • Dr. Irwin Redlener, Professor of Health Policy and Management, Columbia University; Director, National Center for Disaster Preparedness

    Panel Three: Pharmaceutical Response 

    • Dr. Ann DeGroot, CEO, EpiVax
    • Mr. Daniel J. Abdun-Nabi, President and CEO, Emergent BioSolutions
    • Mr. Mike Chervenic, Managing Director, Stokes Evans
    • Mr. Jude Plessas, Executive Manager, Countermeasures Delivery & Distribution, U.S. Postal Service

    Panel Four: Recovery and Mitigation

    • Dr. Kavita Berger, Scientist, Gryphon Scientific
    • Mr. Michael Hopmeier, President, Unconventional Concepts, Inc.
    • Dr. Ken Staley, Consultant, McKinsey & Company; former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counterproliferation, Department of State; former Director for Biodefense Policy, Homeland Security Council (President George W. Bush)

    Panel Five: Leadership

    • Dr. Kenneth Bernard, former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush for Biodefense; former Senior Advisor to President William J. Clinton for Security and Health; Rear Admiral (Retired - US Public Health Service)
    • Ms. Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty, President, Tier Tech International, Inc.; former Director for Combating Terrorism, National Security Council (President William J. Clinton)
    • Dr. Robert Kadlec, Deputy Staff Director, U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush for Health and Biodefense; Colonel (Retired - US Air Force)
    ]]>     This meeting of the Commission took place on April 1, 2015, and covers response and recovery needs for biodefense. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense false No 24278 3 full     Surveillance & Detection Surveillance & Detection https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/surveillance-detection/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/surveillance-detection/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 15:23:27 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/a89767e8-f3fc-300d-bc71-9006a3cb0a6e This meeting of the Commission took place on March 12, 2015. See here for more information on this event.

    Panel One: The Biosurveillance and Detection Landscape Discussion of key elements of effective biosurveillance and detection, and continued challenges in the effectiveness of ongoing efforts.

    • Dr. Julie Gerberding, Executive Vice President for Strategic Communications, Global Public Policy and Population Health, Merck; former Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Dr. Julie Fischer, Associate Research Professor, Department of Health Policy, George Washington University
    • Dr. Norm Kahn, Consultant, Counter-­BIO LLC; former Director, Intelligence Community Counter-­Biological Weapons Program

    Panel Two: Environmental Surveillance and Detection Discussion of the technological and policy challenges to early and reliable detection of environmentally dispersed biological and chemical agents.

    • Dr. Jeffrey Runge, President, Biologue, Inc.; former Chief Medical Officer and Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs, Department of Homeland Security
    • Dr. Denise Pettit, Assistant Director, State Laboratory of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
    • Dr. Eric Van Geison, Senior Director, Diagnostics and Biosurveillance, Innovation, Global Health, and Security Operations, MRI Global; former Division Chief for Diagnostics and Disease Surveillance, Defense Threat Reduction Agency

    Lunch Keynote: The Human-­Animal Interface

    • Dr. William B. Karesh, Executive Vice President for Health and Policy, EcoHealth Alliance

    Panel Three: Clinical Surveillance and Detection Discussion of key elements of an effective clinical surveillance and detection architecture, and impediments to and opportunities in increasing situational awareness for early and accurate disease detection and clinical diagnosis.

    • Dr. Dan Didier, Director of Public Health, Thermo Fischer Scientific • Mr. Dan Desmond, President, The SIMI Group
    • Ms. Deborah Rosenblum, Executive Vice President, Nuclear Threat Initiative
    • Mr. Robert VanDine, Founder, Rapid Pathogen Screening

    Panel Four: Law Enforcement, Attribution, and the Lone Wolf Discussion of law enforcement activities, attribution of deliberate acts, and the problem of the lone wolf.

    • Dr. Randall Murch, Professor in Practice, School of Public and International Affairs and Research Leader, Office of the Vice President, National Capital Region, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
    • Dr. Yonah Alexander, Director, Inter-­‐University Center for Terrorism Studies
    • Supervisory Special Agent Edward You, Federal Bureau of Investigations Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate

    Panel Five: Read-­outs from Study Panel Satellite Meetings Representatives from satellite meetings held in support of the Study Panel will present their findings and recommendations, providing a preview into response and recovery issues to be addressed at Meeting 4.

    • Dr. Elizabeth Posillico, Co-­‐Chair, Alliance for Biosecurity
    • Dr. Gerald W. Parker, Vice President, Public Health Preparedness and Response, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center
    • Ms. Beth Maldin Morgenthau, Assistant Commissioner, Bureau of Policy, Community Resilience and Response, Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
    • Mr. Tim Stephens, CEO, MESH Coalition
    ]]>     This meeting of the Commission took place on March 12, 2015. See here for more information on this event.

    Panel One: The Biosurveillance and Detection Landscape Discussion of key elements of effective biosurveillance and detection, and continued challenges in the effectiveness of ongoing efforts.

    • Dr. Julie Gerberding, Executive Vice President for Strategic Communications, Global Public Policy and Population Health, Merck; former Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Dr. Julie Fischer, Associate Research Professor, Department of Health Policy, George Washington University
    • Dr. Norm Kahn, Consultant, Counter-­BIO LLC; former Director, Intelligence Community Counter-­Biological Weapons Program

    Panel Two: Environmental Surveillance and Detection Discussion of the technological and policy challenges to early and reliable detection of environmentally dispersed biological and chemical agents.

    • Dr. Jeffrey Runge, President, Biologue, Inc.; former Chief Medical Officer and Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs, Department of Homeland Security
    • Dr. Denise Pettit, Assistant Director, State Laboratory of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
    • Dr. Eric Van Geison, Senior Director, Diagnostics and Biosurveillance, Innovation, Global Health, and Security Operations, MRI Global; former Division Chief for Diagnostics and Disease Surveillance, Defense Threat Reduction Agency

    Lunch Keynote: The Human-­Animal Interface

    • Dr. William B. Karesh, Executive Vice President for Health and Policy, EcoHealth Alliance

    Panel Three: Clinical Surveillance and Detection Discussion of key elements of an effective clinical surveillance and detection architecture, and impediments to and opportunities in increasing situational awareness for early and accurate disease detection and clinical diagnosis.

    • Dr. Dan Didier, Director of Public Health, Thermo Fischer Scientific • Mr. Dan Desmond, President, The SIMI Group
    • Ms. Deborah Rosenblum, Executive Vice President, Nuclear Threat Initiative
    • Mr. Robert VanDine, Founder, Rapid Pathogen Screening

    Panel Four: Law Enforcement, Attribution, and the Lone Wolf Discussion of law enforcement activities, attribution of deliberate acts, and the problem of the lone wolf.

    • Dr. Randall Murch, Professor in Practice, School of Public and International Affairs and Research Leader, Office of the Vice President, National Capital Region, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
    • Dr. Yonah Alexander, Director, Inter-­‐University Center for Terrorism Studies
    • Supervisory Special Agent Edward You, Federal Bureau of Investigations Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate

    Panel Five: Read-­outs from Study Panel Satellite Meetings Representatives from satellite meetings held in support of the Study Panel will present their findings and recommendations, providing a preview into response and recovery issues to be addressed at Meeting 4.

    • Dr. Elizabeth Posillico, Co-­‐Chair, Alliance for Biosecurity
    • Dr. Gerald W. Parker, Vice President, Public Health Preparedness and Response, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center
    • Ms. Beth Maldin Morgenthau, Assistant Commissioner, Bureau of Policy, Community Resilience and Response, Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
    • Mr. Tim Stephens, CEO, MESH Coalition
    ]]>     This meeting of the Commission took place on March 12, 2015 and covers surveillance and detection needs for biodefense. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense true No 5490 2 full     Prevention & Protection Prevention & Protection https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/prevention-protection/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/prevention-protection/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 15:15:13 -0300 biocommission.podbean.com/7c4c4351-c957-3914-b9a1-581f46cf7e16 This meeting of the Commission took place on January 14, 2015. See here for more information on this event.

    Panel One: Biological Arms Control, Cooperative Threat Reduction, Global Health Security Agenda, and Quarantine

    • Dr. David R. Franz (via internet video)
    • Dr. Dan Gerstein
    • Dr. Beth Cameron
    • Dr. Mike Stoto

    Working Lunch: First Responder Protection

    •  Dr. William Raub

    Panel Two: Biosecurity, the Select Agent Program, and Synthetic Biology

    • Dr. Timothy Lu
    • Dr. Tom Ksiazek

    Panel Three: Resilience, Biodeterrence, First Responder Vaccination, and Agricultural Defense

    • Dr. Jeff Levi
    • Mr. Bruce Miller
    • Mr. Mark Landahl
    • Dr. Curt Mann

    Panel Four: Insights on Ebola and Pandemic Influenza Response

    • Dr. Robin Robinson
    • Dr. Monique Mansoura
    • Dr. Daniel Lucey

     

    ]]>     This meeting of the Commission took place on January 14, 2015. See here for more information on this event.

    Panel One: Biological Arms Control, Cooperative Threat Reduction, Global Health Security Agenda, and Quarantine

    • Dr. David R. Franz (via internet video)
    • Dr. Dan Gerstein
    • Dr. Beth Cameron
    • Dr. Mike Stoto

    Working Lunch: First Responder Protection

    •  Dr. William Raub

    Panel Two: Biosecurity, the Select Agent Program, and Synthetic Biology

    • Dr. Timothy Lu
    • Dr. Tom Ksiazek

    Panel Three: Resilience, Biodeterrence, First Responder Vaccination, and Agricultural Defense

    • Dr. Jeff Levi
    • Mr. Bruce Miller
    • Mr. Mark Landahl
    • Dr. Curt Mann

    Panel Four: Insights on Ebola and Pandemic Influenza Response

    • Dr. Robin Robinson
    • Dr. Monique Mansoura
    • Dr. Daniel Lucey

     

    ]]>     This meeting of the Commission took place on January 14, 2015. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense true No 19212 1 full     Germ Warfare: A Very Graphic History Germ Warfare: A Very Graphic History https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/germ-warfare-a-very-graphic-history/ https://biocommission.podbean.com/e/germ-warfare-a-very-graphic-history/#comments Wed, 07 Apr 2021 17:08:34 -0300 admin7g.podbean.com/c8d3526f-1411-3e4a-a04b-fb94fdc69f56 Max Brooks partnered with the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense to produce GERM WARFARE: A Very Graphic History which traces the long, brutal story of biological weapons. 

    Download the graphic novel here: https://biodefensecommission.org/germ-warfare/

    ]]>     Max Brooks partnered with the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense to produce GERM WARFARE: A Very Graphic History which traces the long, brutal story of biological weapons. 

    Download the graphic novel here: https://biodefensecommission.org/germ-warfare/

    ]]>     Max Brooks partnered with the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense to produce GERM WARFARE: A Very Graphic History which traces the long, brutal story of biological weapons. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense true No 1560 1 bonus