2025 Next Generation for Biosecurity Challenge: How Do You Define Bioweapons?

Fifty years ago, the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) was established to effectively prohibit the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling, and use of biological and toxin weapons. The biothreat landscape has significantly changed since the BWC was signed with today’s scientists able to leverage artificial intelligence and other advanced capabilities to engineer biological systems, increasing concerns about dual use risks. In the Ninth Annual Next Generation for Biosecurity Competition, NTI | bio and competition co-sponsors ask participants to examine this ever-evolving threat landscape and consider if it changes the definition of biological weapons. Competition teams have been asked to address:

• How and if the BWC definition of biological weapons has changed?

• What emerging threats and innovations are reshaping the definition of what constitutes a weapon, and who can create and use them?

• How could evolving definitions impact international mechanisms intended to prevent bioweapon development and use?

• What actions should the international community take to prevent the misuse of biology and ensure a secure future?

Evolving Bioweapon Threats and the Role of International Mechanisms in Addressing Them

To help familiarize the concepts associated with this year’s competition, NTI | bio convened a panel of experts to discuss their perceptions of biosecurity risk associated with scientific innovation. The panel also weighed in on ethical considerations related to dual use oversight and future challenges and opportunities for international mechanisms aimed at upholding the norms against bioweapon development and use.

The biothreat landscape is broadening beyond the traditional pathogens and toxins associated with bioweapons, especially if you consider biological threats to include any “disruption of normal functioning of a biological system with a detrimental effect,” explained Dr. Piers Millet, executive director at the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS). Further, the scope of capable actors has grown as biological innovation has shifted from being controlled by a few governments to involving many private companies in countries across the globe.

While there have been significant technological advances in recent years, researchers have always had to consider the challenge of dual use. The BWC “had a clever solution by focusing more on the intent, rather than focusing on the quantity or technique,” said Ms. Eva Siegmann, consultant at NTI | bio. Ongoing conversations at the BWC are analyzing the trade-offs between peaceful collaboration and safety and security controls to find a balance that does not slow or limit scientific discoveries.

International mechanisms like the BWC need to be strengthened and have enforcement power to promote accountability. Since its establishment, the BWC has created “confidence building measures, data exchange [platforms], and the implementation support unit” but the “lack of legally binding verification… is a challenge” noted Mr. Thomas Brown, co-programme director for VERTIC’s National Implementation Measures Programme. Overall, for the BWC to “improve peaceful cooperation and increase legitimacy… states [must] come to the table and talk to each other,” explained Siegmann.

As the world marks the 50th anniversary of the BWC, Next Gen participants have an opportunity to move the needle by introducing an updated way for professionals in the field to address current and emerging threats that bioweapons pose. For the full conversation, watch the video below.

About the Next Generation for Biosecurity Competition

Applications for the Ninth Annual Next Generation for Biosecurity Competition are now open to students and early professions. In partnership with 80,000 Hours, CBWNet, the iGEM Foundation, the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS), the United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), and Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation the winning team will have its paper published on the NTI website and have the opportunity to present during a side event at a high-profile international biosecurity event, such as a meeting of the BWC.

More information about eligibility and submission requirements can be found on the competition page. For help building a team complete the interest form or join the Team Finder group on WhatsApp. Submissions are due Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 11:59PM ET and winners will be announced in August 2025. If there are any additional questions email [email protected].