Significant advances have been made in the regulation and oversight of synthetic nucleic acid order screening since the U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services issued its initial guidance. Panelists from industry, policy, and the technical community will discuss major these advances as well as remaining challenges. They will explore what “winning” looks like for the field considering aspects such as international cooperation, balancing innovation and growth with security, and the impact of current initiatives. The conversation will highlight lessons from synthetic nucleic acid governance that can inform oversight of other emerging technologies.

As AI, automation, and scalable biotechnologies accelerate the design and deployment of biology, the line between innovation and risk is increasingly blurred. This session explores how advances in programmable biology are reshaping biosecurity and biodefense, from dual-use risks and supply-chain vulnerabilities to new models for detection, governance, and defense. Leaders from industry, government, and research will discuss how to responsibly accelerate biology while protecting public health and national security.