Biotechnology and AI: Biosecurity and Bioweapon Proliferation Risks in Research

The report should characterize on differences in the development and production processes of bioweapons compared to civilian research and production processes and the associated implications for the knowledge and skills of the people involved: - Summarize and analyze existing case studies on the successful use of bioweapons with a view to the effects achieved and the difficulties and “failures” of the various actors (state, state-supported or non-state). - What role does tacit, i.e. experiential knowledge play in the practical implementation of bioweapons production beyond the information available in scientific publications or published protocols? What kind of experience is needed? - What role does practical testing of potential warfare agents play? What is known about actual testing of such agents? - What scientific, technological, personnel and organizational requirements are necessary for the various actors mentioned to be able to develop biological weapons for their purposes at a threatening level? - To what extent can new technologies (e.g. gene editing, AI models, robotized laboratories/“cloud labs”) lower the knowledge and experience threshold for different actors (laypersons, people with academic biological training, trained microbiologists or virologists with laboratory experience in civilian research institutions) to such an extent that they are enabled to develop and produce weaponized biological agents?