Dr. Julie Fischer, director of the Global Health
Security Program at the Henry L. Stimson Center, will join us for a discussion
on the risks and regulation of the rapidly expanding global biodefense
enterprise. Concerns about possible bioterrorism and emerging infectious
diseases like SARS and avian influenza have convinced policymakers worldwide to
invest in the infrastructure necessary to detect and limit potentially
catastrophic outbreaks. The resulting rapid expansion of laboratory capacity
and research programs provides the backbone of a real global disease
surveillance capability, but also increases the risk that lethal pathogens could
be accidentally or deliberately released. What is the U.S. investment in
promoting biological security and safety abroad, and how has the international
community approached the management of bio-risk?
