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Biosecurity policy

This page lists resources on biosecurity policy, profiles of US federal agencies, fellowship programs, think tanks, and congressional committees.

Biosecurity policy resources

This list is an introduction to the field. While we couldn’t include many great resources here, we encourage you to do your own research on particular topics of interest.

Overview resources

Newsletters

Books

Podcasts

Online courses

Think tank reports and policy analysis 

Government strategies

International organizations and treaties (see list)

Conferences

We aim to keep this page updated. You can recommend other resources here.

Biosecurity federal agency profiles

The US executive branch shapes and implements biosecurity policy and programs through its many departments and agencies, each leveraging its specific capabilities to address biological threats across prevention, detection, response, and recovery.

Their responsibilities include administering programs, allocating funds, and establishing policies for areas like developing and stockpiling medical countermeasures, monitoring and identifying emerging threats, and quickly deploying resources during outbreaks. Given the government’s complexity, it’s essential to understand the activities of specific agencies and offices involved in biosecurity and their roles in the broader ecosystem.

The following profiles outline federal agencies engaged in biosecurity-related policy and programs, including lists of major policy developments and relevant offices. To understand their differences, you might find it helpful to consider where each office or program falls along the following spectrums and their specific technology focus (e.g. medical countermeasures, health surveillance, PPE, or critical infrastructure):

  • Policy development vs. program execution
  • Domestic vs. international focus
  • Civilian vs. defense orientation
  • Independent operations vs. interagency collaboration
  • Fundamental research support vs. deployment of ready-to-use technology
  • Crisis response vs. long-term prevention

For further context, see also the Biodefense Budget Breakdown from the Council on Strategic Risks and the interactive tool B-SPAN from the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, which maps US executive branch biodefense activities and in Congress.

Executive branch biosecurity policy overview

This guide helps you explore biosecurity policy careers in the executive branch. It reviews key policy areas and agency roles and highlights key considerations to inform your career planning.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

EOP is a group of offices and councils that support the president in executing their agenda domestically and internationally. EOP advises the president, coordinates policy development among federal agencies, and guides policy implementation.

EOP > National Security Council (NSC)

NSC coordinates the government’s national security enterprise and advises the president on national security matters. It designs short- and long-term national security strategies and coordinates national security policy implementation among agencies.

EOP > Office of Management & Budget (OMB)

OMB oversees the implementation of the president’s vision across the executive branch. It develops the president’s annual budget proposal, manages agency processes, reviews significant agency regulations, and supports presidential actions, including executive orders.

EOP > Office of Science & Tech Policy (OSTP)

OSTP is the president’s chief advisory body on science and technology. It provides strategic guidance for policymaking and government R&D spending, evaluates federal programs, and coordinates federal science and technology policy initiatives.

EOP > National Economic & Domestic Policy Councils (NEC & DPC)

NEC and DPC advise the president and coordinate policymaking processes for economic and domestic issues. Both have supported the development of major AI or biosecurity policy initiatives.

Department of Commerce (DOC)

Commerce promotes US economic growth and competitiveness through roles in data, innovation, and industry support. It plays key roles in AI and biosecurity, overseeing standard-setting, semiconductor and bio-manufacturing, and exports.

DOC > Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS)

BIS is the lead agency tasked with administering and enforcing export controls on dual-use items and technology. It’s central to US AI and biosecurity policy efforts since it controls the export of high-performance semiconductors and biological equipment and materials.

DOC> National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

NIST develops standards, measurements, and technology to support US economic competitiveness, technological progress, improved product reliability, and technical security and safety.

Department of Defense (DOD)

DOD’s mission is to “provide the military forces necessary to deter war and ensure the nation’s security.” DOD shapes AI and biosecurity policy through multiple levers, such as funding for research, procurement, and strategic guidance and policy documents.

DOD > Office of the SecDef (OSD)

OSD is responsible for policy development, planning, resource management, and program evaluation. OSD runs several AI and biosecurity-relevant efforts, including investing in research, purchasing equipment, drafting strategies, and more.

DOD > US military departments

The military departments—Army, Navy, and Air Force—organize, train, and equip the US armed forces. They play central roles in AI and biosecurity through large-scale R&D programs, operational testing, and technology adoption for national defense.

Dep. of Energy (DOE)

DOE oversees energy policy, scientific research, and the nuclear arsenal, being the largest US government funder of physical science research. It significantly contributes to science and tech development and policy, including via its national labs.

Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS)

HHS plays a crucial role in healthcare, public health, medical research, and social services. The department is responsible for preparing for and responding to biological threats of any kind, including via agencies like CDC, ASPR, NIH, and FDA.

HHS > Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response (ASPR)

ASPR’s mission is to “assist the country in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from public health emergencies and disasters.” It runs the Strategic National Stockpile, BARDA, and other programs.

HHS > Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

CDC’s mission is to protect America from health, safety, and security threats, both foreign and domestic. The agency provides public health expertise, conducts research, and plays a central role in biosecurity, responding to disease outbreaks, pandemics, and biological threats.

HHS > Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

FDA ensures the safety, efficacy, and security of drugs, biological products, and medical devices, and it oversees food safety and tobacco regulation. The agency mainly contributes to biosecurity by regulating vaccines, treatments, and medical countermeasures.

HHS > National Institutes of Health (NIH)

NIH is the primary federal agency for biomedical and public health research and is the largest funding source for medical research globally. It supports various research initiatives aimed at advancing health, preventing disease, and ensuring biothreat preparedness.

Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS)

DHS is integral to US national security, handling cybersecurity, counterterrorism, border security, disaster response, and critical infrastructure protection. DHS’s role in emerging technology policy is growing, including dealing with AI, bio, and cyber-related threats.

Intelligence Community (IC)

The IC consists of 18 government agencies and offices that collect, analyze, and deliver intelligence to senior US leaders to support decision-making on critical issues. This work is crucial for informing US government policy and safeguarding national security.

Department of State (DOS)

State oversees US foreign policy, negotiating treaties, managing diplomatic missions, and representing the US in international bodies. In this capacity, State contributes to technology policy, which is becoming increasingly important in diplomacy.

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA develops and executes federal policies on agriculture, forestry, and rural economic development, aiming to support farmers and ensure a safe food supply. USDA contributes to biosecurity and advances food innovation to enhance food security and sustainability.

Biosecurity-relevant policy fellowships

The following fellowship programs are especially relevant for biosecurity policy work (see also our full fellowship database for 50+ opportunities):

  1. Horizon Fellowship (Horizon Institute for Public Service) – a 6-24 month full-time US emerging technology policy fellowship facilitating job placements in the US executive branch, Congress, and think tanks for early- and mid-career individuals. (The Horizon Fellowship and this website are both projects of the Horizon Institute.)
  2. AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowships (American Association for the Advancement of Science) – a 12-month fellowship in DC with four separate tracks, that places fellows within the executive branch, judicial branch, legislative branch, or in a nonprofit. The fellowship is for individuals with a doctoral-level degree.
  3. Presidential Management Fellowship – a prestigious 2-year full-time executive branch fellowship for graduate degree holders. It’s widely considered one of the best pathways into policy.
  4. Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity (ELBI) Fellowship (Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security) – a 10-month part-time program allowing talented graduate students and professionals to deepen their expertise, expand their network, and build their leadership skills through workshops and other events.
  5. Fellowship for Ending Bioweapons (Council on Strategic Risks) – a 12-month part-time program for early-career fellows to work with leading experts from CSR’s team and network to generate ideas for ending the threat of state biological weapons programs.
  6. Mid-Career Biodefense Bootcamp (Council on Strategic Risks) – a 2-month part-time hybrid fellowship involving a virtual course, a 3-day in-person workshop in DC, and a vibrant network for mid-career citizens of NATO countries and certain other US allies (i.e. typically 10+ years of professional and/or academic experience).
  7. Epidemic Intelligence Service (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) – a “2-year post-graduate fellowship in applied epidemiology…EIS officers help public health officials investigate and control infectious disease outbreaks”
  8. Health Policy Fellowship (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) – a 1-year full-time executive branch job placement program focused on health and biosecurity policy for mid-career professionals.
  9. Biosecurity Game Changers Fellowship (Brown University Pandemic Center) – a 1-year half-time (~50%) fellowship for mid-career African and US American health security experts (i.e. at least 5 years of experience) with leading biosecurity and global health organizations (CEPI, GAVI, IBBIS, BWC ISU, etc.)
  10. Scoville Peace Fellowship – a 6-9 month full-time security policy fellowship with DC-based NGOs (including some working on biosecurity, like NTI) for early-career bachelor’s or master’s graduates.
  11. NobleReach Scholars (NobleReach Foundation) – a 1-2 year full-time technology policy fellowship in government or mission-driven private companies for early-career technologists focusing on AI, biotech, computing & cybersecurity, or other areas.
  12. Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine) – a 12-week full-time science and technology policy training and networking program in Washington DC for graduate degree holders and current graduate students.
  13. Biotechnology Innovation & International Security Fellowship (Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University) – an academic research fellowship for predoctoral and postdoctoral students, and junior faculty, for applicants from the US and abroad.
  14. Science Policy Fellowship (Research!America) – a 1-year paid fellowship for individuals with a PhD or other terminal degree who seek science policy experience in the areas of biomedical research, health services research and other health research disciplines
  15. Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship (United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs) – a 3-month part-time learning and networking program involving online workshops and a Geneva visit for advanced degree holders under the age of 40 who are citizens in a low- or middle-income Biological Weapons Convention State Party
  16. Arms Control Negotiation Academy – a part-time “12-month, high-level professional development program for a competitively selected cohort of [16] rising international security experts and practitioners” involving three week-long workshops

Think tanks working on biosecurity policy

This list isn’t comprehensive, but we hope it’s a useful starting point if you’re interested in think tank work on biosecurity or pandemic preparedness policy.

Congressional committees relevant to bio policy

Since biotech and biosecurity policy span an incredibly wide set of topics, many congressional committees are involved in governing the technology.

For a list of committees most involved in bio policy, see this section in Part 3 of our Congress guide. (See also this tool mapping congressional biodefense activities).

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