Assessing the implications of advances in science and technology for the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)
The Royal Society has led a project for IAP, the global network of science academies, to review trends in science and technology that impact the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.
Links to external sources may no longer work as intended. The content may not represent the latest thinking in this area or the Society’s current position on the topic.
In preparation for the 8th Review Conference, a meeting comprising 72 delegates from 30 countries was convened in Warsaw in September 2015 to identify and discuss trends in science and technology relevant to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC). The conference noted many issues of relevance to the Review Conference and reached several overarching conclusions. These issues are summarised in a non-technical conference report and two-page summary which are available in English, Spanish and Arabic.
In April 2016 a roundtable was convened to consider what an effective science advisory process for the BTWC might look like - please see the meeting summary for full details. The event brought together technical experts, science advice practitioners and key stakeholders from 13 countries to explore different options and practical considerations in the specific context of the BTWC.
The Royal Society, in partnership with the US National Academy of Sciences and Polish Academy of Sciences, has led this work for the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) Biosecurity Working Group to assist the State Parties in preparing for the 8th Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) Review Conference in December 2016.