IBBIS (International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science)
IBBIS (International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science)
An independent Swiss foundation launched in February 2024, spun out of NTI | bio.
Quick Assessment
| Dimension | Assessment | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Area | DNA synthesis screening and biosecurity norms | Free open-source screening tool (commec); international standards development1 |
| Founding | February 2024, spun out of NTI | bio | Incubated since 2019; headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland2 |
| Funding | $3M launch grant from Founders Pledge | Independent Swiss non-profit foundation (registered June 2024)3 |
| Team | approximately 10 staff | International team spanning UK, Canada, France, New Zealand, Switzerland, Brazil, Argentina4 |
| Policy Influence | Growing | Paris Peace Forum Scale Up Program; EU Biotech Act advocacy; ISO 20688-2 operationalization56 |
| Key Output | Common Mechanism (commec) | Free, open-source DNA synthesis screening software released May 20241 |
Overview
The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) is an independent Swiss non-profit foundation launched in February 2024 to strengthen international biosecurity governance amid rapid advances in bioscience and biotechnology.2 The organization was incubated by NTI | bio (the biosecurity division of the Nuclear Threat Initiative) beginning in 2019, with its need identified through consultations with international stakeholders who recognized a critical gap in the global architecture for responsible stewardship of science.7
IBBIS is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, at Route de Frontenex 41A, and is registered as a Swiss foundation with public-good mission (UID CHE-182.748.080).2 The organization's vision is "a world in which bioscience and biotechnology can advance and flourish safely and responsibly," and its initial focus centers on preventing the misuse of DNA synthesis technology through practical tools and international standards.8
The organization's flagship product is the Common Mechanism (software package name: commec), a free, open-source, globally available tool for screening orders of synthetic DNA and RNA.1 Unlike proprietary alternatives, commec runs locally on provider systems with no data transferred to IBBIS, protecting customers' intellectual property while enabling compliance with biosecurity standards.9
Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg, former FDA Commissioner, has described IBBIS as "a necessary institution" that "fills a critical gap in the global architecture for responsible stewardship of science."2
History
Origins at NTI | bio (2019-2023)
In 2019, NTI | bio and international stakeholders identified the need for a dedicated organization to reduce emerging biological risks from advancing biotechnology.7 This work emerged from NTI's Biosecurity Innovation and Risk Reduction Initiative (BIRRI). NTI launched the International Technical Consortium for DNA Synthesis Screening in partnership with the World Economic Forum in 2019, which began developing technical specifications for synthesis screening in 2020.10
In Fall 2022, NTI appointed Dr. Piers Millett as the inaugural Executive Director of the organization-in-formation.11 Throughout 2021-2023, initial databases and screening algorithms were developed for what would become the Common Mechanism.1
Launch and Early Operations (2024)
- February 2024: IBBIS officially launched as an independent organization2
- May 2024: Common Mechanism v0.1 (commec software) released at SynBioBeta1
- June 2024: Accepted as a registered Swiss non-profit foundation2
Expansion and Standards Work (2025)
- February 2025: IBBIS participated in the AI Action Summit in Paris, contributing to discussions on AI and life sciences biosecurity12
- October 2025: Sequence Biosecurity Risk Consortium (SBRC) launched at the iGEM Responsibility Conference in Paris, defining what counts as a "sequence of concern"13
- November 2025: DNA Screening Standards Consortium (DSSC) launched in Singapore on November 6, with ≈30 experts from industry, academia, and government14
- 2025: IBBIS submitted formal response to the European Commission's call for evidence on the EU Biotech Act, advocating for mandatory synthesis screening provisions6
- 2025: Paris Peace Forum Scale Up Program selected IBBIS as one of 10 initiatives for accelerated support5
Core Programs
Common Mechanism (commec)
The Common Mechanism is IBBIS's flagship product: a free, open-source software package for screening orders of synthetic DNA and RNA.1 It addresses two critical biosecurity functions: identifying potentially dangerous sequences (toxins, pathogen genes) and supporting customer verification.
Key features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free and open-source (GitHub: ibbis-bio/common-mechanism)15 |
| Privacy | Runs locally; no data transferred from users to IBBIS9 |
| Screening steps | Biorisk search (HMM-based), Taxonomy search (regulated pathogens), Low-concern clearing1 |
| Performance | Exceeds Bronze Standard benchmarks; tested against real customer orders16 |
| Version | v0.1 released May 2024; ongoing development1 |
| Contact | screening@ibbis.bio9 |
The software differentiates itself from proprietary alternatives by being fully open-source with publicly available databases, enabling any provider regardless of size or location to implement biosecurity screening at no cost.9
International Screening Standards
IBBIS works to harmonize and standardize DNA synthesis screening approaches globally, with core efforts including:17
- Strengthening screening standards (particularly operationalizing ISO 20688-2:2024)
- Promoting universal adoption across providers of all sizes
- Strengthening international coordination across US, UK, EU, WHO, and ASEAN frameworks
DNA Screening Standards Consortium (DSSC)
Launched November 6, 2025, in Singapore, the DSSC unites approximately 30 experts from industry, academia, government, standards bodies, and civil society to deliver practical screening guidance.14
Key deliverables:
- Clarify and operationalize ISO 20688-2:2024 biosecurity provisions through a supplementary implementation guide
- Develop ready-to-use workflows, templates, and training tools
- Facilitate global alignment across industry, regulators, and international organizations
The DSSC works alongside the Sequence Biosecurity Risk Consortium (SBRC), which defines what counts as a sequence of concern, while the DSSC translates those definitions into practical implementation standards.1314
Sophie Peresson, IBBIS Technical Lead, stated: "The world doesn't need another statement of intent -- it needs instructions that work. This Consortium is the engine that will convert standards into simple, consistent workflows."14
Global DNA Synthesis Map
An interactive online tool showing, for the first time at a global level, where synthesis providers are located, how they screen orders, and what policies apply.18 The mapping identified providers across Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the MENA region, and catalogued relevant policies in over 60 countries.18
A key finding from this mapping: only 15% of synthetic DNA providers currently implement screening for sequences of concern, representing a major regulatory and security gap.6
Biosecurity Game Changers Fellowship
IBBIS partners with the Brown University Pandemic Center, CEPI, Gavi, Pandemic Action Network, and the BWC Implementation Support Unit to host fellows from the Global South for a year-long biosecurity leadership program.19 The fellowship targets early- to mid-career biosecurity professionals, with an inaugural class of eight fellows beginning in 2024.
Policy and Advocacy
EU Biotech Act
IBBIS submitted a formal response to the European Commission's call for evidence, advocating for a phased pathway built around four pillars:6
- Strengthening internationally recognized standards (ISO 20688-2)
- Promoting universal adoption by linking compliance to licensing and EU research funding
- Enhancing international coordination with US, UK, WHO, and ASEAN frameworks
- Phasing in enforceable and auditable screening standards across the EU single market
The submission was endorsed by the International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC), European Synthetic Biology Society, Pandemic Action Network, and Pour Demain Belgium.6 IBBIS co-hosted a high-level roundtable at the European Parliament on biosecurity in the bioeconomy.20
AI and Biosecurity
IBBIS participated in the February 2025 AI Action Summit in Paris, contributing to discussions on biosecurity implications of advancing AI capabilities for biological research.12 This aligns with broader concerns about AI-enabled biological threats -- see SecureBio for complementary work on AI capability evaluations.
Leadership and Team
Executive Director
Leadership
Dr. Piers Millett brings deep expertise in biosecurity governance. He served for over a decade with the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), including as Deputy Head and Acting Head of the Implementation Support Unit.11 He holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of Bradford and a BSc in Microbiology from the University of Leeds, and is a Chartered Biologist.21 At the Future of Humanity Institute, he focused on pandemic and deliberate disease risks and the implications of emerging biotechnology.21 He has also consulted for the World Health Organization on integrating R&D into responses to public health emergencies.11
Staff
| Name | Role | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Piers Millett | Executive Director | UK |
| Tessa Alexanian | Technical Lead, Common Mechanism | Canada / USA |
| Sophie Peresson | Technical Lead, International Standards | France |
| Rassin Lababidi | Technical Lead | Canada |
| Thomas Collin Lefebvre | Programme Manager | Netherlands / Canada |
| Mayra Ameneiros | Senior Fellow | Argentina |
| Michael Barnett | Bioinformatics Engineer | New Zealand |
| Manu Shivakumara | Senior Bioinformatics Engineer | Switzerland / India |
| Lucas Boldrini | Technical Consultant | Brazil / France |
| Edyth Parker | Biosecurity Game Changers Fellow | South Africa |
Tessa Alexanian, Technical Lead for the Common Mechanism, previously worked at Zymergen on modular lab automation for four years and served as iGEM's Safety and Security officer for two years. She has collaborated with Coefficient Giving, RAND, and the Council on Strategic Risks.22
Sophie Peresson, Technical Lead for International Standards, is a member of the International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC), the OECD Synthetic Biology Working Party, and Pandemic Action Network.23
Advisory Board
IBBIS maintains an international advisory board with members from Jordan, Georgia, the Netherlands, the United States, Pakistan, Germany, the Philippines, South Africa, India, Indonesia, and Trinidad and Tobago, including:4
- Angela Kane -- Former Senior Advisor, Nuclear Threat Initiative
- Aamer Ikram -- Chair and Strategic Advisor, Pakistan Academy of Sciences
- Iqbal Parker -- Professor of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town
- Luis Ochoa Carrera -- Past President of ABSA (American Biological Safety Association)
Funding
| Source | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Founders Pledge | $3,000,000 | Launch funding for first three years of operations3 |
| Paris Peace Forum | Programmatic support | Scale Up Program mentorship and strategy guidance5 |
Founders Pledge recommended unrestricted funding to IBBIS, citing the organization's institutional pedigree (NTI | bio incubation) and leadership credibility (Millett's BWC and FHI experience) as key factors supporting their confidence.3
Relationship to NTI | bio
IBBIS was incubated by NTI | bio, the biosecurity division of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, following a classic incubation-to-spinout model:7
- 2019: NTI | bio and stakeholders identified the need for a dedicated biosecurity organization
- 2019: NTI launched the International Technical Consortium for DNA Synthesis Screening with the World Economic Forum
- 2020-2023: NTI | bio incubated IBBIS, developing tools and building the team
- 2022: Piers Millett appointed as Executive Director
- 2024: IBBIS launched as a fully independent Swiss foundation
IBBIS is now organizationally independent from NTI, though the relationship reflects NTI | bio's broader biosecurity portfolio. Founders Pledge separately recommends NTI | bio as a high-impact biosecurity funder.3
Key Uncertainties
Key Questions
- ?Can free open-source synthesis screening achieve adoption rates sufficient to meaningfully reduce misuse risk, given that only 15% of providers currently screen?
- ?Will international standards harmonization succeed across jurisdictions with different regulatory cultures and enforcement capacities?
- ?How will synthesis screening adapt to rapidly advancing AI capabilities that may enable novel biological threats beyond current screening databases?
- ?Can IBBIS scale its team and operations fast enough to meet the pace of biotechnology proliferation?
- ?Will the EU Biotech Act and similar regulations include enforceable biosecurity provisions, or will screening remain voluntary?
- ?How effective are customer screening approaches compared to sequence screening for preventing misuse?
Sources
Footnotes
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Common Mechanism - IBBIS — Common Mechanism - IBBIS - Technical details and screening approach ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
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About IBBIS — About IBBIS - Founding, mission, headquarters, registration ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
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Founders Pledge - IBBIS Recommendation — Founders Pledge - IBBIS Recommendation - Funding assessment and $3M grant ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
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IBBIS People — IBBIS People - Staff and advisory board ↩ ↩2
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NTI - IBBIS Accepted to Paris Peace Forum Scale Up Program — NTI - IBBIS Accepted to Paris Peace Forum Scale Up Program - Accelerator program selection ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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IBBIS Calls for Biosecurity Provisions in EU Biotech Act — IBBIS Calls for Biosecurity Provisions in EU Biotech Act - Policy advocacy ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
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IBBIS Website — IBBIS Website - Vision and mission ↩
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Common Mechanism FAQ — Common Mechanism FAQ - Privacy, open-source details ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
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GitHub - ibbis-bio/common-mechanism — GitHub - ibbis-bio/common-mechanism - Open-source repository ↩
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NTI - Dr. Piers Millett Named Director — NTI - Dr. Piers Millett Named Director - Leadership appointment ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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IBBIS at the AI Action Summit — IBBIS at the AI Action Summit - February 2025 participation ↩ ↩2
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SBRC Launched — SBRC Launched - Sequence Biosecurity Risk Consortium ↩ ↩2
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IBBIS Launches Technical Consortium — IBBIS Launches Technical Consortium - November 2025 DSSC launch ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
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GitHub - ibbis-bio — GitHub - ibbis-bio - Open-source repositories ↩
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Common Mechanism Performance — Common Mechanism Performance - Screening benchmarks ↩
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International Screening Standards - IBBIS — International Screening Standards - IBBIS - Standards harmonization ↩
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Global DNA Synthesis Map - IBBIS — Global DNA Synthesis Map - IBBIS - Interactive mapping tool ↩ ↩2
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Biosecurity Game Changers Fellowship - Brown University — Biosecurity Game Changers Fellowship - Brown University - Fellowship program ↩
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Citation rc-a178 ↩
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Piers Millett - NTI Profile — Piers Millett - NTI Profile - Biography and credentials ↩ ↩2
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Tessa Alexanian - IBBIS — Tessa Alexanian - IBBIS - Staff profile ↩
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Sophie Peresson - IBBIS — Sophie Peresson - IBBIS - Staff profile ↩
References
1IBBIS Launches Technical ConsortiumInternational Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative·Thomas Collin Lefebvre·2025▸
IBBIS (International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science) announces the formation of a technical consortium aimed at improving DNA synthesis screening standards and biosecurity safeguards. The consortium brings together stakeholders from industry, academia, and government to develop and harmonize screening tools that prevent dangerous pathogens from being synthesized. This initiative represents a coordination effort to close biosecurity gaps in the synthetic biology supply chain.
“The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) has launched the DNA Screening Standards Consortium (DSSC) as a global, multi-stakeholder technical forum dedicated to strengthening and operationalising international standards for DNA synthesis screening.”
Profile page for Piers Millett, a biosecurity expert at the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) focusing on biological risks and governance. Millett works on reducing biological threats through policy development, international engagement, and biosecurity frameworks relevant to existential risk reduction.
“Dr. Millett was Deputy Head of the Implementation Support Unit for the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), a treaty for which he worked for over a decade. He has consulted for the World Health Organization, supporting their integration of research and development into responses to public health emergencies and considering the health implications of advances in technology.”
The source does not mention that he was 'Acting Head' of the Implementation Support Unit. The source does not mention that he focused on pandemic and deliberate disease risks and the implications of emerging biotechnology at the Future of Humanity Institute. The source states that he has an MA in International Politics and Security Studies and an MRes in Research Methodology from the University of Bradford, which the claim omits.
3SBRC launched to engineer standard definitions of sequences of concern - IBBISInternational Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative▸
IBBIS launched the Sequence Biosecurity Risk Consortium (SBRC) to create standardized, science-based definitions of biological 'sequences of concern' (SOCs) in synthetic nucleic acids. The consortium addresses inconsistent screening practices across DNA/RNA synthesis providers by developing shared rubrics, validated test sets, and consensus standards. It provides a collaborative forum for disclosing and addressing screening vulnerabilities across industry, policy, and scientific stakeholders.
“IBBIS was proud to launch the Sequence Biosecurity Risk Consortium (SBRC), a community advancing global engineering standards for identifying and managing biological sequences of concern, at the 2025 iGEM Responsibility Conference . The consortium defines “sequences of concern” (SOCs) based on a scientific assessment of biosecurity risk from synthetic nucleic acids.”
NTI launched the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) in February 2024 as the first independent international organization dedicated solely to biosecurity governance. IBBIS addresses the growing gap between rapid advances in biotechnology—amplified by AI and machine learning—and existing oversight frameworks. The Geneva-based organization aims to provide tools and frameworks enabling responsible innovation while reducing risks of accidental or deliberate misuse of biological agents.
“MUNICH (February 15, 2024)— Amid rapid advances in bioscience and biotechnology that could pose significant global security risks without effective guardrails, the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) today launched the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS), a first-of-its-kind organization to strengthen international biosecurity governance.”
The claim states that IBBIS is a Swiss non-profit foundation, but the source only mentions that it is an independent organization to be headquartered in Geneva. The source does not explicitly state that it is a Swiss non-profit foundation. The claim states that NTI | bio incubated IBBIS beginning in 2019, but the source does not mention the year 2019. It only states that NTI identified a gap and worked with international partners to establish IBBIS.
Profile page for Sophie Peresson, Policy Lead for International Standards at IBBIS, who leads the International Screening Standards initiative for harmonizing biosecurity screening of synthetic nucleic acids globally. She engages with international bodies including IGSC, OECD Synthetic Biology Working Party, and contributes to EU biosecurity policy. Her work sits at the intersection of science, public policy, and health with a focus on synthetic biology governance.
“She is a member of the International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC), the OECD Synthetic Biology Working Party, Pandemic Action Network (PAN), several other international policy fora and the former French representative at ISO TC 276: Biotechnology working group.”
The Biosecurity Game Changers Fellowship at Brown University's Pandemic Center places early-to-mid-career public health professionals with leading global biosecurity organizations including CEPI, Gavi, IBBIS, and the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit. Fellows work on operational projects to improve biosecurity, biosafety, and pandemic preparedness over a year-long program. The initiative aims to develop the next generation of leaders in health security.
“The Brown Pandemic Center is partnering with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance , the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS), Pandemic Action Network (PAN), and the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit (BWC ISU) to provide an operational base for the fellows, selected for their potential to impact and lead in biosecurity and pandemic preparedness and response.”
IBBIS participated in a side event at the February 2025 AI Action Summit, contributing expert perspectives on DNA sequence screening and the governance challenges at the intersection of AI and the life sciences. The organization highlighted the lack of globally harmonized standards for DNA synthesis screening, dual-use technology risks, and geopolitical complexities in biosecurity governance. The engagement connects to IBBIS's broader work on international biosecurity standards under ISO 20688-2.
“The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) participated in the AI Action Summit in February 2025, contributing to the critical discussion on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the life sciences.”
Profile page for Tessa Alexanian, Technical Lead for the Common Mechanism at IBBIS, an international baseline for nucleic acid synthesis screening. Her work spans biosecurity, dual-use risk assessment in synthetic biology, bioweapons convention compliance, and building cultures of responsibility in the life sciences.
“Tessa Alexanian is the Technical Lead for the Common Mechanism, an international baseline for nucleic acid synthesis screening. Her previous work has focused on modular lab automation, assessing dual-use risks in synthetic biology projects, bioweapons convention compliance, and creating cultures of responsibility. Tessa wrangled robots to do bioengineering for four years at Zymergen, served for two years at the iGEM Competition’s Safety and Security officer, and has collaborated with organizations including Open Philanthropy, RAND, and the Council on Strategic Risks.”
The wiki claim states that she collaborated with Coefficient Giving, but the source says Open Philanthropy. Open Philanthropy may be the same as Coefficient Giving, but this is not verifiable from the source.
9IBBIS - International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for ScienceInternational Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative▸
IBBIS is an international organization focused on strengthening biosecurity and biosafety for the life sciences. It works to prevent misuse of biological research by developing screening tools, standards, and governance frameworks for the scientific community. The organization aims to reduce biosecurity risks while enabling beneficial scientific progress.
“IBBIS was launched in February 2024, released its DNA synthesis screening tool in May 2024, and was accepted as a non-profit foundation with a public-good mission in June 2024. As of January 2025, IBBIS has taken ownership of its HQ offices in Geneva, Switzerland.”
IBBIS (International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science) develops and promotes international standards for screening DNA synthesis orders to prevent misuse for biological weapons development. The initiative works to establish harmonized screening protocols that DNA synthesis providers worldwide can adopt to identify potentially dangerous sequences before fulfilling orders. This represents a key governance mechanism for biosecurity in the emerging synthetic biology sector.
“IBBIS is bringing together industry, government, and scientific experts from around the world to support common international standards for DNA synthesis screening. Our core efforts include: Strengthening Screening Standards : Enhancing ISO 20688-2, closing gaps in risk assessment, and developing clear, practical screening guidelines Promoting Universal Adoption : Engaging industry, policymakers, and regulators to drive adherence and integrate biosecurity into procurement and licensing Strengthening International Coordination : Aligning stakeholders, ensuring standards evolve with new technologies, and fostering public-private partnerships”
IBBIS is an organization focused on biosecurity and biosafety for the life sciences, developing tools and resources to prevent misuse of biological research. They work on screening technologies and governance frameworks to reduce biosecurity risks from dual-use research. Their GitHub presence likely hosts open-source tools related to biosecurity screening and safety.
“common-mechanism Public A free, open-source, globally available tool for DNA sequence screening”
This FAQ page from the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) explains the Common Mechanism, a harmonized screening framework for nucleic acid synthesis providers to detect and prevent potentially dangerous biological sequences from being synthesized. It addresses questions about how the system works, who uses it, and why standardized biosecurity screening matters for preventing misuse of synthetic biology tools.
“The Common Mechanism provides free, open-source, globally-available tools that help providers of synthetic DNA and RNA screen orders efficiently, securely, and in compliance with global biosecurity standards.”
13IBBIS - International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science: PeopleInternational Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative▸
This page lists the team members and leadership of IBBIS (International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science), an organization focused on biosecurity and biosafety governance. IBBIS works to strengthen global biosecurity norms and practices, particularly around screening of synthetic biology and dual-use research.
“Piers Millett | Executive Director | UK Tessa Alexanian | Technical Lead, Common Mechanism | Canada / USA Mayra Ameneiros | Senior Fellow | Argentina Rassin Lababidi | Technical Lead | Canada Thomas Collin Lefebvre | Programme Manager | Netherlands / Canada Sophie Peresson | Policy Lead, International Standards | France Michael Barnett | Bioinformatics Engineer | New Zealand Lucas Boldrini | Technical Consultant | Brazil / France Edyth Parker | Biosecurity Game Changers Fellow | South Africa Manu Shivakumara | Senior Bioinformatics Engineer | Switzerland / India Kirsten Kulcsar Weand | Senior Fellow | United States”
The claim states 'approximately 10 staff' but the source lists 12 staff members. The claim lists specific countries, but the source lists some staff members with multiple countries.
NTI announces the appointment of Dr. Piers Millett as the first Executive Director of the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS), a new international organization focused on strengthening global biosecurity norms and governance. IBBIS aims to address gaps in oversight of dual-use biological research and emerging biotechnology risks. This represents a significant institutional development in global biosecurity coordination.
“NTI Announces Dr. Piers Millett as Inaugural Executive Director of New International Biosecurity Organization, IBBIS”
unsupported: The source does not mention the development of initial databases and screening algorithms for the Common Mechanism during 2021-2023. minor_issues: The source indicates Piers Millett was named the inaugural Executive Director of the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS), not just 'the organization-in-formation'.
The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) maintains a global map tracking DNA synthesis providers and their screening capabilities worldwide. This resource helps identify gaps in biosecurity coverage where synthesized DNA could be ordered without adequate checks for dangerous sequences. It supports efforts to establish universal screening standards across the commercial DNA synthesis industry.
“The Global DNA Synthesis Map is an interactive online tool that shows, for the first time at a global level, where synthesis providers are located, how providers screen their orders, and what policies apply.”
Founders Pledge evaluates and recommends IBBIS as a high-impact giving opportunity focused on reducing biosecurity risks through developing screening tools and governance frameworks for dual-use biological research. The recommendation outlines how IBBIS works to prevent misuse of biological technologies by strengthening oversight mechanisms in the scientific community.
17IBBIS - International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for ScienceInternational Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative▸
IBBIS is an international organization focused on strengthening biosecurity and biosafety for the life sciences. It works to screen DNA synthesis orders, develop biosecurity standards, and prevent biological threats by ensuring responsible research practices globally. The initiative coordinates technical and policy tools to reduce misuse risks in biotechnology.
“The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) Route de Frontenex 41A 1207 Geneva, Switzerland IBBIS is a registered Swiss non-profit foundation (UID CHE-182.748.080 )”
The Common Mechanism is an open-source biosecurity screening tool developed by IBBIS (International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science) to help DNA synthesis providers screen orders for potential biosecurity risks. It provides a standardized, freely available screening pipeline to detect sequences of concern in synthetic biology orders. The project aims to improve biosecurity by making robust screening accessible to the entire DNA synthesis industry.
19IBBIS Calls for Biosecurity Provisions in EU Biotech ActInternational Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative▸
IBBIS (International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science) advocates for the inclusion of robust biosecurity provisions in the EU Biotechnology Act, specifically calling for mandatory DNA synthesis screening and alignment with international biosecurity standards. The organization argues that as biotechnology regulation advances in Europe, biosecurity safeguards must be integrated to prevent misuse of synthetic biology tools. This represents an effort to embed biosecurity norms into emerging biotech regulatory frameworks.
“IBBIS calls for synthesis screening and international standards in EU Biotech Act”
unsupported: Paris Peace Forum Scale Up Program misleading_paraphrase: Growing policy influence
IBBIS presents performance testing results for the Common Mechanism, a free open-source biosecurity tool for screening synthetic DNA/RNA sequences. Testing demonstrated <2% false positive rates, compliance with industry best practices (validated by Twist Bioscience), and resilience to AI-generated evasion attempts, positioning it as a viable global standard for biosecurity screening.
“The Common Mechanism is designed to meet and exceed current screening guidance, such as the IGSC Harmonized Screening Protocol and U.S. Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening .”
The claim states that the tool exceeds Bronze Standard benchmarks, but the source does not mention Bronze Standard benchmarks. The source states that the tool is designed to meet and exceed current screening guidance, such as the IGSC Harmonized Screening Protocol and U.S. Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening. The claim states that the tool was tested against real customer orders, which is supported by the source. However, the source specifies that Twist Bioscience ran real customer orders through the Common Mechanism.
The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) was accepted into the Paris Peace Forum's Scale Up Program, recognizing its efforts to strengthen global biosecurity norms and governance. IBBIS focuses on reducing biological risks by working with the scientific community to implement responsible science practices and oversight mechanisms.
“The Paris Peace Forum Scale Up Program selected the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) as one of 10 initiatives to receive support from the Paris Peace Forum community to accelerate its efforts to strengthen biosecurity norms and reduce risks associated with advances in technology.”
The source only mentions the Paris Peace Forum Scale Up Program. It does not mention the EU Biotech Act advocacy or ISO 20688-2 operationalization.
This resource covers an IBBIS-associated EU Parliament roundtable discussion focused on balancing biosecurity measures with maintaining Europe's competitiveness in biotechnology. It likely addresses policy frameworks for dual-use research oversight, biosecurity screening, and how international coordination can manage biological risks without stifling innovation.
“IBBIS, the Pandemic Action Network , Pour Demain , and RAND Europe joined forces to co-host a high-level roundtable at the European Parliament, in collaboration with Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Hildegard Bentele (EPP, DE), rapporteur of the report The Future of the EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Sector: Leveraging Research, Boosting Innovation, and Enhancing Competitiveness ( draft released March 21, 2025).”
The International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC) and European Synthetic Biology Society are not mentioned in the source. The source states that IBBIS, the Pandemic Action Network, Pour Demain, and RAND Europe co-hosted the roundtable, not just IBBIS.
IBBIS (International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science) describes their Common Mechanism, a shared screening system designed to help DNA synthesis providers screen orders for dangerous sequences. The initiative aims to establish a global standard for biosecurity screening to prevent misuse of synthetic biology tools for creating biological weapons or dangerous pathogens.
“A free, open-source, globally-available tool for synthesis screening The Common Mechanism helps providers of synthetic DNA and RNA screen orders efficiently, securely, and in compliance with global biosecurity standards.”