BioDefense 2010

BioDefense 2010 is the first conference to evaluate the state of America's biodefense readiness. Its speakers will present on the areas of strategy and policy; on collaboration, detection and situational awareness; as well as on consequence management. They will bring with them perspectives honed in all corners of government. At the conclusion of the conference we will produce an executive-level report on our findings and recommendations, including any areas of disagreement that need further resolution. This report will be delivered to the Executive Office of the President. Additional availability is restricted to registered attendees of Biodefense Conference 2010.

Framing the event is the recently issued report card of the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction, which assessed the progress America has made in reducing the dangers of a WMD attack. The overall grade for the federal government's preparedness for biological risks was "F," stating categorically, "there is no national plan to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts following a terror attack, and the United States lacks the technical and operational capabilities required for an adequate response." The Commission concludes that it is more likely than not that a terrorist will use a WMD somewhere in the world by 2013, and that the weapon is more likely to be biological than nuclear or chemical. The 2010 Conference on Biodefense was conceived as one part of the solution. In convening stakeholders from government, industry and NGOs, we will address the core areas of weakness that require attention at many levels of responsibility:

• Who's in charge?

• Developing a national plan

• Rapid detection and analysis

• Providing actionable information to federal, state and local leaders, and the general public

• Pathogen and dual-use technology regulations: centralizing and streamlining authority

• Quarantine policy: establishing a legal standard

• U.S. position on the 2011 Biological Weapons Convention 7th Review Conference

• Adequately resourcing Project BioShield: developing, stockpiling and distributing effective countermeasures

• Educating the public: what must be said and how it should be communicated

In order to promote conversation and networking, space will be limited at this conference. Do not delay in signing up at the earliest opportunity.

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