Advances in virology, synthetic biology, AI, and computational biology are transforming infectious disease research, enabling deeper understanding of (re-)emerging pathogens, and accelerating the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. These advances are reshaping conversations about biosecurity and transparency in infectious disease research and emphasizing the importance of strengthening public trust, international collaboration, and evidence-based governance. As regulatory policies are being written, frontline researchers are too often absent from the discussions that will shape their work.

This Keystone Symposia conference on Biosecurity and Infectious Diseases: Pandemic Threats, Frontline Research, and the Path Forward convenes international researchers, policymakers, funders, and industry leaders to align cutting-edge infectious disease science with globally equitable approaches to biosecurity, data sharing, and responsible innovation. It aims to showcase advances in spillover science, AI-enabled pathogen research, and countermeasure development; examine evidence-based governance models across differing national contexts; and foster new interdisciplinary global partnerships that translate discussion into practice. Attendees will leave with interdisciplinary collaborations, clearer insight into evolving regulatory environments, and exposure to emerging tools and translational pathways that strengthen global preparedness. Anticipated outcomes include capturing points of consensus, remaining challenges, and priorities for future collaboration. Ultimately, the conference will help strengthen the international community committed to advancing scientific innovation while promoting transparency, public trust, and global health security.

This conference is joint with the Keystone Symposia conference on Positive-Strand RNA Viruses: Mechanisms of Viral Pathogenesis, Host Immunity, and Countermeasures and designed to bridge cutting-edge virology, computational science, ethics, medicine, and policy. Integrated joint sessions connect mechanistic virology and viral emergence to preparedness, biosecurity, and countermeasure development and ensure regulatory discussions remain grounded in laboratory and translational realities while engaging virologists with the standards being proposed for their field. The program mixes research scientists with clinician-scientists, public health leaders, policymakers, industry scientists, and AI experts. Short talk and poster presentations, panel discussions, and a joint career roundtable provide trainees and early-career investigators with networking and mentorship opportunities alongside senior scientific and policy leaders.

Biosecurity governance is rapidly evolving amid national policy revisions, new funding guidance, renewed attention and fear from ongoing pandemics, and exponential growth of artificial intelligence, yet research community input remains uneven and geographically limited. Convening in Vietnam situates this discussion in a region with growing innovation, research, and surveillance capacity, while the program’s international speakers reflect that pandemic preparedness and biosecurity are global concerns. By prioritizing transparency, international coordination, and laboratory-driven solutions, this conference will help shape standards for future infectious disease research.

Unique Career Development Opportunities

This meeting will feature a Career Roundtable where trainees and early-career investigators will have the opportunity to interact with field leaders from across academic and industry sectors for essential career development advice and networking opportunities. Find out more about Career Roundtables here: https://www.keystonesymposia.org/diversity/career-development-initiatives