Biosecurity needs engineers and materials scientists

Abstract

The article advocates for increased involvement of engineers and materials scientists in biosecurity efforts, arguing that their expertise in physical systems is crucial for many effective interventions that are currently neglected. The author suggests that many important interventions, such as improving personal protective equipment (PPE), suppressing pathogen spread in buildings and vehicles, and improving biosafety in laboratories, rely on physical means to block, capture, or destroy pathogens. These interventions offer broad protection while requiring less dual-use research and infohazard threat modelling compared to biotechnological countermeasures. The author also highlights the need for engineers to contribute to advancements in biomonitoring technologies, such as metagenomic biomonitoring for early detection of outbreaks. The article concludes by encouraging engineers with the necessary skills and motivation to contact the author, who is eager to connect them with other individuals and organizations working in the biosecurity field. – AI-generated abstract