Company logo
Search
Company logo

Abstract: Current trends make clear that biosecurity will become much more challenging over the next several years. We must act strategically to secure biology—before it becomes a general-purpose technology. Drawing on decades of experience and the knowledge of dozens of subject matter experts, Biosecurity Really offers a forward-looking analysis of how global trends and technologies are reshaping the biosecurity landscape, and actionable steps we can take to respond.

Key Takeaways 

  • Biosecurity risks are accelerating as global trends and new technologies advance. Whether biology becomes a tool for healing or harm depends on choices made before the next crisis.  
  • The same technologies that increase risks can also help us secure biology through strong surveillance, vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments
  • Resilience requires new systems of biological intelligence, audits, and governance, alongside restrictions on high-risk research.

Biosecurity Really: A Strategy for Victory by Hoover Institution

Cite this report:

Drew Endy, Sarah Moront, Vassilis Andrea Alexopoulos, Raj Patel, Rhea Jain, and Britney Bennett, Biosecurity Really: A Strategy for Victory, Hoover Institution, Bio-Strategies & Leadership Initiative, October 2025.

About the Authors

Drew Endy is the Martin Family University Faculty Fellow in Undergraduate Education (bioengineering) and science and senior fellow (courtesy) at the Hoover Institution. Drew helped start two gene-synthesis companies, advised US and global biosecurity bodies, and serves on key committees for the WHO and NASEM. He has led major studies, helped launch undergraduate majors in bioengineering at MIT and Stanford, and cofounded an international genetic engineering “Olympics.”

Sarah Moront is a senior research program manager with the Hoover Institution’s Bio-Strategies and Leadership initiative. Prior to joining Hoover, she was the deputy policy director for a presidential campaign and policy organization for several years. Earlier in her career, she served in the Peace Corps in the South Pacific. She attended the University of Virginia.

Vassilis Andrea Alexopoulos is an incoming master’s student at Stanford, studying electrical engineering and biology. He has engineered cryopreservation systems, built autonomous underwater vehicles for marine monitoring, and designed novel health sensors. His work with the Bio-Strategies and Leadership initiative encompasses biosecurity policy, emerging tech, and technology governance.

Raj Patel is an undergraduate bioengineering student at Stanford University working in the Gray Laboratory to investigate E3 ubiquitin ligase mechanisms for cancer degradation. He is passionate about advancing biotechnologies to improve public health and intends to pursue a career in medicine.

Rhea Jain is a rising junior majoring in human biology with a concentration in biosecurity and global health. Her work bridges biotechnology, law, and policy. Beyond Hoover, she researches climate change with Stanford’s Existential Risks Initiative, leads Stanford’s Bioethics Bowl team, and coaches high school debate. She plans to pursue a career in biosecurity law and policy.

Britney Bennett is a rising senior at Stanford majoring in biomedical computation on the simulation track. She works as a research assistant for Bio-Strategies and Leadership and is passionate about the intersection of biology, technology, and policy. Driven by interdisciplinary research, she plans to pursue a PhD in global or environmental health in the future.

Expand
overlay image