In September of this year, the NIH announced an effort to modernize and strengthen biosafety policies, practices, and oversight, citing evolving risks posed by rapid advances in science and technology. In their efforts to modernize a biosafety framework for today’s scientific landscape, NIH launched a series of listening sessions to seek input from the stakeholder community, including researchers, biosafety professionals, research institutions, policymakers, industry leaders, and members of the public.
The next listening session will take place on January 15, 2026 – see below for more details. To learn more about the modernization initiative, see the full statement from NIH Director, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. Additional information can also be found here on the OSP website.
December 18, 2025
Third Regional Listening Session on NIH Efforts to Modernize and Strengthen Biosafety Oversight
On January 15, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:15 PM ET (12:00 – 1:15 PM CT), NIH and the Midwest Area Biosafety Network (MABioN) will be co-hosting a virtual listening session to continue to advance efforts to modernize and strengthen biosafety oversight.
The meeting is free and open to the public. Registration is required if planning to make an oral statement at the listening session. Those planning to only view the listening session are kindly requested, but not required, to register. Priority speaking slots will be given to participants located in Region 3 of NIH’s stakeholder map. More information about the goals of the listening session, as well as a draft agenda, webcast information, and registration information can be found on the meeting page of the OSP Website.
For additional information on NIH’s Biosafety Modernization Initiative, including the dates and times of other regional events as well as details on how you can provide on-demand ideas and comments, please visit here [NIH website]. Additionally, previous listening sessions are available through the NIH Videocast archive found here.
Questions may be sent to SciencePolicy@od.nih.gov.