Disseminating In Silico and Computational Biological Research: Navigating Benefits and Risks: Proceedings of a Workshop

Current policies on dual-use research of concern (DURC) and pathogens with enhanced pandemic potential (PEPP) typically focus on physical laboratory work. In light of the fast-evolving advances in artificial intelligence and computational modeling, these frameworks do not effectively inform risk and benefit evaluation and assessment related to the information and resources generated from computational studies. To address these concerns, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a workshop sponsored by the National Science Foundation on April 3-4, 2025, to explore the benefits and biosecurity risks of communicating and publishing biological research using in silico modeling and computational approaches. The workshop brought together multi-sectoral experts to discuss current policies and safeguards related to DURC and PEPP, as well as lessons learned, and considered the challenges and opportunities for promoting the benefits of computational and AI-driven approaches in biology while mitigating potential biosecurity risks. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussion of the workshop, including suggestions from participants on tiered oversight approaches, early-stage risk evaluations and assessment, and incentivizing norms through training and publication standards.