In December 2025, LML Research Projects Coordinator Natalie Kiilu presented a poster titled “Future-Proofing Article X: Pandemic-Ready Approaches to Information Hazards” at the 7th Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in Geneva.
Natalie attended the session as part of the NTI Next Generation for Biosecurity Delegation, following a highly competitive selection process.
Article X of the BWC requires states to cooperate in the peaceful exchange of scientific knowledge and technology, particularly to support capacity-building in lower-resourced states. Drawing on her work at LML on strengthening life sciences research and development in sub-Saharan Africa, Natalie’s poster examined barriers to such exchanges, particularly concerns about using biological information for ‘dual uses’, including for both peaceful and nefarious purposes. An example of 'dual use' information is genetic information about pathogens. Although sharing this information is vital for vaccine development, it can also be used to make the pathogen more dangerous. These concerns can make states reluctant to share information
To address these concerns, Natalie proposed a joint, independent, non-binding advisory mechanism anchored in the BWC Implementation Support Unit and working in coordination with key health bodies such as the World Health Organisation, to support rapid assessments of information sensitivity. By linking Article X commitments with those in articles 9 and 10 of the Pandemic Agreement, the proposal aims to enable safer and faster information sharing, build trust between states, and support the geographical diversification of scientific R&D capacities.