The UK’s Biological Security Strategy, published in July 2018, brought together for the first time the work that takes place across government to protect the UK and our interests from significant biological risks.

Significant outbreaks of disease are amongst the highest impact risks faced by the UK. The UK biological security strategy draws together for the first time the work taking place across government to protect the UK and its interests from significant biological risks, no matter how these occur and no matter who or what they affect.

The 2018 strategy identifies several significant biological security risks relating to human health, animal and plant health, the environment, accidental release, and deliberate attack, including:

• a major health crisis (such as pandemic influenza or new infectious disease)
• antimicrobial resistance
• a deliberate biological attack by state or non-state actors (including terrorists)
• animal and plant diseases, which themselves can pose risks to human health
• accidental release and dual-use research of concern

This call for evidence has been launched to inform a refresh of the Biological Security Strategy by providing a platform for external input and challenge on the strategy and its delivery. The UK government is consulting with a wide range of stakeholders across and beyond government to inform its development. Input from technical experts on this call for evidence is encouraged, including those with a background in biological engineering, biological security, contingency planning, and other related technical fields.

For more information or to respond to the consultation, click here.