BioDefense

Helping to Defend the United States Against Biological Threats

We recommend and promote change to U.S. policy and law that strengthen national biodefense while optimizing biodefense resources.

What we do

News

Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense Receives $5.2 Million Grant from Open Philanthropy

Events

Banding Together: Partnerships for Biodefense

Reports

Boots on the Ground: Land-Grant Universities in the Fight Against Threats to Food and Agriculture

“Alone, each of our recommendations facilitates some degree of positive change. However, together, they provide a blueprint for biodefense capable of addressing 21st Century biological threats and meeting public expectations of the government to deal with them.”

— Senator Joe Lieberman

National Blueprint for Biodefense

This foundational report delineates areas needing improvement and provides key recommendations that comprise a detailed blueprint for reform

Germ Warfare: A Very Graphic History

In partnership with Max Brooks (author of World War Z), the Commission presents an engaging graphic novel depicting previous biological warfare events and possibilities for the future.

Apollo Program for Biodefense

With the same ambition as the first U.S. mission to the Moon, this program seeks to eliminate pandemics in 10 years and empower the nation to lead the world technologically in combatting all biological threats.

Who we are

“You have to enable and empower people to make decisions independent of you. As I’ve learned, each person on a team is an extension of your leadership; if they feel empowered by you they will magnify your power to lead."

— Governor Tom Ridge

Our Commissioners

Now Senior Counsel at the law firm of Kasowitz, Benson, Torres, and Friedman in New York, Joseph I. Lieberman was for 24 years a member of the U.S. Senate from Connecticut.

Tom Ridge is Chairman of Ridge Global. He provides clients with solutions to cyber security, international security and risk management issues.

Donna E. Shalala is Trustee Professor of Political Science and Health Policy at the University of Miami. She served in the House of Representatives from 2018 to 2020 representing Florida’s 27thCongressional District.

Senator Daschle is the Founder and CEO of The Daschle Group, A Public Policy Advisory of Baker Donelson. The Daschle Group is a full-service strategic advisory firm that advises clients on a broad array of economic, policy and political issues.

Susan W. Brooks is an accomplished former Congresswoman and former U.S. Attorney who has driven key legislation to reform emergency response, healthcare, manufacturing, technology innovation, higher education and public safety.

James C. Greenwood is a Senior Policy Advisor at the DLA Piper law firm, chairing its Life Science Health Policy and Regulatory group.

Margaret (Peggy) Hamburg recently retired as foreign secretary for the National Academy of Medicine and completed her terms as president and board chair of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Resources

Participate. Read our reports and attend our public meetings.

Donate Today

Contribute. Your financial support of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense can help change minds, reform government...and save lives.

Contact Us

Need more information? The Commission is glad to get your comments and answer your questions