Astrobiodefense: Biological Threats and the Next Frontier

This Commission meeting, Astrobiodefense: Biological Threats and the Next Frontier, will be held on May 8, 2025. The focus of this meeting will be to provide the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense with a better understanding of how to strengthen international astrobiodefense and planetary protection efforts through: (1) current government astrobiodefense efforts; (2) new scientific and technological advances for astrobiodefense; and (3) collaborative efforts and public-private partnerships to improve astrobiodefense. More information will be provided as the event date approaches. 

• James D. Polk, DO – Chief Health and Medical Officer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• J. Nick Benardini, PhD – Planetary Protection Officer, Office of Safety and Mission Assurance, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• Lindsay Hays, PhD – Senior Scientist for Mars Exploration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• Robert E. Lindberg, Jr., ScD – Independent Consultant; Member, Committee on Planetary Protection, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
• Gerald E. McDonnell, PhD – Vice President, Microbiological Quality & Sterility Assurance, Johnson & Johnson
• Christopher E. Carr, ScD – Assistant Professor, Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, & School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology; Research Fellow, Massachusetts General Hospital Molecular Biology
• Trista J. Vick-Majors, PhD – Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University
• Cassie Conley, PhD – Former NASA Planetary Protection Officer, 2006-2017