Keynote Speaker
Zhang Weiwen, Beiyang Chair Professor at Tianjin University, Deputy director of the National Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, member of the Life Sciences Division of the 8th Science and Technology Committee of the Ministry of Education, Chief Scientist of the Key Special Project of Synthetic Biology under the National Key Research and Development Program (2020-2025) and (2025-2029), and Chief Expert of the Key Project of Decision-making Consultation of the China Association for Science and Technology. Founding director of the "Tianjin University Biosecurity Strategy Research Center", a strategic base of the Ministry of Education. He is currently the sole Chinese member of the "International Expert Group on Synthetic Biology Techniques" of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the sole Chinese member of the "Biosafety Committee" of iGEM, a member of the International Expert Group of the "International Framework for Future Pathogen Research", and a board member of the "International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science" (IBBIS), etc. Long-term engaged in synthetic biology research on photosynthetic microorganisms, more than 280 papers have been published in professional journals such as Science, Science Advances, Nature Communications, Metabolic Engineering, and ACS Synthetic Biology. Citations exceed 13,000. In recent years, Zhang has been focusing on the biosafety research of dual-use technologies. In 2018, Zhang led the "Track II" strategic dialogue on synthetic biology biosafety between China and the United States held in Washington, the capital of the United States. In 2018 and 2022, Zhang was twice invited as a special technical expert of the United Nations to give plenary reports on the safety of synthetic biology technology at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva. Authored two global guidelines on the biosafety of dual-use technologies for the United Nations' World Organization for Animal Health and the Biological Weapons Convention. Take the lead in formulating the " The Tianjin Biosecurity Guidelines for Codes of Conduct for Scientists " mainly initiated by China.
Main Content
The scientific progress of cutting-edge biotechnology, such as synthetic biology and other disruptive technologies, has driven the development of new medical strategies and the enhancement of disease monitoring capabilities. Meanwhile, as the cost of biotechnology continues to decline, its operation becomes increasingly simple, and its access channels become more extensive, any unintentional misuse or deliberate abuse of it may have a serious impact on the economy and security of a country and even the world. Activities involving research on the "functional enhancement" of potential pandemic pathogens (PPP) pose a significant threat to public health due to their potential risks of accidents or abuse. In this report, Professor Zhang will introduce the work of the Center for Biosafety Research Strategy of Tianjin University (TJU-CBRS) over the past decade or so in establishing China's first scientific think tank focusing on biotechnology-related biosecurity governance. Professor Zhang's goal is to enhance the awareness of the scientific community about the risks of dual uses of biotechnology, strengthen the moral self-discipline of the scientific community, and promote the research and formulation of relevant policies, regulations and technical means to effectively address the risks. In addition, Professor Zhang will also introduce the latest progress in promoting biosafety education and training programs for college students and government professionals in recent times, as well as the work of developing various technical safety guarantee measures in the field of synthetic biology research and application.
Time
November 11, 2025 (Tuesday), 19:00
Location
Coffee Beanery
Organizer
Advanced Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (AI-HSS)
