Biosafety and Biosecurity Considerations for Mirror Life

Address: 1800 I st NW #8th floor Washington, DC 20006

AGENDA

8 – 8:30 AM      Arrival and Morning Networking

Participants are invited to connect over coffee and light refreshments before the sessions begin.

8:30 – 8:50 AM  Welcome & Opening Remarks – Arthur Daemmrich, David Gillum, Kathleen Vogel

Participants will be welcomed with an overview of the workshop’s goals and structure. Facilitators will highlight the dual focus of the meeting: deepening understanding of mirror life’s science and implications and exploring past and present governance approaches that balance innovation with precaution. The day will weave together scientific perspectives, alternative viewpoints, and governance challenges, with opportunities for interactive discussion.                           

8:50 – 9 AM  Audience (in-person / Zoom) Poll #1 – An Tran, David Gillum, Kathleen Vogel

9 – 10 AM    State of Mirror Life Science  Moderator: David Gillum Panel: Kate Adamala (Zoom), Todd Kuiken, Jonathan T. Sczepanski

This session will define “mirror life” and examine organisms built from molecular structures unlike those found in nature, such as mirror-image DNA, RNA, proteins, and related biochemistry. Mirror organisms are hypothetical living systems assembled from mirror biomolecules. We will review the state of the science, what is known, what appears possible, and what remains uncertain, by drawing on current proof-of-concept research. The central question: How can biosafety and biosecurity governance keep pace with progress without overhyping risks or stifling beneficial work?

10 – 10:30 AM       Networking Break

10:30 – 11:30 AM  Alternative Perspectives on Mirror Life

   Moderator: Kathleen Vogel

   Panel: Luca Dellafiora, Andrew Ellington (Zoom), David Perrin (Zoom)

This panel will discuss the genuine scientific concerns and the many unknowns about how mirror life might evolve or interact with existing organisms/ecosystems. This session will explore how to evaluate alternative perspectives on mirror life, which acknowledge potential risks while avoiding overhyping the threat and imposing standards that outpace the evidence.

11:30 – 11:50 PM   Synthesis of Morning Discussion – David Gillum, Kathleen Vogel, Yong-Bee Lim

A wrap-up of the morning’s conversations, highlighting scientific insights, risk concerns, and governance issues—separating hype from real concerns, setting evidence standards, and adapting biosafety frameworks to uncertain risks while supporting innovation.

11:50 – 12PM        Audience (in-person / Zoom) Poll #2 – An Tran, Yong-Bee Lim

12 – 1 PM              Lunch

1 – 1:45 PM           Lessons from Past Research Controversies

Moderator: David Gillum

Panel: Rebecca Moritz, Gigi Gronvall, Bertram Jacobs

This session will draw on debates over “dangerous gain of function” and other forms of high-risk viral research to inform oversight of mirror life. Speakers will examine how controversies, from the cancellation of global virus-hunting programs to gain-of-function research to concerns over poxvirus work, shaped scientific norms, governance frameworks, and public trust, and what lessons they offer for emerging technologies. The session will highlight practical approaches for anticipating controversy, engaging stakeholders, and strengthening accountability.

1:45 – 2:15 PM      Public Engagement

 Moderator: Kathleen Vogel

 Speaker: Mahmud Farooque

This session will discuss how the public can play a constructive role in shaping emerging biotechnologies such as mirror life. Drawing on lessons from past dialogues on genome editing, nuclear waste, and other high-stakes technologies, the discussion will show that public concerns are often more nuanced than anticipated. Rather than fueling “mass hysteria,” engagement can reveal underlying priorities, such as freedom, prosperity, and wellbeing, and help design governance approaches that align with societal values. The session will offer practical strategies for building trust, avoiding polarization, and co-owning the conversation about mirror life before narratives harden.

2:15 – 2:30 PM      Networking Break

2:30 – 3:15 PM      The Need for Frontline Biosafety Perspectives about Mirror Life

Moderator: David Gillum

Panel: Rebecca Caruso, Rebecca Moritz, Corrie Ntiforo

This session turns to implementation, examining how biosafety and biosecurity officers can adapt to technologies beyond current risk frameworks. The panel discusses what guidance, resources, and support is needed to connect high-level policy with daily practice.

3:15 – 3:50 PM      Discussion & Next Steps – David Gillum, Kathleen Vogel

This final discussion will synthesize the day’s insights and outline priorities for governance and policy.

3:50 – 4 PM  Audience (in-person / Zoom) Poll #3 – An Tran, David Gillum, Kathleen Vogel

4 – 5 PM      Consortium for Science, Policy & Outcomes – Happy Hour (The Square at 1850 K  Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, across the street from ASU.

Chatham House

The workshop will follow Chatham House Rule (https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/chatham-house-rule) and may include small and large group dialogues and exercises. Deliberations will be recorded, but participant identities will be de-identified and aggregated for analysis and publications.

Audio Recording Notice

The workshop deliberations will be recorded, but participant identities will be de-identified and aggregated for analysis and publications.

CONSENT FORM (PLEASE READ)