Join us for a lecture by David Stiefel, former director of Biodefense on the National Security Council and a current Director of Global Biological Policy and Programs at the Nuclear Threat Initiative. 

Abstract: Over the past five years, we have seen a slow erosion of public trust in both the government and health officials.  At the same time, we are witnessing an increase in the threat of natural, accidental, and deliberate biological threats.  In just the past year, we have seen headlines on Mpox, H5N1, and Measles, not to mention gain of function research, potential laboratory leaks, and alleged Russian bioweapons labs.  Join Dave Stiefel, former USDA and White House staff, to discuss ways the federal government attempts to address biosecurity issues, through policies, processes, challenges, and opportunities.  This presentation will discuss the inherent tensions between academia and government, ways to work together, and ways to reshape the narratives and framing of biosecurity.