Artificial Intelligence in the Biological Sciences: Uses, Safety, Security, and Oversight

Withers 331 + Zoom | Former GES Sr. Research Scholar Todd Kuiken returns from Washington, DC to explore the convergence of artificial intelligence with the biological sciences and the public policy issues addressing potential benefits and associated biosafety and biosecurity concerns.

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• Recommended reading: Biosecurity in the Age of AI, NASEM

Todd Kuiken, PhD

Science & Technology Policy Analyst in the U.S. Congressional Research Service | Profile | LinkedIn Dr. Todd Kuiken has spent more than a decade analyzing and designing new research and governance strategies to proactively address the opportunities, risks and policy options associated with emerging science and disruptive technologies. He has advised, negotiated, and communicated with key federal, state, industry, academic, and nongovernmental stakeholders to help identify disruption points and policy gaps across a variety of emerging technologies enabling decision makers and broader publics to anticipate and govern emerging technologies. His current role as an analyst with the U.S. Congressional Research Service is to provide independent, non-partisan, comprehensive research and analysis for Congress on all legislative and oversight issues related to biotechnologies, artificial intelligence, fusion, biosafety, biosecurity, and the broader debates around public policy as it relates to science and technology. Prior to joining CRS, he spent five years as a senior research scholar at North Carolina State University’s Genetic Engineering & Society Center and eight years prior to that working as a senior research associate with the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Science and Technology Innovation Program.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence technologies, methodologies, and applications can, and have been, used throughout the biological sciences, including in engineering biology. This has enabled research and development (R&D) advances across multiple application areas and industries. For example, AI can be used to analyze genomic data (e.g., DNA sequences) to determine the genetic basis of a particular trait and potentially uncover genetic markers linked with those traits. It has also been used in combination with biological design tools to aid in characterizing proteins and for designing new chemical structures, including for drug discovery. AI can also be used across the scientific R&D process, including the design of laboratory experiments, protocols to run certain laboratory equipment, and other “de-skilling” aspects of scientific research. The convergence of AI and other technologies associated with biology can lower technical and knowledge barriers and increase the number of actors with certain capabilities. These capabilities have potential for beneficial uses while at the same time raising certain biosafety and biosecurity concerns. This talk will explore these capabilities and governance options to address both the potential benefits and risks; including recent U.S. Congressional and Executive Branch activities. The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes.

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GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Katie Barnhill and Nourou Barry, and we’re featuring a mostly student-led seminar series. Students will be taking the lead in identifying, inviting, and hosting most of the speakers, providing a great opportunity for them to build their networks and grow as professionals. To support their efforts, we encourage you to join our in-person seminars, which will now take place in Withers 331. Your presence makes a big difference in creating a supportive environment for our students. Remember, we regularly post colloquium seminars as videos on Panopto and on our GES Lectures podcast, allowing you to revisit or catch up on these recordings at your convenience. Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates.

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