NSF SECURE SPARK Webinar: BIOSECURE Act and Beyond – Evolving Federal Biotech Policy

The NSF SECURE SPARK Webinar, “BIOSECURE Act and Beyond – Evolving Federal Biotech Policy,” will examine the BIOSECURE Act, enacted in December 2025 as Section 851 of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and its potential impact on research institutions. The legislation reflects bipartisan concerns regarding national security risks associated with certain foreign biotechnology companies, including issues related to the handling of sensitive biological data such as genetic and proteomic information. While full enforcement is expected to begin in approximately two years, organizations involved in research may benefit from understanding the law’s requirements and considering potential operational impacts in advance.

Participants will also learn about the mechanisms through which entities may be designated as “biotechnology companies of concern,” including designation through the Department of Defense’s annually updated Section 1260H list. The webinar will review recent updates to that list, including the addition of biotechnology companies WuXi AppTec, Complete Genomics, and Novogene, and will explore related recommendations from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology and ongoing legislative developments in this area.

Visit the event page for more information.