Spiez Convergence
The second workshop of the Spiez Convergence Series (5 – 8 September 2016) was organised to discuss security questions concerning the convergence of chemistry and biology.
Scientific and technological advances emerging from convergence of biology and chemistry bring enormous benefits but also unknown safety and security threats for society. Potential implications for existing arms control regimes need to be discussed between all involved communities. The second edition of Spiez Convergence provided a unique platform for effective communication between experts from academia, industry and policy making as well as experts involved with the implementation of related arms control requirements.
This report summarises the discussions held at the second Spiez Convergence Workshop organized by Spiez Laboratory that took place from 5 – 8 September 2016. The workshop series is part of a broader effort by Switzerland aimed at strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) by discussing significant developments in science and technology and their potential bearing on both Conventions. Spiez CONVERGENCE is a Swiss contribution to the preparations of the Eighth Review Conference of the BWC in 2016 as well as the upcoming Fourth Review Conference of the CWC in 2018.