Abstract

When we think of biology and war, bioweapons come to mind immediately. But modern biotechnology is expected to revolutionise global industrial production from chemicals to data storage. Almost no supply chain will be left unaffected.

This public seminar will explore the impact of this trend on warfighting from five angles:

1) changes to supply chains – petrochemical processes will be replaced with biochemical ones that require different feedstocks;
2) modular biotechnologies which can be applied in a crisis or in warfighting scenarios;
3) modern bioweapons and bio-surveillance;
4) bioweapons to enhance military personnel; and
5) future applications using biology as a much more efficient data storer.

This event will explore potential timelines, scenarios and ways forward for defence establishments to manage the biological transition.

About the Speaker

Dirk van der Kley is the Head of the Genes and Geopolitics Initiative, and Head of the Australia-India Biotech Hub (BiaSPARK) at the Australian National University. He is an experienced analyst of technology trends with a particular focus on Biotech and China. He previously worked at China Matters, the Lowy Institute, and as a translator in China.