Texas A&M University 150 Here for Good logo
Celebrate 150 Years
Research at the Bush School

Biosecurity and Pandemic Policy Center

Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs

The Scowcroft Institute's Biosecurity and Pandemic Policy Center is motivated by a vision of a world safe, secure, and resilient to biological threats. The Center’s research aims to inform government decision-makers about biological threats and policy options to address them. Since the Center’s inception, our work has focused on five core activities: policy research, education, convening, collaboration, and technical assistance.

Scowcroft Hero image - Global virus and disease spread.

About Us

The Scowcroft Institute for International Affairs was created as a research institute within the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Named for Lt. General Brent Scowcroft, USAF (Ret.), the Institute’s core mission is to develop and disseminate policy-oriented research on international affairs, host speakers and major conferences, and provide grants to researchers outside of the Institute. In recent years, the Institute has expanded its focus beyond traditional international affairs to tackle the daunting challenge of pandemics.

The Biosecurity and Pandemic Policy Center is an educational, research, and policy program targeting current challenges in pandemic and bioterrorism preparedness and response.

Our goal for this Center is to place the Scowcroft Institute, The Bush School of Government and Public Service, and Texas A&M University as an international leader in pandemic and biosecurity preparedness and response through education, research, and work in the policy arena.

Biosecurity and Pandemic Policy Center White Paper

Envisioning an Independent Bioresponsibility Authority to Safeguard U.S. Leadership in the Life Sciences

January 2025

This report by the Texas A&M Biosecurity and Pandemic Policy Center proposes an independent federal agency to oversee the safety and security of pathogen research conducted in the United States or funded by the U.S. government. Taking a more comprehensive and collaborative approach, the agency would pair expanded regulatory oversight with technical assistance, non-punitive incident reporting, funding for biosafety and biosecurity research, and education and training efforts. It would consolidate and streamline requirements and remain flexible as technology advances. This approach to the safe, secure, and ethical conduct of life science research merits a new term: bioresponsibility.

Our Team

Gerald Parker headshot

Gerald Parker

Director of the Biosecurity and Pandemic Policy Center
Amanda Mui headshot

Amanda Mui

Assistant Director

Glen Laine

Summit Leader
Jason Moats headshot

Jason Moats

Student Simulation Facilitator

Student Simulation

Every fall the Scowcroft Institute for International Affairs holds an annual pandemic policy summit, which brings together pandemic preparedness and biosecurity experts from all over the world. In conjunction with the Summit, a student pandemic simulation is held. This simulation provides graduate students from across Texas A&M University the opportunity to respond to a simulated outbreak as it unfolds. The primary purpose of the simulation is to teach students about the challenges of pandemic response and to give them experience working with individuals from different areas of expertise. Following the simulation students have the option to volunteer to participate in writing a white paper about lessons learned from the simulation.

In the Media

Media Coverage

Quick Links

Academics

Department Faculty

Ways to Study

Research