AIxBio Game Changers Workshop

Funder: Horizon Institute for Public Service, co-hosted with Brown University Pandemic Center and Scowcroft Institute for International Affairs at Texas A&M University

Geographic Scope: Washington, DC (The National Press Building)

Focus Areas:

• AI and biosecurity policy
• Biosurveillance
• Biodefense
• Pandemic preparedness
• AI-accelerated drug discovery
• Algorithmic disease surveillance
• Synthetic biology governance
• Biodefense applications of machine learning

Program Overview:
A three-day immersive workshop designed for professionals considering career transitions into biosecurity policy, with emphasis on the intersection with AI. Participants connect with policy leaders, explore career pathways, and learn about policy opportunities shaping decisions in DC.

Eligibility:

• Professionals considering career transitions into biosecurity policy
• Technologists, researchers, lawyers, recent graduates
• Those keen to make an impact in policy and public service
• No prior policy experience required
• Specifically designed for those at any stage of considering a career shift

What's Included:

• Interactive sessions with policy experts
• Panels, small-group discussions, and fireside chats
• Networking with 20+ experts from US departments, agencies, NGOs, and congressional offices
• All travel and accommodation expenses covered
• Cost: Free (fully funded)

Previous Workshop Speakers/Leaders:

• Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy
• Maj. Gen. (ret.) Paul Friedrichs
• Vice Chair of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, Dr. Michelle Rozo

Contact Information:

• Website: horizonpublicservice.org
• Career support form to stay updated on other opportunities

Co-Hosting Organizations:

• Brown University Pandemic Center: Works to prevent, reduce vulnerabilities, and increase resilience to pandemics and biological emergencies
• Scowcroft Institute for International Affairs (Texas A&M University): Research institute focused on policy-oriented research on international affairs, housed in Bush School of Government & Public Service

Background:
This workshop was specifically designed to address the growing intersection of AI and biosecurity policy, recognizing that DC needs technologists and researchers to contribute insights to policy decisions affecting AI-accelerated biotechnology governance.

Application Process

Key Dates:

• Application deadline: August 22, 2025 (CLOSED)
• Acceptance notifications: by October 1, 2025
• Workshop dates: October 24, 2025 to October 26, 2025

Application Method:

• Applications submitted through registration portal on horizonpublicservice.org
• Specific application requirements not detailed in provided pages

Selection Criteria:

• Applicants from diverse backgrounds welcome
• Interest in biosecurity policy careers
• Commitment to exploring career transition into policy

Alternative Options:
For those unable to attend this workshop:

• Fill out career support form to stay updated on other Horizon opportunities including:
  • Career coaching
  • In-person workshops
  • Online seminar series
  • Fellowships
  • Other emerging technology policy opportunities

Feedback from Previous Participants:

• "I wasn't sure that I wanted to enter a biosecurity or public health policy career, and [the workshop] was very affirming. It showed me many opportunities that I didn't know of beforehand."
• "I am left feeling like my time was very well spent, and I am going home with lots of great ideas and considerations."
• "It was great meeting more people in policy. The workshop highlighted a couple of applications I should be working on and helped me identify areas of policy that need attention. It made me more confident that my niche background would be impactful."