I think this is one of the best write-ups on biosecurity I’ve read recently. Thank you, @Abhishaike!

I did have a small hiccup when reading about Palantir, and about Jake Adler and Kathleen McMahon being linked to Peter Thiel via funding or former positions. I know this is a linkpost, but since we’re on the EA Forum, it seems worth reminding readers that Peter Thiel is not a friend of EA (he believes we are the Antechrist and has called for billionaires to abandon the Giving Pledge).

I think it is important because this kind of relationship is often blamed on EA. Doing “Palantir for biosecurity,” and getting funding from Peter Thiel to enhance biosecurity looks a bit sketchy to me.

I wanted to flag that, and to say it in a comment so people who’ve thought about this more than me can change my mind if needed!

Thank you for putting this together! Do you think you might have time at some point to add a one-line takeaway for each, or the main reason someone might want to read it?

I don’t think the ITN framework applies to the argument made in this post, which, at least as I read it, does not argue for “politics” to be a new EA cause area. I’m not sure whether I believe that “everything” is politics, but certainly many things are — and it wouldn’t make sense to treat that as a single cause area and apply the ITN framework to it.

What I understand the author to be arguing, rather, is that political context is essential to analyze, discuss, and research withtin EA. Getting involved in politics seems to be only one suggestion among others in the post — more in the sense that “it’s useful to have some EAs explore this path,” rather than “this should be a priority.”

Do you think my reading is wrong?

Thank you, Lizka, for this post. I focus on pandemic preparedness, and I had assumed that biosecurity was primarily a “longtermist” cause. I felt uncomfortable not having a settled personal view on longtermism as a philosophy. Reading your post and the linked references reassured me that it is fine not to claim longtermism as my motivation. I still want to learn more about moral philosophy to eventually form my own view on longtermism, but in the meantime I now think it is reasonable to say that I share the goals and the drive to contribute, even if my reasons do not fully align with those of longtermists. David Thorstad’s series also gave me some food for thought: https://reflectivealtruism.com/2023/11/18/exaggerating-the-risks-part-12-millett-and-snyder-beattie-on-biorisk/ - Do you know of any circulated survey that gives insights into what motivates EAs to work on this or that cause/intervention (i.e longtermist worldview or not)?

Thank you, James, for this excellent map and thoughtful breakdown of biosecurity interventions. It’s very helpful for someone like me who is still orienting in this space.

I’m currently working as a Blue Book trainee at the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) on the stockpiling of medical countermeasures. My current goal is to build expertise in strategic stockpiling (qualification and quantification of MCMs to stockpile, governance) and link that to reducing global catastrophic biological risks.

I’d love to ask the community for guidance on what concrete steps I should take now to become proficient in this domain:

• Which technical skills are most useful? Who should I talk to upskill in those?
• Which research communities, projects, or partnerships are doing high-leverage work on stockpiles (especially in an EU or global context) that I could engage with?
• What knowledge gaps exist that a part-time PhD could usefully address?

Any suggestions or connections would be much appreciated. Thanks again for opening up this map and for the broader community’s insights.

Vincent

I think this is a great post! I love how you framed these ideas differently in the main text and the appendices - it makes them very clear. I wish this were more widely circulated, and that people who disagree would explain why in the comments. This topic deserves much more discussion!

Hello :) I've seen the website's down. Is this org still up and running?

Hi! Thanks for this thread <3

What are your views on insider vs outsider strategy for someone who wants to have an impact on biosecurity/pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response (PPR) policies at the European Union level? - More specifically, how would you compare potential impact between landing a pivotal position in the EU where you could influence policy implementation directly versus for instance creating a think tank focused on advocating for a specific intervention (such as far-UVC)? 

I know the short answer is probably 'it depends' (of one's skill set, desires, luck, need for financial security, etc.), but I'm looking for insights on the insider versus outsider strategy discussion, as I'm wary that I might myself prioritize the former because of a lack of agency, thus missing on the possibility of doing work on more highly neglected/highly promising things.

I've talked to people who have opposite views on this matter, and I find it very important for me (and anyone maybe) to form a personal opinion. I love the work done at Blueprint Biosecurity for instance, and I know many EAs who do very cool advocacy/research work without relying on professional opportunities offered by already-in-place institutions. I admire them, and I'd be proud to showcase the same kind of commitment, but I really want to understand what path would lead me to a most impactful career, and i'm looking for advice on how to go about thinking about this.

Or maybe both strategies are not mutually exclusive? Maybe we need everyone doing cool stuff everywhere? Yeah, sure, but still, if you have strong opinions, please share (and not only regarding biosec) :)

That's probably because it was too quick of a 'quick take'. Thanks for flagging it! I've updated the post.

Thank you Joris! And sorry for forgetting to mention Impactful Policy Careers. I'll add it to my quick take now.

Yes please, I'd be glad to get in touch with more EAs doing the next round of Blue Book! My cal.com is above, and my LinkedIn here.