Post by CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations)

Health security is national security — and Europe’s ability to prepare for future biological threats will depend on strong partnerships across health, science, security and defence. Last week, CEPI was pleased to visit Warsaw, where Deputy CEO Aurélia Nguyen and Director of Biosecurity Andrew Hebbeler, Ph.D. met with Polish partners and participated in the Warsaw Biosecurity Dialogue. The visit reinforced Poland’s growing role as a leader in European and transatlantic security — and the significant opportunity to build on this leadership by strengthening preparedness for biological threats, whether natural, accidental or deliberate. Poland brings important strengths to this agenda: a dynamic health and life sciences ecosystem, strong research and innovation capabilities, growing expertise in biotechnology and AI, and a clear commitment to European resilience. These assets can help advance the #100DaysMission — the global ambition to develop safe and effective vaccines within 100 days of identifying a future pandemic threat. Biosecurity is central to this effort. As science and technology move faster, responsible innovation, strong biosafety and biosecurity practices, and closer collaboration between civilian and defence communities will be essential to ensuring that lifesaving research strengthens security and resilience for all. CEPI looks forward to continuing the dialogue and exploring ways to work with Poland to strengthen health security, biosecurity and pandemic preparedness in Europe and globally. Andrzej Szeptycki Lukasz Krzowski Dr Malgorzata Bonikowska Michał Smagowicz