Post by CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations)

Earlier this week, in London, CEPI convened leaders from UK academia, industry, and international partners to explore how AI can transform pandemic preparedness, aligned with the UK’s AI for Science Strategy and 100 Days ambition. The discussion was led by Dr Joe Grove (MRC University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research). From advances in biomolecular AI to faster development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, the discussion highlighted both the opportunity to accelerate countermeasures and the urgent need to embed biosecurity-by-design. As AI capabilities accelerate, so do the risks, making biosecurity by design essential, with safeguards integrated from the outset to ensure these tools are developed and used safely, securely, and responsibly. There was clear momentum toward moving from dialogue to practical, UK-linked collaboration with global impact. As part of CEPI 3.0, we are advancing the Pandemic Preparedness Engine, an AI-enabled, biosecure, federated system connecting global data, tools, and partners across the R&D lifecycle. The UK is uniquely positioned to help shape this effort. The message was clear: delivering on this opportunity will require aligning technology, governance, and international partnership. CEPI stands ready to work with the partners in the UK and globally to help turn this vision into reality.