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Global DNA Synthesis Map - IBBIS
webCredibility Rating
4/5
High(4)High quality. Established institution or organization with editorial oversight and accountability.
Rating inherited from publication venue: International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative
Relevant to AI safety discussions around dual-use biotechnology risks, particularly how AI-assisted DNA design tools intersect with biosecurity screening gaps in the commercial synthesis industry.
Metadata
Importance: 52/100tool pagedataset
Summary
The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) maintains a global map tracking DNA synthesis providers and their screening capabilities worldwide. This resource helps identify gaps in biosecurity coverage where synthesized DNA could be ordered without adequate checks for dangerous sequences. It supports efforts to establish universal screening standards across the commercial DNA synthesis industry.
Key Points
- •Maps global commercial DNA synthesis providers and their adoption of biosecurity screening protocols
- •Highlights geographic and regulatory gaps where dangerous genetic sequences could be ordered without screening
- •Supports IBBIS's mission to promote universal implementation of sequence screening in the synthesis industry
- •Relevant to biosecurity governance efforts aimed at preventing misuse of synthetic biology tools
- •Informs policymakers and researchers about the current state of industry-wide biosecurity compliance
Cited by 1 page
| Page | Type | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| IBBIS (International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science) | Organization | 60.0 |
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Global DNA Synthesis Map - IBBIS
About
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Commec Sequence Screening
Customer Screening
Global Synthesis Map
International Standards
Sequence Biosecurity Standards
Vulnerability Disclosure
Contact
About
People
Careers
News
Our Work
Commec Sequence Screening
Customer Screening
Global Synthesis Map
International Standards
Sequence Biosecurity Standards
Vulnerability Disclosure
Contact
Global DNA Synthesis Map
A global map showing how synthetic nucleic acids are produced, shipped, and regulated
The Global DNA Synthesis Map is an interactive online tool that shows, for the first time at a global level, where synthesis providers are located, how providers screen their orders, and what policies apply. The interactive map offers an accessible visual snapshot of data that was previously diaggregated and often hidden, highlighting regions with established biosecurity frameworks and screening requirements. The map fills information gaps about current screening practices and provides a foundation for advocacy to close biosecurity gaps.
700+ companies
provide synthetic nucleic acids, including third-party vendors and benchtop manufacturers, and over 500 need to screen orders to guarantee compliance with local policy
81 countries
identified with companies that produce or provide nucleic acids, with local policies mapped for over 60 countries , including export controls and pathogen licences
Challenge: uncertainty around the global supply of synthetic DNA hampers advocacy
As DNA synthesis becomes more affordable, accessible, and globally distributed, there is an increased risk that synthetic DNA could be misused to create an modify potentially dangerous biological agents. As IBBIS works to increase the share of synthesis orders that are screened by developing tools for sequence and customer screening, we faced important uncertainties: which companies are currently selling synthetic DNA or benchtop DNA printers? Are these companies employing robust screening measures? How is potentially dangerous DNA currently accessed around the world? What policies already govern the production and transfer of synthetic DNA? Where would advocacy for new standards or regulations have the greatest impact?
IBBIS is tackling these uncertainties head-on. We began by gathering insights from associations like the Global Biofoundries Alliance and International Gene Synthesis Consortium, market research reports, and direct communications with industry experts and pathogen scientists. However, many existing information sources were incomplete or outdated, obscuring the current state of synthetic DNA production and transfer. Given its potential to create new pathog
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