Wisconsin Biosecurity Initiative Application (Fall 2025)
Pandemics throughout history demonstrate the potential for biology to cause global catastrophe. This potential increases in step with the march of biotechnological progress and poses a credible threat to humankind.

Mitigating Global Catastrophic Biological Risks (GCBRs) remains a steep challenge as much remains unclear: the contours of the risk landscape, the best avenues for impact, and how people can best contribute.

Recognizing this need, the Wisconsin Biosecurity Initiative (WBI) was created to equip students with the knowledge to begin tackling this problem. Upon joining us, you'll learn about the fundamentals of biosecurity, be connected to an international network, and have the opportunity to meet with professionals in the field. 

Whether you've never heard of biosecurity before or you're preparing for a career in the space, WBI is a great place to connect and learn. 

WBI will be running two new and improved fellowships to teach members about biosecurity. These fellowships are 7-week programs comprised of once-weekly meetings. All members should be committed to attending these meetings. They will be in-person only. Details about time/place can be found later in the application.

We will also be hosting speaker events that feature professionals in the biosecurity field. Our speakers will discuss topics such as their current jobs, how to prepare for a career in the field, and what you can do now to kick-start your future. All members are required to attend these events. Speaker events will be virtual. Timing will be variable and dependent on the speaker.

No biology or chemistry background is required. However, we are looking for candidates interested in a future career in biosecurity research, biosecurity policy and advocacy, or effective altruism.

Anyone, regardless of sex, gender, identity and expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, religion, color, creed other than the commitment to the beliefs of the organization, national origin, disability, ancestry, pregnancy, marital status, or parental status, are welcome to become a member of our organization

Below is the application. It should take around 15 minutes to complete. 

** Applications are due September 12th, 2025 at 11:59 pm CDT **
Application results will be emailed out by September 19, 2025

Please reach out to biosecuw@gmail.com with questions!

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Email (wisc.edu or professional email only) *
First Name *
Last Name *
What is your major/program/field of study? *
Class Year *
Where did you hear about our organization? *
Application Questions
Don’t worry about giving polished answers; we just use these questions to get to know you. It’s fine to be a total beginner — you won’t be alone!
We have a limited number of spaces, and we want to ensure members are committed to completing the full fellowship. These meetings will be held once a week in the evenings (dates TBD) for 7 weeks (September - November 2025). There will be an option for hybrid attendance. 

Are you able to attend these meetings? 
 *
What about our organization is intruiging to you? *
What is your background in STEM, policy and advocacy, or effective altruism?
Do you have aspirations to work in Biosecurity? If so, provide your rough plan
Anything else you'd like us to know?
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