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Science and Technology
  Research & Development
  Biotechnology

     Research & Development
                
      Advanced Sensing
                
                    
      
      Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems
                
                    
                    
      Biotechnology
                
                    
      
      Border Security
                
                    
      
      Chemical, Biological and Explosive Defense R&D
                
                    
      
      Communications and Cyber Resiliency
                
                    
      
      Community and Infrastructure Resilience
                
                    
      
      Counter Terrorist
                
                    
      
      Cybersecurity/Information Analysis R&D
                
                    
      
      Data, Modeling, and Simulation Sciences
                
                    
      
      Digital Identity and Trust
                
                    
      
      Earth Systems Sciences
                
                    
      
      Emerging Computing Paradigms
                
                    
      
      First Responder Capability
                
                    
      
      Food and Agriculture Defense
                
                    
      
      Novel Materials and Secure Manufacturing
                
                    
      
      Physical Security and Critical Infrastructure Resilience
                
                    
      
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      About S&TBiotechnology
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              BiotechnologyBiotechnology is the integration of the life sciences and engineering with the goal of harnessing the power of biological molecules, cells, and even whole organisms for industrial, commercial, or other purposes. It comprises genetic, metabolic, tissue, and microbial community engineering, biopharmaceutical development, catalysis, bioleaching and bioremediation, selective plant and animal breeding, and other applications.

To counter threats of bioterrorism, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must address issues such as

Misappropriation of biotechnological tools by state or non-state actors for offensive use;
	Deterrence of state or non-state actors to misappropriate biotechnological tools for offensive use; and
	Assessment of whether biotechnological tools that can be harvested to augment the defensive posture of the U.S.Close and continuous evaluation and research into these issues strengthens the Department’s capability to make sound tactical and strategic decisions and inform policy, strategy, and investments to ensure that the United States not only continues to lead the innovation in biotechnology, but does so with a full understanding and preemptive mitigation of foreseeable risks—thus, enhancing public safety.

The Science and Technology Directorate’s (S&T) focus areas in biotechnology are:

**Worldwide Developments in Biotechnology**- We aim to monitor worldwide developments in biotechnology—and the life sciences more broadly—to fully understand new opportunities for U.S. adversaries to misappropriate developments for offensive use and to enable the U.S. to harvest them for defensive use.
	**Existing and Emerging Biological Agent Detection** - We endeavor to strengthen homeland resiliency by developing capabilities that can quickly detect and identify potentially hazardous materials in environmental aerosol samples.Resources

Hazard Awareness & Characterization Technology Center
	Master Question List for Ebolaviruses
	Master Question List for Monkeypox Virus
	Master Question List for African Swine Fever
	Master Question List for Marburg Virus
	Master Question List for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
	Master Question List for COVID-19
	PANTHR
	S&T PANTHR Fact Sheet
	Chemical, Biological and Explosive Defense
	National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center
	Plum Island Animal Disease Center
	Food and Agricultural Defense
	S&T Technology Centers Division Research AgendaNews

Technologically Speaking Podcast: We Have to Prepare to Be Surprised
	Feature Article: NYC Subway Sensors Could Warn Early for Chem/Bio ThreatsContact

TCD.Comms@hq.dhs.gov

Learn more about us and discover how your organization can partner with S&T to make the homeland more secure.
      
      
  
    
    TopicsScience and TechnologyKeywordsScience and Technology
              Biological
              Technology

    Last Updated: 03/15/2024
  
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           Research & Development
      
    
                  Expertise
      
    
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                  Work with S&T
      
    
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        Science and Technology
      
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