Vikram Venkatram
@vikramvenkatram.bsky.social
Research Analyst at @CSETGeorgetown on the Biotechnology team. Georgetown Center for Security Studies and Georgetown School of Foreign Service alum.
More on the recent AI Action Plan! @csetgeorgetown.bsky.social work is very relevant.
July 25, 2025 at 2:26 PM
More on the recent AI Action Plan! @csetgeorgetown.bsky.social work is very relevant.
Yesterday's new AI Action Plan has a lot worth discussing!
One interesting aspect is its statement that the federal government should withhold AI-related funding from states with "burdensome AI regulations."
This could be cause for concern.
One interesting aspect is its statement that the federal government should withhold AI-related funding from states with "burdensome AI regulations."
This could be cause for concern.
July 24, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Yesterday's new AI Action Plan has a lot worth discussing!
One interesting aspect is its statement that the federal government should withhold AI-related funding from states with "burdensome AI regulations."
This could be cause for concern.
One interesting aspect is its statement that the federal government should withhold AI-related funding from states with "burdensome AI regulations."
This could be cause for concern.
Really timely breakdown of today's big AI Action Plan release, by @csetgeorgetown.bsky.social's own @alexfriedland.bsky.social! Give it a read, I think it's really useful.
🚨 The White House's AI Action Plan is out!
CSET's policy.ai author @alexfriedland.bsky.social broke down the key takeaways and the most interesting and important recommendations across all 30 sections.
Check it out: cset.georgetown.edu/article/trum...
CSET's policy.ai author @alexfriedland.bsky.social broke down the key takeaways and the most interesting and important recommendations across all 30 sections.
Check it out: cset.georgetown.edu/article/trum...
Trump’s Plan for AI: Recapping the White House’s AI Action Plan | Center for Security and Emerging Technology
On July 23, the White House published its long-awaited AI Action plan. In this post, CSET's Alex Friedland breaks down the most important takeaways.
cset.georgetown.edu
July 23, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Really timely breakdown of today's big AI Action Plan release, by @csetgeorgetown.bsky.social's own @alexfriedland.bsky.social! Give it a read, I think it's really useful.
Banning state-level AI regulation is a bad idea!
One crucial reason is that states play a critical role in building AI governance infrastructure.
Check out this new op-ed by @jessicaji.bsky.social, myself, and @minanrn.bsky.social on this topic!
thehill.com/opinion/tech...
One crucial reason is that states play a critical role in building AI governance infrastructure.
Check out this new op-ed by @jessicaji.bsky.social, myself, and @minanrn.bsky.social on this topic!
thehill.com/opinion/tech...
thehill.com
June 18, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Banning state-level AI regulation is a bad idea!
One crucial reason is that states play a critical role in building AI governance infrastructure.
Check out this new op-ed by @jessicaji.bsky.social, myself, and @minanrn.bsky.social on this topic!
thehill.com/opinion/tech...
One crucial reason is that states play a critical role in building AI governance infrastructure.
Check out this new op-ed by @jessicaji.bsky.social, myself, and @minanrn.bsky.social on this topic!
thehill.com/opinion/tech...
Antimicrobial resistance is a huge issue and an oft-forgotten killer. It kills more people each year than HIV/AIDS or malaria.
This article is fascinating- it points out that while much of the AMR prevention discussion focuses on overuse of antimicrobials, underuse can also be a major issue.
This article is fascinating- it points out that while much of the AMR prevention discussion focuses on overuse of antimicrobials, underuse can also be a major issue.
June 2, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Antimicrobial resistance is a huge issue and an oft-forgotten killer. It kills more people each year than HIV/AIDS or malaria.
This article is fascinating- it points out that while much of the AMR prevention discussion focuses on overuse of antimicrobials, underuse can also be a major issue.
This article is fascinating- it points out that while much of the AMR prevention discussion focuses on overuse of antimicrobials, underuse can also be a major issue.
Reposted by Vikram Venkatram
"Red-teaming" isn't a catch-all term (or methodology!) to evaluate AI safety. So, what else do we have in the toolbox?
In our recent blog post, we explore the different questions we can ask about safety, how we can start to measure them, and what it means for AIxBio. Check it out! ⬇️
In our recent blog post, we explore the different questions we can ask about safety, how we can start to measure them, and what it means for AIxBio. Check it out! ⬇️
⚖️ New Explainer!
Effectively evaluating AI models is more crucial than ever. But how do AI evaluations actually work?
In their new explainer,
@jessicaji.bsky.social, @vikramvenkatram.bsky.social &
@stephbatalis.bsky.social break down the different fundamental types of AI safety evaluations.
Effectively evaluating AI models is more crucial than ever. But how do AI evaluations actually work?
In their new explainer,
@jessicaji.bsky.social, @vikramvenkatram.bsky.social &
@stephbatalis.bsky.social break down the different fundamental types of AI safety evaluations.
May 28, 2025 at 3:03 PM
"Red-teaming" isn't a catch-all term (or methodology!) to evaluate AI safety. So, what else do we have in the toolbox?
In our recent blog post, we explore the different questions we can ask about safety, how we can start to measure them, and what it means for AIxBio. Check it out! ⬇️
In our recent blog post, we explore the different questions we can ask about safety, how we can start to measure them, and what it means for AIxBio. Check it out! ⬇️
Amidst all the discussion about AI safety, how exactly do we figure out whether a model is safe?
There's no perfect method, but safety evaluations are the best tool we have.
That said, different evals answer different questions about a model!
There's no perfect method, but safety evaluations are the best tool we have.
That said, different evals answer different questions about a model!
⚖️ New Explainer!
Effectively evaluating AI models is more crucial than ever. But how do AI evaluations actually work?
In their new explainer,
@jessicaji.bsky.social, @vikramvenkatram.bsky.social &
@stephbatalis.bsky.social break down the different fundamental types of AI safety evaluations.
Effectively evaluating AI models is more crucial than ever. But how do AI evaluations actually work?
In their new explainer,
@jessicaji.bsky.social, @vikramvenkatram.bsky.social &
@stephbatalis.bsky.social break down the different fundamental types of AI safety evaluations.
May 28, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Amidst all the discussion about AI safety, how exactly do we figure out whether a model is safe?
There's no perfect method, but safety evaluations are the best tool we have.
That said, different evals answer different questions about a model!
There's no perfect method, but safety evaluations are the best tool we have.
That said, different evals answer different questions about a model!
Reposted by Vikram Venkatram
News like this isn't just a concern for public health practitioners - it should also be a big red flag for U.S. national security folks.
America's biodefense strategy uses robust health infrastructure to deter bad actors. Right now, we're tearing down our own defenses so adversaries don't have to.
America's biodefense strategy uses robust health infrastructure to deter bad actors. Right now, we're tearing down our own defenses so adversaries don't have to.
It appears Sec. Kennedy is getting ready to over-ride vaccine policy experts & scrub Covid shot recommendations for children, teens & pregnant people. Having a HHS secretary reset vaccine policy without hearings or expert advice is unprecedented, experts tell STAT. www.statnews.com/2025/05/15/c...
HHS to stop recommending routine Covid shots for children, pregnant people, RFK Jr. ally says
A change in recommending Covid vaccines for children and pregnant women would circumvent an expert panel but please many MAHA fans.
www.statnews.com
May 16, 2025 at 3:46 PM
News like this isn't just a concern for public health practitioners - it should also be a big red flag for U.S. national security folks.
America's biodefense strategy uses robust health infrastructure to deter bad actors. Right now, we're tearing down our own defenses so adversaries don't have to.
America's biodefense strategy uses robust health infrastructure to deter bad actors. Right now, we're tearing down our own defenses so adversaries don't have to.
Reposted by Vikram Venkatram
🚨 Latest op-ed is out in Defense One!
“Dismantling critical preparedness offices, cutting infrastructure and funding, and allowing misinformation to derail the response are not just bad for healthcare—they’re dangerous national security signals.”
www.defenseone.com/ideas/2025/0...
“Dismantling critical preparedness offices, cutting infrastructure and funding, and allowing misinformation to derail the response are not just bad for healthcare—they’re dangerous national security signals.”
www.defenseone.com/ideas/2025/0...
America’s response to measles is eroding its ability to deter biological attacks
The rising death toll for a preventable disease reveals just how ill-prepared the country is to handle a malicious bioweapon.
www.defenseone.com
May 1, 2025 at 7:06 PM
🚨 Latest op-ed is out in Defense One!
“Dismantling critical preparedness offices, cutting infrastructure and funding, and allowing misinformation to derail the response are not just bad for healthcare—they’re dangerous national security signals.”
www.defenseone.com/ideas/2025/0...
“Dismantling critical preparedness offices, cutting infrastructure and funding, and allowing misinformation to derail the response are not just bad for healthcare—they’re dangerous national security signals.”
www.defenseone.com/ideas/2025/0...
Have you heard of the Bayh-Dole Act? It's niche, but an incredibly important factor in the U.S. innovation ecosystem!
For the National Interest, @jack-corrigan.bsky.social and I discuss a potential change that could benefit public access to medical drugs.
nationalinterest.org/blog/techlan...
For the National Interest, @jack-corrigan.bsky.social and I discuss a potential change that could benefit public access to medical drugs.
nationalinterest.org/blog/techlan...
Trump Should Not Abandon March-In Rights
Moving forward with the Biden administration’s guidance could deliver lower drug prices and allow more Americans to reap the benefits of public science. In late 2023, the federal government published ...
nationalinterest.org
April 28, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Have you heard of the Bayh-Dole Act? It's niche, but an incredibly important factor in the U.S. innovation ecosystem!
For the National Interest, @jack-corrigan.bsky.social and I discuss a potential change that could benefit public access to medical drugs.
nationalinterest.org/blog/techlan...
For the National Interest, @jack-corrigan.bsky.social and I discuss a potential change that could benefit public access to medical drugs.
nationalinterest.org/blog/techlan...
For @thebulletin.org, @stephbatalis.bsky.social and I break down the choices that DNA synthesis companies have to make when they screen customers- deciding how much expertise is enough.
If you were in their shoes, where would you draw the line?
Check it out here!
thebulletin.org/2025/04/how-...
If you were in their shoes, where would you draw the line?
Check it out here!
thebulletin.org/2025/04/how-...
How to stop bioterrorists from buying dangerous DNA
The companies that sell synthesized DNA to scientists need to screen their customers, lest dangerous sequences for pathogens or toxins fall into the wrong hands.
thebulletin.org
April 7, 2025 at 8:04 PM
For @thebulletin.org, @stephbatalis.bsky.social and I break down the choices that DNA synthesis companies have to make when they screen customers- deciding how much expertise is enough.
If you were in their shoes, where would you draw the line?
Check it out here!
thebulletin.org/2025/04/how-...
If you were in their shoes, where would you draw the line?
Check it out here!
thebulletin.org/2025/04/how-...
Reposted by Vikram Venkatram
Companies that sell synthesized DNA need to screen their customers, lest sequences for pathogens or toxins fall into the wrong hands.
How? Here are three recommendations.
"How to stop bioterrorists from buying dangerous DNA," by @stephbatalis.bsky.social and @vikramvenkatram.bsky.social. ⬇️
How? Here are three recommendations.
"How to stop bioterrorists from buying dangerous DNA," by @stephbatalis.bsky.social and @vikramvenkatram.bsky.social. ⬇️
How to stop bioterrorists from buying dangerous DNA
The companies that sell synthesized DNA to scientists need to screen their customers, lest dangerous sequences for pathogens or toxins fall into the wrong hands.
thebulletin.org
April 7, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Companies that sell synthesized DNA need to screen their customers, lest sequences for pathogens or toxins fall into the wrong hands.
How? Here are three recommendations.
"How to stop bioterrorists from buying dangerous DNA," by @stephbatalis.bsky.social and @vikramvenkatram.bsky.social. ⬇️
How? Here are three recommendations.
"How to stop bioterrorists from buying dangerous DNA," by @stephbatalis.bsky.social and @vikramvenkatram.bsky.social. ⬇️
Some CSET highlights from this year!
It’s been another impactful year for CSET!
Our experts informed debates on AI governance, military applications, and workforce trends, testified before Congress, and introduced impactful data tools like AGORA and PARAT.
Learn more in our Annual Report: cset.georgetown.edu/publication/...
Our experts informed debates on AI governance, military applications, and workforce trends, testified before Congress, and introduced impactful data tools like AGORA and PARAT.
Learn more in our Annual Report: cset.georgetown.edu/publication/...
CSET's 2024 Annual Report | Center for Security and Emerging Technology
In 2024, CSET continued to deliver impactful, data-driven analysis at the intersection of emerging technology and security policy. Explore our annual report to discover key research highlights, expert...
cset.georgetown.edu
March 27, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Some CSET highlights from this year!
@csetgeorgetown.bsky.social just put out our AI Action Plan Response. It's a great summary of some of CSET's key recommendations on various aspects of AI policy! cset.georgetown.edu/publication/...
Re: AI x bio policy, the piece mentions a few of our key findings. I'd like to discuss them here:
Re: AI x bio policy, the piece mentions a few of our key findings. I'd like to discuss them here:
CSET's Recommendations for an AI Action Plan | Center for Security and Emerging Technology
In response to the Office of Science and Technology Policy's request for input on an AI Action Plan, CSET provides key recommendations for advancing AI research, ensuring U.S. competitiveness, and max...
cset.georgetown.edu
March 17, 2025 at 10:00 PM
@csetgeorgetown.bsky.social just put out our AI Action Plan Response. It's a great summary of some of CSET's key recommendations on various aspects of AI policy! cset.georgetown.edu/publication/...
Re: AI x bio policy, the piece mentions a few of our key findings. I'd like to discuss them here:
Re: AI x bio policy, the piece mentions a few of our key findings. I'd like to discuss them here:
A really great and insightful data-driven piece from my colleague @stephbatalis.bsky.social, underscoring the importance of NIH and NSF funding for biotech. Worth a read!
🧪✨New blog post✨🧪 How NIH and NSF funding powers American research at the leading edge of AI and bio, as China challenges for leadership - a guest analysis from CSET's very own @stephbatalis.bsky.social using Map of Science data eto.tech/blog/federal...
Federal funding underpins American research across 'hot' AI + bio research clusters – Emerging Technology Observatory
As China challenges, NIH and NSF funds play a key role in U.S. research efforts
eto.tech
February 21, 2025 at 3:35 PM
A really great and insightful data-driven piece from my colleague @stephbatalis.bsky.social, underscoring the importance of NIH and NSF funding for biotech. Worth a read!
With a changing landscape for AI and emerging tech policy, there's no better time to start following my @csetgeorgetown.bsky.social colleagues.
We publish evidence-based, data-driven, and analytically rigorous work on a wide range of tech policy topics!
Follow us here: bsky.app/starter-pack...
We publish evidence-based, data-driven, and analytically rigorous work on a wide range of tech policy topics!
Follow us here: bsky.app/starter-pack...
January 22, 2025 at 3:50 PM
With a changing landscape for AI and emerging tech policy, there's no better time to start following my @csetgeorgetown.bsky.social colleagues.
We publish evidence-based, data-driven, and analytically rigorous work on a wide range of tech policy topics!
Follow us here: bsky.app/starter-pack...
We publish evidence-based, data-driven, and analytically rigorous work on a wide range of tech policy topics!
Follow us here: bsky.app/starter-pack...
This is a fantastic new report from @stephbatalis.bsky.social!
It breaks down how AI specifically impacts biorisk, and discusses the particular policy tools usable at each stage to reduce risk.
Definitely worth a read!
It breaks down how AI specifically impacts biorisk, and discusses the particular policy tools usable at each stage to reduce risk.
Definitely worth a read!
Worried about biological threats in the age of AI?
A new report from @stephbatalis.bsky.social breaks down the steps into planning and design to execution phases. Understanding these pathways can help us implement safeguards and promote innovation.
More: cset.georgetown.edu/publication/...
A new report from @stephbatalis.bsky.social breaks down the steps into planning and design to execution phases. Understanding these pathways can help us implement safeguards and promote innovation.
More: cset.georgetown.edu/publication/...
Anticipating Biological Risk: A Toolkit for Strategic Biosecurity Policy | Center for Security and Emerging Technology
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools pose exciting possibilities to advance scientific, biomedical, and public health research. At the same time, these tools have raised concerns about their potential t...
cset.georgetown.edu
December 5, 2024 at 9:17 PM
This is a fantastic new report from @stephbatalis.bsky.social!
It breaks down how AI specifically impacts biorisk, and discusses the particular policy tools usable at each stage to reduce risk.
Definitely worth a read!
It breaks down how AI specifically impacts biorisk, and discusses the particular policy tools usable at each stage to reduce risk.
Definitely worth a read!
Reposted by Vikram Venkatram
Worried about biological threats in the age of AI?
A new report from @stephbatalis.bsky.social breaks down the steps into planning and design to execution phases. Understanding these pathways can help us implement safeguards and promote innovation.
More: cset.georgetown.edu/publication/...
A new report from @stephbatalis.bsky.social breaks down the steps into planning and design to execution phases. Understanding these pathways can help us implement safeguards and promote innovation.
More: cset.georgetown.edu/publication/...
Anticipating Biological Risk: A Toolkit for Strategic Biosecurity Policy | Center for Security and Emerging Technology
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools pose exciting possibilities to advance scientific, biomedical, and public health research. At the same time, these tools have raised concerns about their potential t...
cset.georgetown.edu
December 5, 2024 at 9:09 PM
Worried about biological threats in the age of AI?
A new report from @stephbatalis.bsky.social breaks down the steps into planning and design to execution phases. Understanding these pathways can help us implement safeguards and promote innovation.
More: cset.georgetown.edu/publication/...
A new report from @stephbatalis.bsky.social breaks down the steps into planning and design to execution phases. Understanding these pathways can help us implement safeguards and promote innovation.
More: cset.georgetown.edu/publication/...
Chemical and biological AI models vary in type, with different users, use cases, outputs, and capabilities. Each needs targeted safety evaluations.
Check out my and @stephbatalis.bsky.social's new response to a NIST/AISI RFI on chem-bio models!
cset.georgetown.edu/publication/...
Check out my and @stephbatalis.bsky.social's new response to a NIST/AISI RFI on chem-bio models!
cset.georgetown.edu/publication/...
RFI Response: Safety Considerations for Chemical and/or Biological AI Models | Center for Security and Emerging Technology
Dr. Steph Batalis and Vikram Venkatram offered the following comment in response to the National Institute of Standards and Technology's request for information on safety considerations for chemical a...
cset.georgetown.edu
December 3, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Chemical and biological AI models vary in type, with different users, use cases, outputs, and capabilities. Each needs targeted safety evaluations.
Check out my and @stephbatalis.bsky.social's new response to a NIST/AISI RFI on chem-bio models!
cset.georgetown.edu/publication/...
Check out my and @stephbatalis.bsky.social's new response to a NIST/AISI RFI on chem-bio models!
cset.georgetown.edu/publication/...