Global Bio-Risk &
Genomic Defense.
We do not just study pathogens; we anticipate them. Investigating the intersection of genomic surveillance, dual-use technology governance, and state-level pandemic response to strengthen global health security.
Research Focus Areas
Research translating complex multi-omics data and pathogen surveillance into evidence-based guidance for public health and policy networks.
Biorisk Management
Developing protocols to detect, contain, and respond to engineered and naturally occurring biological threats.
Genomics & Omics
Advancing research in transcriptomics, bio-markers, and the metabolic pathways of systemic disease.
Dual-Use Tech
Governance frameworks for biotechnologies that possess both therapeutic and destructive potential.
Pandemic Response
Developing rapid-response strategies for high-consequence biological events or zoonotic spillover.
👤 Unit Leadership
Led by specialized experts in biological defense, complex genomics, and global health security.
Pending Appointment
Lab A Lead
Global Bio-Risk & Defense
Dr. Ari Meerson
Lab B Lead
Genomics & Biological Systems
Expert in molecular genomics, Oxford Nanopore sequencing, and microRNA biomarkers for chronic disease.
The West African Sentinel Node
Effective surveillance of emerging biological threats requires presence at the source. Unit 01 maintains active research partnerships in the ECOWAS region, establishing transcontinental data pipelines for emerging pathogen surveillance and tropical epidemiology modeling.
Molecular Surveillance
Deploying rapid diagnostic protocols to monitor zoonotic spillover at the animal-human interface.
Cross-Border Data Sharing
Building the digital infrastructure required for sovereign states to share critical bio-data during crisis events.
Regulatory Compliance Note
Strategic Unit 01 (Bio-Risk & Genomics) is an independent research consortium operated by the International Health Research Institute (IHRI) under Pillar II (Applied Intelligence). Participation, research alignment, or data-sharing within this unit does not confer academic credit towards the MFHEA-accredited Doctor of Health Science (DHS) programme. For information regarding our formal MQF/EQF Level 8 degree qualifications, please refer to the Academic portal.
Partner with Unit 01
We invite Practitioner-Scholars to lead independent research in genomic surveillance and biological risk research. Corporate and government entities may propose specialized research consortia.