Filippa Lentzos

Filippa Lentzos is an Associate Professor (Reader) in Science and International Security at King’s College London, holding joint appointments in the Department of War Studies and the Department of Global Health & Social Medicine. She leads the MA in Science & International Security and directs interdisciplinary research on biological threats, biosecurity governance, and the societal impacts of emerging technologies. Her roles include Chair of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Responsible Use of Life Sciences, NGO Coordinator for the Biological Weapons Convention, and membership in the WHO Health Security Interface Group.

Education: PhD in Sociology from the University of Nottingham (2003), BSc in Human Sciences from UCL (1999). Her research integrates sociological and policy analysis to address global security challenges posed by biotechnology, AI, and neurotechnology. She emphasizes transparency, ethical innovation, and multilateral cooperation.

Research focuses on biological weapons disarmament, dual-use research governance, and the security implications of synthetic biology and AI. Recent work highlights risks of lab-acquired pathogens and AI’s potential misuse in bioweapon development. She collaborates with UN agencies, SIPRI, and CNS to strengthen global health security frameworks.

Publications span over 160 peer-reviewed articles and policy briefs, including works on pandemic preparedness, biorisk management, and AI ethics. Key projects include the Global Biolabs Mapping initiative and the RULS DUR WHO advisory group. Mentoring includes leading the Young Women in Non-Proliferation Mentorship Programme.