From Science to Security: What to Expect from the Biotoxin Task Force

When it comes to preparing for rare but high-impact threats, Europe is taking a bold step forward. In October 2025, the Biotoxin Task Force (BTF) will be launched as part of the EU-funded EMBRACE project. Its mission is to bring together some of the best minds in science, security and crisis response to help Europe better prepare for biological toxin incidents.

Why a Biotoxin Task Force?

Biotoxin incidents are not everyday events but when they happen, they can have severe consequences for public health, safety, and security. From protecting citizens to ensuring emergency responders have the right tools, a fast and coordinated response is essential.

That’s where the BTF comes in. Think of it as a Rapid Reaction reference team: a group of experts who can be consulted quickly to provide independent, science-based advice when it matters most.

Who is involved?

The strength of the BTF lies in its diversity. It will be made up of:

• A core team of recognised experts from across the biotoxin field
• A wider pool of niche specialists, ready to be called in for specific challenges

Members will include voices from industry, academia, frontline practitioners, security experts and specialists from both civil and defence backgrounds. This mix ensures that the Task Force can look at problems from every angle, scientific, operational, and strategic.

What will the BTF do?

The Task Force is not just about reacting; it is also about shaping the future of preparedness. Among its key objectives are:

• Spotting gaps in Europe’s current civil protection mechanisms
• Testing and critiquing the new Biotoxin Concept of Operations (CONOPs) to make sure it is effective and realistic
• Advising CBRNe and health crisis communities, including UCPKN and rescEU practitioners
• Providing insight on high-priority issues connected to biotoxin threats and accidents

In short, the BTF is about making sure Europe’s response capacity is both robust and ready for the future.

Behind the scenes, the BTF will be supported by a dedicated secretariat and secure communications platform, facilitated by EMBRACE partner RAN within the CMINE platform. It will also guide the development of the Biotoxin Reference & Stakeholder Hub (BRSH), helping to build a sustainable knowledge ecosystem.

Although its main focus is European, the BTF will not be working in isolation. Selected international partners are being invited to join on the basis of mutual benefit, recognising that biotoxin preparedness is a truly global challenge.

What is happening next?

The official launch of the Biotoxin Task Force will take place on 15 October 2025 at the OPCW ChemTech Centre in The Hague during the EMBRACE 2025 symposium. The launch event will feature a high-level panel discussing the Task Force’s hopes and ambitions. You can register for the event here.

The BTF will then meet formally before the end of the year to begin its work.

For members, joining the Task Force means more than recognition of their expertise. It offers a seat at the table where Europe’s emerging threats and response priorities are debated and a unique opportunity to network and collaborate with peers across Europe and beyond.

The creation of the Biotoxin Task Force is an important milestone both within the EMBRACE project and for the future of threat preparedness. By bringing together a critical mass of expertise, the BTF will not only improve Europe’s preparedness for rare but dangerous biotoxin incidents, but it will also help build the trust, collaboration and innovation needed to face the challenges of tomorrow.