Emma Frow

As biotechnologies increasingly move beyond conventional containment into open environments, existing governance systems are struggling to keep pace. This session introduces a proposal for a Standards and Stewardship Clearinghouse designed to support the responsible development, testing, and deployment of these technologies. This proposal emerged from a working group formed at a Biotechnology Beyond Conventional Containment (BBCC) workshop on policy and governance at the Caltech Linde Center for Science, Society, and Policy. We will explore key gaps in current regulatory and stewardship models, draw lessons from analogous efforts, and outline a potential path forward. The session is designed to be discussion-driven, inviting participants to critically evaluate the clearinghouse concept, identify priorities, and help shape its role in advancing safe, transparent, and trusted innovation.