The Biotoxin Task Force is established within the EMBRACE project to create a forward-looking expert body providing trusted, science-based expertise and acting as a catalyst for addressing the gaps in policy, regulatory, and operational frameworks related to biotoxin threats, thereby strengthening Europe’s overall preparedness.
It serves as a reference group for the EMBRACE project and, progressively, for European institutions and the wider civil and health protection community, with the aim of being sustained beyond the EMBRACE grant period.
The Biotoxin Task Force brings together a core group of leading experts, supported by a wider membership that reflects the diversity of biotoxin knowledge and practice. Members come from the various stakeholder groups engaged by the EMBRACE project, with international partners also invited, ensuring global perspectives while maintaining a strong European focus.
Members have access to a secure communication and knowledge-sharing environment on the CMINE platform, managed by a secretariat to support exchanges and decision-making. This environment links directly to the Biotoxin Reference and Stakeholder Hub (BRSH), a central tool in EMBRACE’s stakeholder engagement strategy.
The Task Force meets regularly, with additional consultations as needed in response to urgent events. Its initial work includes advising on standardised response procedures, identifying technological and scientific needs, and reviewing emerging EMBRACE solutions. These activities directly strengthen Europe’s ability to detect, contain, and recover from a biotoxin crisis.
Membership offers more than privileged access to information. Members contribute to setting strategic priorities for European preparedness, influencing both the scientific agenda and operational response frameworks. They play an active role in policy debates and practical planning, while also building lasting connections across the biotoxin and CBRN community. Such cooperation ensures stronger and faster coordination when real crises occur.
In practice, membership means early access to cutting-edge research, technologies, and operational approaches, with the opportunity to shape their development and use. It also provides direct engagement with policymakers, scientists, first responders, and industry leaders. Through the EMBRACE Biotoxin Hub and the CMINE platform, members connect with peers across Europe and beyond, strengthening their own networks while contributing to Europe’s collective resilience.
In short, membership of the Biotoxin Task Force offers knowledge, influence, visibility, and collaboration in an area of critical global importance.
Key activities of the Task Force include
Although primarily focused on Europe, select international experts and partners may be invited, recognising that biotoxin preparedness is a global challenge.
Current Activities:
An early priority has been set for 2026, to undertake a policy-scoping initiative (working title “State of the Biotox Union”). Key themes are currently being scoped and will be outlined, presented and discussed as they develop.
A dedicated communications forum has been created a curated group for membership to communicate and share ideas. A Data protection and privacy statement has been drafted and will be developed to ensure security of specific aspects of work.
If you have an interest in Biotoxin awareness, preparedness and response, we're keen to get you involved with the Task Force. A simple two actions will keep you informed:
EMBRACE (Pan-European Management of Biological toxin incidents through standardization initiatives for Crisis response Enhancement) is a forward-think