Introduction
Artificial intelligence is entering multiple stages of life sciences research. From protein-structure prediction, genomic analysis, and literature synthesis to molecular and sequence design, experimental planning, and automated laboratory execution, AI is evolving from a collection of point solutions into a new kind of research infrastructure connecting the entire “hypothesis–design–experiment” cycle. This convergence could accelerate drug discovery, biomanufacturing, and the transition to a more sustainable economy. But it also raises a series of new challenges: when AI models can translate biological knowledge into actionable designs and experimental pathways, are existing biosecurity safeguards still sufficient? How should we move beyond text-level refusal tests to measure the real capability uplift AI provides to users? And where should biosecurity safeguards be deployed at the model layer, tool application layer, DNA synthesis stage, or laboratory operation stage?
In this episode of SinoAI Insights, we are joined by BAO Yuhan, Lecturer at the School of International Organizations at Beijing Foreign Studies University and Coordinator of the iGEM Human Practices Committee, and XU Jia, Researcher at the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. We explore the rapidly evolving intersection of AI and biology through the lens of China’s technological development and governance practices. c
Host
·XIAO Qian, Deputy Director, Center for International Security and Strategy, Tsinghua University
Guests
·BAO Yuhan, Lecturer, School of International Organizations, Beijing Foreign Studies University; Coordinator, iGEM Human Practices Committee
·XU Jia, Researcher, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory
Shownotes
02:51 From Task-Specific Tools to an Integrated Research Pipeline: How Is AI Transforming the Life Sciences?
05:49 The Public Value of AI × Bio: Biomanufacturing, Medicine, and the Transition to Sustainability
12:41 The State of AI × Bio Development in China
19:16 Does the Integration of AI into the Life Sciences Create New Governance Risks?
22:41 Frontier AI Risk Management and the “Yellow Line–Red Line” Dual-Threshold Framework
25:28 Beyond Model Refusal: What Intern-BioBreaker Reveals About AI Safety Evaluation
30:24 Can Existing Governance Systems Keep Pace with Technological Development?
38:45 From Models to Laboratories: Building End-to-End Safety across the AI × Bio Chain
46:05 The Evolution of China’s AI × Bio Governance Approaches and Policy Tools
55:45 Building Practical International Cooperation on AI × Bio
Team
Executive Producer：XIAO Qian
Producers：WANG Yexu、LIU Yuan
Podcast Editor：ZHONG Junwen
Content Assistant：GAO Meilin
Graphics Designer：DU Wanhong