Professor Mely Caballero-Anthony

Professor Mely Caballero-Anthony leads the Biosecurity and International Security focus area at the Asia Centre for Health Security (ACHS), where her work addresses the complex interplay between transnational challenges and biosecurity threats in Southeast Asia. Her approach reflects a nuanced understanding of regional dynamics, focusing on the vulnerabilities associated with porous borders, environmental degradation, irregular migration, and the trafficking of women and children.

Central to Professor Caballero-Anthony efforts is raising awareness of biosecurity governance and identifying effective pathways to mitigate risks associated with emerging biological capabilities and biotechnology. Her research focuses on identifying gaps and challenges in national and regional biosecurity policies, enhancing risk mitigation strategies, and institutionalising norms to strengthen preparedness. By addressing the implications of these threats on both regional and international security, her work aims to ensure Asia’s readiness to respond to evolving biological risks. This includes developing targeted strategies to address threats from natural outbreaks, accidental releases, and the deliberate misuse of biological materials.

Through initiatives like the Southeast Asia Health Security Roundtable Series, she brings together governments, academic institutions, and international organisations to build collaborative solutions for biosecurity challenges. By fostering international cooperation and promoting regional coordination, Professor Caballero-Anthony contributes to developing resilient biosecurity frameworks, enabling Asia to address and prevent catastrophic biological threats and incidents.