2026 AI Safety Report: AI Beats 94% of Virologists but Can't Cause a Pandemic

The 2026 International AI Safety Report, backed by over 100 experts from 30+ countries, finds one model outperformed 94% of virology experts at troubleshooting lab protocols. Creating a pandemic pathogen still requires physical lab access, materials and expertise, but leading developers admit they cannot rule out that newer models might help novices with biological weapons.

• One model beat 94% of virology experts at troubleshooting lab protocols
• A pandemic pathogen still needs lab access, materials and human transmission
• Developers could not rule out aiding novices in bioweapons development
• Experts urge synthesis screening and lab oversight over blanket research bans