Manager, Bioeconomy Policy
Nazish Jeffery
she/her
Science Policy,
Science Communication

Dr. Nazish Jeffery is the Bioeconomy Policy Manager at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), where she leads work to strengthen U.S. biotechnology policy and advance the nation’s bioeconomy. She develops practical, evidence-based tools and policy frameworks that help government and industry navigate complex challenges in biomanufacturing, finance, standards, and national security.

At FAS, Nazish has authored influential policy briefs and reports on topics including de-risking the bioeconomy through innovative financing mechanisms, accelerating domestic biomanufacturing capacity, and alining clean energy and biotechnology strategies. Her work helps shape national conversations about U.S. competitiveness and the responsible growth of emerging biotechnologies. She has been recognized among leading voices in the field, including being featured in The Bioeconomy 500.

Before joining FAS, Nazish worked as a process development scientists in the biotech industry in Boston where she translated scientific discoveries into scalable applications. She earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Rochester School of Medicine. During her time at the University, she founded the Science Policy Initiative to connect scientists with policymaking.

Nazish is known for translating complex scientific and policy issues into clear, actionable recommendations that strengthen innovation, economic vitality, and national security.

publications
Emerging Technology
Blog
Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act of 2026 is a Major Step for U.S. Biosecurity

By preparing credible, bipartisan options now, before the bill becomes law, we can give the Administration a plan that is ready to implement rather than another study that gathers dust.

02.06.26 | 3 min read
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Emerging Technology
Issue Brief
Report
Fueling the Bioeconomy: Clean Energy Policies Driving Biotechnology Innovation

The transition to a clean energy future and diversified sources of energy requires a fundamental shift in how we produce and consume energy across all sectors of the U.S. economy.

07.02.25 | 13 min read
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Emerging Technology
Blog
Translating Vision into Action: FAS Commentary on the NSCEB Final Report and the Future of U.S. Biotechnology

Advancing the U.S. leadership in emerging biotechnology is a strategic imperative, one that will shape regional development within the U.S., economic competitiveness abroad, and our national security for decades to come.

06.27.25 | 15 min read
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Emerging Technology
day one project
Policy Memo
De-Risking the U.S. Bioeconomy by Establishing Financial Mechanisms to Drive Growth and Innovation

By providing essential funding mechanisms, the Bioeconomy Finance Program will reduce the risks inherent in biotechnology innovation, encouraging more private sector investment.

04.29.25 | 12 min read
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Emerging Technology
Blog
Strategic Investments the U.S. Should Make in the Bioeconomy Right Now

While the U.S. has made significant advancements and remained a global leader in biotechnology over the past decade, the next four years will be critical in determining whether it can sustain that leadership.

04.24.25 | 8 min read
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Emerging Technology
Report
Understanding the U.S. Bioeconomy: Agency Perspectives

To understand the range of governmental priorities for the bioeconomy, we spoke with key agencies represented on the National Bioeconomy Board to collect their perspectives.

07.16.24 | 15 min read
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Emerging Technology
Blog
The Importance of Standards for the U.S. Bioeconomy & National Security: A Conversation with Congressman Jake Auchincloss

We sat down with Congressman Jake Auchincloss to get a better understanding of how Congress and the Select Committee on the CCP view the need for standards for the bioeconomy.

05.16.24 | 6 min read
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Emerging Technology
Issue Brief
The U.S. Bioeconomy needs biomass, but what is it and how do we use it?

In the quest for sustainable energy and materials, biomass emerges as a key player, bridging the gap between the energy sector and the burgeoning U.S. and regional bioeconomies.

04.17.24 | 7 min read
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Emerging Technology
Blog
Bold Goals Require Bold Funding Levels. The FY25 Requests for the U.S. Bioeconomy Fall Short

Multiple bioeconomy-related programs were authorized through the bipartisan CHIPS & Science legislation but have yet to receive anywhere near their funding targets.

04.10.24 | 5 min read
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Emerging Technology
Blog
The U.S. Bioeconomy is Not Yet Sustainable. Here’s What Needs to Change.

While the U.S. government grapples with the definition of the bioeconomy and what sectors it does and does not contain, another definitional issue needs to be addressed: What does sustainability mean in a bioeconomy?

02.12.24 | 7 min read
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Emerging Technology
Blog
Implementing the Bioeconomy Executive Order: Lessons Learned and Future Considerations

We’ve created a living table to track progress on the Bioeconomy EO, enhance accountability, and follow the state of the U.S. bio economy as it evolves.

01.22.24 | 5 min read
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Emerging Technology
day one project
Policy Memo
Bio x AI: Policy Recommendations for a New Frontier

The landscape of biosecurity risks related to AI is complex and rapidly changing, and understanding the range of issues requires diverse perspectives and expertise. Here are five promising ideas that match the diversity of challenges that AI poses in the life sciences.

12.12.23 | 32 min read
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