Big Techday 26: What we know today about the origin of COVID-19: A Bioengineer’s perspective

What we know today about the origin of COVID-19: A Bioengineer’s perspective What do we know today about the origin of COVID-19? Was SARS-CoV-2 the result of a zoonotic spillover, the largest accident in human history – or even an intentional release? This talk examines the current evidence regarding the emergence of the virus, with a particular focus on unusual genomic features and whether they align with research proposals that have since become public. From a bioengineer’s perspective, key data points will be placed in context, evidence will be distinguished from uncertainty, and open questions for further scientific and societal scrutiny will be discussed. About the speaker: Dr. Valentin Bruttel studied biomedical science and molecular medicine, earned his doctorate in tumor immunology, and is CSO of Toleris Biotherapeutics GmbH. He works as a bioengineer and immunologist, focusing on protein engineering, autoimmune diseases, and the development of targeted biotherapeutics. In a private capacity, he has been intensively engaged since 2020 in the scientific investigation of the origin of SARS-CoV-2 and serves on the advisory board of the non-profit organization BiosafetyNow!, which advocates for laboratory safety and has supported the congressional inquiry in the United States.