Ken Alibek

Ken Alibek

Ken Alibek, former Soviet bioweapons expert

Birth date	1950
Birth place	Kauchuk, Kazakhstan
Nationality	Kazakh-American
Known for	Bioweapons research, Biodefense advocacy

Ken Alibek (born 1950) is a Kazakh-American microbiologist and former Soviet bioweapons expert. He is best known for his work in the Soviet Union's biological warfare program and his subsequent efforts to promote biodefense and public health in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Ken Alibek was born in 1950 in the town of Kauchuk, Kazakhstan, then part of the Soviet Union. He showed an early interest in science and pursued a degree in microbiology. Alibek graduated from the Tomsk Medical Institute in 1975, where he specialized in epidemiology and infectious diseases.

Career in the Soviet Union

Alibek began his career in the Soviet Union's biological weapons program, known as Biopreparat. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the deputy director of the program. During his tenure, Alibek was involved in the development of various biological agents, including weaponized strains of anthrax, plague, and smallpox.

Biopreparat

Biopreparat was a vast network of research and production facilities dedicated to the development of biological weapons. It operated under the guise of civilian research and pharmaceutical production. Alibek's work at Biopreparat provided him with extensive knowledge of the Soviet Union's capabilities in biological warfare.

Defection to the United States

In 1992, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Alibek defected to the United States. His defection was a significant event, as he provided the U.S. government with detailed information about the Soviet biological weapons program. This information was crucial in understanding the scope and scale of the Soviet Union's bioweapons capabilities.

Contributions to Biodefense

After his defection, Alibek became a prominent advocate for biodefense and public health. He worked with various U.S. government agencies to improve the country's preparedness for biological threats. Alibek also served as a consultant and advisor on biodefense issues, emphasizing the importance of research and development in countering biological threats.

Academic and Professional Work

Alibek has held academic positions at several institutions, including George Mason University, where he was involved in research and teaching on biodefense and microbiology. He has published numerous articles and books on the subject, sharing his expertise and insights into the challenges of biodefense.

Publications

Ken Alibek is the author of several books and articles, including his memoir, Biohazard, which details his experiences in the Soviet biological weapons program and his views on biodefense.

Legacy and Impact

Ken Alibek's work has had a lasting impact on the field of biodefense. His insights into the Soviet biological weapons program have informed U.S. policy and research efforts. Alibek continues to be a respected figure in the field, advocating for increased awareness and preparedness against biological threats.

Also see

• Biological warfare
• Biopreparat
• Anthrax
• Smallpox
• Biodefense