Dr. Steven Quay Discusses His New Book on COVID Origins at Hudson Institute Event

Event Overview

On June 15, 2026, the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C., will welcome Dr. Steven Quay, a distinguished physician-scientist, and Senior Fellow. This event will center around the discussion of his new book, "The Code as Witness: How the COVID Genome Reveals Its Lab Origins and How to Prevent Future Outbreaks." The public is invited to explore vital conversations surrounding the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific accountability, and strategies to mitigate future health crises without endangering essential biomedical research.

Understanding the Book

Before its official release on June 9, "The Code as Witness" already achieved the #1 New Release position in Amazon's Medical Law and Legislation category. This substantial early interest emphasizes the growing public demand to understand the controversial aspects of COVID-19 origins and the need for a more accountable scientific environment.

The book delves deep into the genetic foundations of SARS-CoV-2, arguing that certain features of the virus align with human engineering rather than natural occurrence. Dr. Quay's assertions aim to shift the conversation towards preventive measures that can be implemented to avert future pandemics while ensuring that precious biomedical research continues unhindered.

Event Details

This significant event will be framed by Senator Roger Marshall, who advocates for rigorous oversight of high-risk biological research. His opening remarks will address the implications such oversight carries for national security, public health, and the scientific community's integrity.

Following this, Hudson Institute President John P. Walters will engage with Dr. Quay as they scrutinize the central themes of accountability and safety in scientific research. Dr. Quay will provide insights from his findings, which not only focus on COVID-19 but also touch upon broader issues within biomedical research that could pose significant risks to public health and safety. He emphasizes the crucial balance between fostering scientific ingenuity and implementing safeguards against experiments with potentially perilous implications.

The dialogue will continue with Hudson Senior Fellow David Asher facilitating a deep discussion on the evidence surrounding the origins of COVID-19, the rise of biosafety and biosecurity, and the necessary reforms to cultivate public trust in scientific endeavors. Dr. Quay stresses that COVID-19 should serve as a critical juncture; instead of halting groundbreaking research, the emphasis should be on enhancing systems that differentiate common research from high-risk experiments. His vision encapsulates the belief that scientific progress and audience safety must coexist.

Conclusion

Dr. Quay, an influential figure in the realm of biosecurity, brings a wealth of experience, having briefed officials in Congress and the Department of State on COVID-19 origins and safety measures. With numerous FDA-approved medications credited to his innovations and a portfolio of extensive peer-reviewed publications, his thoughts on the pandemic and scientific accountability are more pertinent than ever.

For those interested in exploring these critical issues, registration is available via the Hudson Institute's event page.