I don't see this as a deliberate attempt to weaponize bird flu.

From what I've read, the intent is to predict the likely path of mutation that leads to airborne transmission (the nightmare scenario). Based on this, a more effective vaccine can be quickly developed. This is important, since there could otherwise be a lead time of up to six months between "we may have a problem" and "here is a vaccine."

However, there is great reluctance in the science community to publish details of how these results were achieved. Self-censorship goes against the normal process of scientific inquiry. But this debate suggests we are at the point where a few unhinged individuals with the technical skills and equipment could possibly replicate this. Yikes.