Introduction to special issue on biosecurity governance: containing biological weapons, constraining biological research?

摘要

Changes in the governance of life science research since 11 September 2001 have potentially profound implications for its trajectory. Concerns about bioterrorism and about advances in 'dual-use' biomedical research are largely driving these changes, which are being debated and implemented through a wide range of formal and informal international and national venues. The myriad and multidisciplinary mix of actors now involved in biosecurity governance obfuscates attempts to ensure informed and balanced debate. Recognising the need to integrate perspectives from scientific, social scientific and policy-communities, the papers in this special issue contextualise the current biosecurity governance landscape, interrogate the role of science within this landscape, suggest further avenues for research and make specific policy recommendations.