Public Affairs Report:Public Meeting on Dual Use Research

摘要

On 15 July, the National Institutes ofHealth convened a public consulta-tion meeting to gather perspectivesand insights related to the report ofthe National Science Advisory Boardon Biodefense (NSABB) Dual Use Re-search Oversight Framework. Ken-neth Berns, chair of the ASM Bio-defense Committee of the Public andScientific Affairs Board, was invited tospeak on scientific society perspectivesand educational resources needed toassist the research community. TheNSABB has drafted a framework toidentify "dual use research of con-cern" or research with the highest po-tential for yielding knowledge, prod-ucts, or technology that could bemisapplied to threaten public healthor national security. The meeting alsodiscussed the criterion for dual useresearch of concern. Ronald Atlas ofthe University of Louisville was alsoan invited speaker, asked to commenton the criteria for identifying dual useresearch of concern. The NSABB'sProposed Framework for the Over-sight of Dual Use Life Sciences Re-search can be read at http://www.biosecurityboard.gov/links.asp. Thereport is under review by governmentagencies who are considering policydevelopment.