Educating Scientists about Dual Use

Harmful misuse of biological research must be addressed through education, but such programs are in short supply and can be improved. In 2004, the U.S. National Research Council (NRC) described the dual use dilemma, the recognition that some legitimate biological research could be misapplied for har...

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Published inScience (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 326; no. 5957; p. 1193
Main Authors Ana, Jennifer L. Sta, Frankel, Mark S., Berger, Kavita M.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published American Association for the Advancement of Science 27.11.2009
Subjects
Biological sciences
Biosecurity
Education Forum
Educational programs
Educational research
Ethical codes
Medical research
Terrorism
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Summary:Harmful misuse of biological research must be addressed through education, but such programs are in short supply and can be improved. In 2004, the U.S. National Research Council (NRC) described the dual use dilemma, the recognition that some legitimate biological research could be misapplied for harmful purposes (e.g., biological weapons) ( 1 ). The U.S. government's National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) has released recommendations on communicating, overseeing, and educating about such research ( 2 , 3 ). The Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism ( www.preventwmd.gov/home ) recommended that the dual use dilemma and biosafety be taught to all life scientists ( 4 ). Many other countries have instituted policies to support education ( 5 ). The UK asks scientists seeking grants if they have considered the dual use implications of their work ( 6 , 7 ). Biosecurity and dual use research education programs are being developed in Japan, Brazil, and Morocco ( 8 ). At the 2008 intersessional meetings of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), representatives from over a dozen countries acknowledged support for education on biosecurity and biosafety and described education efforts within their nations ( 8 ). Mandatory education on the dual use dilemma has been supported by the Australian National University ( 9 ) and is required by law in Israel ( 10 ). Although these developments represent significant progress, there are still major gaps.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.1176127