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Awareness and responsibility in academia: a bottom up approach to address the misuse potential of biological research

In spring 2016, over 40 life scientists from Swiss academic institutions discussed ways on how to address the misuse potential of biological research at three workshops. The results of these discussion sessions are now available in a short report.

Specimen bag for biological sample.
Image: A. Chiang (flickr)

Research in life science generates knowledge and technologies that significantly contribute to the improvement of human and animal health and welfare and to a sustainable management of the environment. However, some of the same discoveries could also cause harm if they are malevolently applied.

How is the scientific community addressing this “dual use” dilemma and which additional tools could be useful? These were the questions at the centre of three workshops organized by the Forum for Genetic Research with support of the Federal Office of Public Health.

Vivid discussions revealed the need for increased reflexions and education in order to foster awareness of biosecurity and to reaffirm the commitment to responsible behaviour. Workshop participants welcome a bottom up approach within academia that uses educational tools and guidance documents. In contrast, they don’t consider more formal or stringent controls - in the form of a code of conduct, a biosecurity committee or biosecurity laws - as purposeful in a field as difficult to denominate. Further insights from the discussions are now available in a short report.
(Image: A. Chiang)

Categories

  • Biosafety
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology, Pharmacy
  • Science culture
  • Synthetic biology