Special Journal Issue
As we started putting together the special issue a year ago, the UGS released its long-awaited policy on high-risk biological research, encompassing DURC and PEPP. We used the opportunity to invite a set of commentaries on the new standards.
Veteran thought-leaders Marc Lipsitch and Michael J Imperiale each weigh in with their analyses.
- Principal Investigator Responsibility for Flagging Research with Dual-Use or Pandemic Risk
- Incorporating the Intent of the Experiment into Gain-of-Function Oversight
Acknowledging the challenges raised by Lipsitch and Imperiale of vague criteria and a self-reporting system, molecular biologist Alina Chan argues for the creation of an independent regulatory organization.
Aline Dousse and Katherina Summermatter, note that the implications of the USG policy extends beyond American borders, influencing global research practices, international policy frameworks, and global approaches to biosafety and biosecurity
And we have a wide range of perspectives from around the world.
- Governing Dual-Use Research of Concern in the Life Sciences: United States and Canada Policy Comparative Analysis and Recommendations
- Toward a Collaborative, Collective, and Integrative International Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Security Education
- What Does the Updated U.S. Dual-Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential Policy Mean for Asia?
- Dual-Use Research of Concern Landscape in Southeast Asia: Prioritization, Gaps, and Challenges
- Landscape of Dual-Use Research Governance in Malaysia
Rounding out our commentaries is a unique—and brave—personal perspective from biosafety professional Rebecca Moritz sharing lessons from her experiences at the coalface of managing high-profile and ethically complex research involving PEPP.
The commentaries are framed by two wonderful review article by David Gillum and Jerry Epstein.