The document is a presentation by Dr. Amy Patterson from the National Institutes of Health, delivered to the Council on Government Relations in June 2012, discussing the dual use dilemma in life sciences research—specifically, research that can be legitimately intended for scientific and societal benefit, but could also be misused for harmful purposes, termed Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC). The presentation highlights recent policy developments in the United States, particularly the issuance of the US Government Policy for Oversight of Life Sciences DURC in March 2012, which aims to establish regular review and risk mitigation measures for federally funded or conducted research involving certain high-consequence pathogens and toxins.
A prominent case study detailed is the controversy surrounding NIH-funded H5N1 avian influenza research. The debate raised significant concerns over whether publishing experimental details might enable replication of dangerous pathogens, potentially posing major threats to public health and security. In response, the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) provided unprecedented recommendations for restricting publication of certain experimental details, which spurred a moratorium on some H5N1 studies and prompted international deliberations. The presentation outlines the multi-step oversight approach, including identification of select agents, assessment of listed experimental effects, and determination of DURC status, followed by tailored risk mitigation strategies. The importance of shared responsibility among researchers, institutions, publishers, and government is emphasized, as well as the critical need for ongoing dialogue, public input, and adaptable oversight mechanisms to balance the advancement of science with the protection of public health, national security, and public trust.
