Oversight of Biodefense Research, with Dr. Matthew Meselson

Dr. Matthew Meselson, a renowned expert in chemical and biological defense and arms control, discusses biological weapons, history, science, and the need for increased oversight of U.S. biodefense research. This talk and Q&A session was hosted by the Federation of American Scientists on June 26, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Event page, with speaker bios and more information: http://www.fas.org/press/events/20120626_biodefense.html
Dr. Meselson’s slides: http://www.fas.org/_docs/Meselson-26JuneSlides.pdf

Senate Committee Examines Biological Security and Dual-Use Research

(C-SPAN) The Senate Homeland Security Committee held a hearing on dual-use research and how it can be used for bioterrorism. In recent years, concerns over dual-use research, which can be used for both beneficial scientific and medical purposes and bioterrorism, have grown due to advances in biotechnology that allow us create synthetic viruses in the laboratory.Following 9/11 and the 2001 Anthrax attacks, the National Academy of Sciences released a report in 2003 entitled “Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism” which made recommendations for handling dual-use research.

Australian Biosecurity Intelligence Network (ABIN) Concept movie

Australian Biosecurity Intelligence Network (ABIN) Concept movie: When a young girl comes down with a high fever, the medical and biosecurity sectors use ABIN to find the culprit and prevent further infection.

The Intersection of Science and Security: a Case Study Approach

On December 9, 2011 the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) sponsored a workshop, The Intersection of Science and Security: a Case Study Approach, Continuing the global dialogue with the scientific and science policy community: focus on Asia and the Western Pacific. The purpose of this workshop was to give attendees a greater understanding of dual use research, including an awareness of strategies for managing dual use research of concern and an appreciation of how these issues are being addressed around the globe. The workshop utilized published articles as case studies, involving Mousepox and a SARS-like virus, as examples of dual use research of concern that highlight issues which investigators, institutions, journal editors, governments, and the scientific and security policy communities need to consider.

ASM H5N1 Research Discussion

Moderated by the Chair of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), Paul Keim, Ph.D., this newly added session at the ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting will include discussions of the NSABB’s recommendations for the publication of the controversial H5N1 research. This session will also provide an open forum for attendees to give their feedback on such policy issues as the appropriate mechanisms to allay public concerns about the safety of dual use research.