Life sciences research that is conducted for legitimate scientific purposes but produces information, knowledge, or technology that may be misused to threaten human, animal or plant health and/or national security is termed "dual use research." Effective global dialogue on concerns and issues regarding dual use life sciences research is key to achieving an effective balance between public health priorities and national security concerns. Numerous national- and international-level activities are currently underway to raise awareness of the risks posed by dual use life sciences research as well as to address or manage these risks while, at the same time, promoting responsible life sciences research. In the United States, the government has established the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) to provide advice and recommendations on addressing risks presented by dual use life sciences research. This international Videocast focusing on the Americas is the first in a series of internet-based meetings aimed at engaging the international community by region. Program

What is “dual use research” and “dual use research of concern”?
How can risks associated with “dual use research of concern be meaningfully assessed?
What strategies for managing and/or addressing these risks have been proposed or implemented?
What is being done to strengthen research governance in the Americas?

The audio and captioning will be in English.

http://oba.od.nih.gov/biosecurity/internationalwebcast.html

Presenters:

Luis Gabriel Cuervo, M.D. , Senior Advisor, Research Promotion and Development, Area of Technology Health Care & Research (THR/RP), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

David R. Franz, D.V.M., Ph.D., Chair of NSABB International Engagement Working Group, Midwest Research Institute;

Dennis L. Kasper, M.D., NSABB Chair, Harvard Medical School;

Stuart B. Levy, M.D. Co-Chair of NSABB International Engagement Working Group, Tufts School of Medicine; and

Amy P. Patterson, M.D., Acting Associate Director for Science Policy, National Institutes of Health