@BOOK{NAP author = "National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine", editor = "Piers Millett and Jo Husbands and Frances Sharples and Audrey Thevenon", title = "Gain-of-Function Research: Summary of the Second Symposium, March 10-11, 2016", isbn = "978-0-309-44077-6", abstract = "On March 10-11, 2016, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine held a public symposium on potential U.S. government policies for the oversight of gain-of- function (GOF) research. This was the Academies' second meeting held at the request of the U.S. government to provide a mechanism to engage the life sciences community and the broader public and solicit feedback on optimal approaches to ensure effective federal oversight of GOF research as part of a broader U.S. government deliberative process. \n\nThe first symposium, held in December 2014, examined the underlying scientific and technical questions surrounding the potential risks and benefits of GOF research involving pathogens with pandemic potential. The second symposium focused on discussion of the draft recommendations regarding GOF research of a Working Group of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity. This report summarizes the key issues and ideas identified during the second symposium.", url = "https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/23484/gain-of-function-research-summary-of-the-second-symposium-march", year = 2016, publisher = "The National Academies Press", address = "Washington, DC" } @BOOK{NAP author = "National Research Council", title = "Countering Biological Threats: Challenges for the Department of Defense's Nonproliferation Program Beyond the Former Soviet Union", isbn = "978-0-309-13176-6", abstract = "In response to a request from the U.S. Congress, this book examines how the unique experience and extensive capabilities of the Department of Defense (DOD) can be extended to reduce the threat of bioterrorism within developing countries outside the former Soviet Union (FSU). During the past 12 years, DOD has invested $800 million in reducing the risk from bioterrorism with roots in the states of the FSU. The program's accomplishments are many fold. The risk of bioterrorism in other countries is too great for DOD not to be among the leaders in addressing threats beyond the FSU.\nTaking into account possible sensitivities about a U.S. military presence, DOD should engage interested governments in about ten developing countries outside the FSU in biological threat reduction programs during the next five years. Whenever possible, DOD should partner with other organizations that have well established humanitarian reputations in the countries of interest. For example, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization should be considered as potential partners.\n", url = "https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/12596/countering-biological-threats-challenges-for-the-department-of-defenses-nonproliferation", year = 2009, publisher = "The National Academies Press", address = "Washington, DC" } @BOOK{NAP author = "National Research Council", title = "Responsible Research with Biological Select Agents and Toxins", isbn = "978-0-309-14535-0", abstract = "The effort to understand and combat infectious diseases has, during the centuries, produced many key advances in science and medicine\u2014including the development of vaccines, drugs, and other treatments. A subset of this research is conducted with agents that, like anthrax, not only pose a severe threat to the health of humans, plants, and animals but can also be used for ill-intended purposes. Such agents have been listed by the government as biological select agents and toxins. The 2001 anthrax letter attacks prompted the creation of new regulations aimed at increasing security for research with dangerous pathogens. The outcome of the anthrax letter investigation has raised concern about whether these measures are adequate.\n\nResponsible Research with Biological Select Agents and Toxins evaluates both the physical security of select agent laboratories and personnel reliability measures designed to ensure the trustworthiness of those with access to biological select agents and toxins. The book offers a set of guiding principles and recommended changes to minimize security risk and facilitate the productivity of research. The book recommends fostering a culture of trust and responsibility in the laboratory, engaging the community in oversight of the Select Agent Program, and enhancing the operation of the Select Agent Program.", url = "https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/12774/responsible-research-with-biological-select-agents-and-toxins", year = 2009, publisher = "The National Academies Press", address = "Washington, DC" } @BOOK{NAP author = "National Research Council", editor = "Katherine Bowman and Jo L. Husbands and Ben Rusek", title = "The 2nd International Forum on Biosecurity: Summary of an International Meeting", isbn = "978-0-309-12829-2", abstract = "The 2nd International Forum on Biosecurity, held in Budapest, Hungary on March 30 - April 2, 2008, represents the efforts of a number of individuals and organizations, over the last five years, to engage the international community of life scientists in addressing how to reduce the risk that the results of their work could be used for hostile purposes by terrorists and states.\nThe participants who gathered in Budapest were already engaged in this challenging task, and, therefore, the focus of the meeting was on what had been accomplished and what challenges remained. There was no attempt to achieve consensus, since there exist real and important differences among those involved concerning the appropriate policies and actions to be undertaken. But there was a serious effort to identify a range of potential next steps, and also an effort to identify opportunities where international scientific organizations could make substantive contributions and offer their advice and expertise to policy discussions. The Forum's presentations, discussions, and results are summarized in this book.\n ", url = "https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/12525/the-2nd-international-forum-on-biosecurity-summary-of-an-international", year = 2009, publisher = "The National Academies Press", address = "Washington, DC" } @BOOK{NAP author = "National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council", editor = "Alison K. Hottes and Benjamin Rusek and Fran Sharples", title = "Biosecurity Challenges of the Global Expansion of High-Containment Biological Laboratories: Summary of a Workshop", isbn = "978-0-309-22575-5", abstract = "During July 10-13, 2011, 68 participants from 32 countries gathered in Istanbul, Turkey for a workshop organized by the United States National Research Council on Anticipating Biosecurity Challenges of the Global Expansion of High-containment Biological Laboratories. The United States Department of State's Biosecurity Engagement Program sponsored the workshop, which was held in partnership with the Turkish Academy of Sciences. The international workshop examined biosafety and biosecurity issues related to the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of high-containment biological laboratories- equivalent to United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention biological safety level 3 or 4 labs. Although these laboratories are needed to characterize highly dangerous human and animal pathogens, assist in disease surveillance, and produce vaccines, they are complex systems with inherent risks.\nBiosecurity Challenges of the Global Expansion of High-Containment Biological Laboratories summarizes the workshop discussion, which included the following topics:\n\n Technological options to meet diagnostic, research, and other goals;\n Laboratory construction and commissioning;\n Operational maintenance to provide sustainable capabilities, safety, and security; and\n Measures for encouraging a culture of responsible conduct.\n\nWorkshop attendees described the history and current challenges they face in their individual laboratories. Speakers recounted steps they were taking to improve safety and security, from running training programs to implementing a variety of personnel reliability measures. Many also spoke about physical security, access controls, and monitoring pathogen inventories. Workshop participants also identified tensions in the field and suggested possible areas for action.", url = "https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/13315/biosecurity-challenges-of-the-global-expansion-of-high-containment-biological-laboratories", year = 2012, publisher = "The National Academies Press", address = "Washington, DC" }