Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
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Appendix F
Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies
This appendix provides examples of regional and international forums, organizations, or bodies assembled as background to inform the workshop discussions and augmented by input from participants. The material provides a snapshot as of October 2018; it does not provide a comprehensive accounting of all such groups that could potentially become involved in governance of dual use life sciences research.
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
| Summary |
|---|
| BWC provides a forum to discuss biosecurity, oversight of dual use research, codes of conduct, and other governance measures. Information about activities is provided during meetings by states parties and civil society. In addition, current EU funding supports education activities. The website includes additional information. https://www.unog.ch/bwc |
| CWC provides a forum to discuss chemical weapons nonproliferation, including national implementation of the convention and cooperation on capacity building. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) that implements the CWC provisions includes an Advisory Board on Education and Outreach and a Scientific Advisory Board that advises the Director-General on implications of relevant developments in science and technology. https://www.opcw.org/chemical-weapons-convention |
| Resolution 1540 “obliges States, inter alia, to refrain from supporting by any means non-State actors from developing, acquiring, manufacturing, possessing, transporting, transferring or using nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery.” The Committee conducts national and regional outreach activities and national reports provide substantial information about relevant laws, regulations, and policies. UNSCR 2325, adopted in 2016, “Encourages States, as appropriate, to control access to intangible transfers of technology and to information that could be used for weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.” http://www.un.org/en/sc/1540 |
| Interpol facilitates international law enforcement cooperation. It includes a Bioterrorism Prevention Unit that undertakes activities such as Project Biosecure on “risk assessment of current biological threats related to global terrorism, technological vulnerabilities including dual-use research and the threats emanating from the dark net. The overarching objectives of Biosecure are to increase bioterrorism awareness, enhance coordination and cooperation on issues relating to communication and information sharing, media relations, threat/risk assessment, cybercrime, and interaction with Health.” https://www.interpol.int; https://www.interpol.int/Crime-areas/CBRNE/Bioterrorism/Project-Biosecure |
| UNICRI’s mission is to advance crime prevention and control, including mitigating biological risks. Under its CBRN Risk Mitigation and Security Governance Programme, it administers EU grants for activities including education and capacity building and a Centers of Excellence program. It has also established a Knowledge Management System to share tools, exercises, and best practices and an International Network on Biotechnology to share educational resources on biosafety, biosecurity, and bioethics. http://www.unicri.it/topics/cbrn; http://www.unicri.it/news/article/2017-07-13_International_Network_on_Biotechnology |
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
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| Summary |
|---|
| WHO’s “primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system.” In 2006 it published “Biorisk Management: Laboratory Biosecurity Guidance” and conducts training in this area; it is also a partner organization of the GHSA (see below). It has most recently become involved with dual use issues through the influenza gain-of-function controversy. http://www.who.int |
| OIE is “responsible for improving animal health worldwide.” Its current Strategic Plan (2016–2020) includes risk management and “Reduction of biological risks, whether they are of natural, accidental, or intentional origins.” It is also a partner organization of the GHSA (see below) and held two international conferences on biosecurity in 2015 and 2017. http://www.oie.int |
| FAO “leads international efforts to defeat hunger.” It provides resources for biosafety and biological risk management in food and agriculture and is also a partner organization of the GHSA (see below). http://www.fao.org |
| UNESCO “seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture.” It is a partner in the World Science Forum, held every 2 years addressing global science policy topics, and produces a World Science Report every 5 years. It is also home to the World Commission on Ethics in Science and Technology (COMEST), an advisory body and forum that considers the ethics of emerging technologies, among other areas. https://en.unesco.org; http://www.unesco.org/new/en/social-and-human-sciences/themes/comest |
| CBD, along with associated protocols such as the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization, addresses issues such as movement of modified organisms and access and use of genetic resources. It also discusses biosafety and implications for ecosystems and biodiversity of advances in biotechnology such as synthetic biology. https://www.cbd.int |
| OECD “work[s] with governments to understand what drives economic, social and environmental change.” The Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy periodically holds ministerial meetings on science and technology policy; many OECD committees and working parties address relevant topics in biotechnology. In 2007 it published the “Best Practice Guidelines for Biological Resource Centers” that includes biosecurity; OECD has previously addressed dual use issues. http://www.oecd.org |
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
| Summary |
|---|
| “The Australia Group (AG) is an informal forum of countries which, through the harmonisation of export controls, seeks to ensure that exports do not contribute to the development of chemical or biological weapons.” It addresses dual use issues as part of intangible technology transfers. http://www.australiagroup.net |
| GHSA is a “partnership of over 64 nations, international organizations, and nongovernmental stakeholders to help build countries’ capacity to help create a world safe and secure from infectious disease threats and elevate global health security as a national and global priority.” Its Action Package Prevent 3: Biosafety and Biosecurity aims to promote biological risk management and biosafety and biosecurity measures, including training and outreach activities to “promote a shared culture of responsibility [and] reduce dual use risks.” https://www.ghsagenda.org; https://www.ghsagenda.org/packages/p3-biosafety-biosecurity |
| The GP “is an international forum for coordination of projects to prevent CBRN terrorism and proliferation.” Its Biological Security Working Group includes five deliverables for 2012–2017. Aim #4 is to “Reinforce and strengthen biological nonproliferation principles, practices, and instruments,” and Aim #5 is to “Reduce proliferation risks through the advancement and promotion of safe and responsible conduct in the biological sciences.” http://www.gpwmd.com/bswg |
| IEGBBR includes government regulatory officials in biosafety and biosecurity from 11 countries, with WHO, OIE, and the United Nations participating as nonmember observers. The group meets every 2 years to promote international cooperation, contribute to strengthening of biosafety and biosecurity oversight mechanisms, and support responses to emerging issues and threats posed by human and animal pathogens. |
| The EBRF includes members of government regulatory bodies from Denmark, France, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The group meets every 6 months to discuss topics in biosecurity and dual use. For example, in 2014 the group produced “Guidelines for the Implementation of Action B2.” Action B2 of the EU CBRN Action Plan requires members to establish review procedures and a registry for secure substances and facilities working with such substances. The guide describes how member states can implement Action B2 and be in compliance with UNSCR 1540. http://www.ebrf.eu/about.html; http://www.ebrf.eu/documents.html |
| ASEAN promotes regional economic growth, peace and stability, and collaboration. The association and member countries serve as regional and national conveners of workshops and courses addressing biosecurity and dual use. http://asean.org |
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
| Summary |
|---|
| The EC serves as the “executive arm” of the European Union in developing strategy, implementing EU decisions and policies, and representing the EU in international bodies. EU funding supports projects on biosafety and biosecurity in member and partner countries; EU funding has also supported regional workshops and educational activities under the BWC. https://europa.eu/european-union/index_en; https://ec.europa.eu/commission/index_en |
| OAS promotes regional political dialogue, collaboration, and other aims and incorporates four main pillars: “democracy, human rights, security, and development.” It has a program to support implementation of UNSCR 1540 including provision of technical assistance and capacity building to member states. It also holds ministerial meetings on topics such as education and science and technology. http://www.oas.org |
| The African Union promotes regional cooperation and development, among other aims. The Union provides an opportunity for networks of expertise and discussions on topics such as biosafety and biosecurity. https://au.int |
| ICRC works to ensure “humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence.” Its 2004 initiative on Biotechnology, Weapons, and Humanity introduced the ICRC’s concept of a “web of prevention” supporting biosecurity. https://www.icrc.org; https://www.icrc.org/eng/resources/documents/misc/5vdj7s.htm |
| A virtual organization that annually convenes leaders of government science and engineering funding agencies from as many as 50 developed and developing countries to promote cooperation and collaboration and to address common problems. https://www.globalresearchcouncil.org/about |
| The conferences are convened approximately every 2 to 3 years and focus on research integrity and responsible conduct of research. https://wcrif.org |
| The Forum is convened every 2 years and address global science policy topics in cooperation with UNESCO, ICSU (now ISC), American Association for the Advancement of Science, and other global science partners. https://worldscienceforum.org |
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
| Summary |
|---|
| The Forum is convened annually in Japan and aims to provide an opportunity for dialogue on beneficial opportunities arising from developments in science and technology, as well as ethical, safety, and environmental issues. http://www.stsforum.org |
| “The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation” and its activities take place at the intersection of three focus areas: “mastering the fourth industrial revolution,” “solving the problems of the global commons,” and “addressing global security issues.” Under this last umbrella, it has convened discussions on biosecurity and biological risk reduction, including in the area of global health security. https://www.weforum.org |
| IAP undertakes convening activities on topics related to biosecurity, dual use, and responsible conduct of science. It also produces statements and reports, such as “responsible Conduct in the Global Research Enterprise.” In 2004, IAP convened a Biosecurity Working Group to serve as a focal point for activities in this area; membership includes national academies of Australia, China, Cuba, Egypt, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. http://www.interacademies.org |
| ISC “brings together 40 international scientific Unions and Associations and over 140 national and regional scientific organizations including Academies and Research Councils.” (ISC formed in 2018 from the merger of the International Council for Science, ICSU, and the International Social Science Council, ISSC.) ISC Statute 7 notes that the free and responsible practice of science “requires responsibility at all levels to carry out and communicate scientific work with integrity, respect, fairness, trustworthiness, and transparency, recognising its benefits and possible harms.” ISC’s Committee on Freedom and Responsibility in the conduct of Science (CFRS) advises the governing board on issues in this area. https://council.science; https://council.science/topics/cfrs |
| IUBMB “is devoted to promoting research and education in biochemistry and molecular biology throughout the world and gives particular attention to areas where the subject is still in its early development.” Its code of ethics includes the obligation to “not engage knowingly in research that is intended for the production of agents of biological warfare or bioterrorism, nor promote such agents” and IUBMB has been a convening partner on several prior international forums on biosecurity. https://iubmb.org |
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
| Summary |
|---|
| IUMS is a global organization that promotes research and cooperation in the microbiological sciences. In its Code of Ethics against Misuse of Scientific Knowledge, Research and Resources, “IUMS also strives to promote ethical conduct of research and training in the areas of biosecurity and biosafety so as to prevent use of microorganisms as biological weapons and therefore to protect the public’s health and to promote world peace.” It has been a convening partner on several prior international forums on biosecurity. https://www.iums.org |
| IUPAC “is the global organization that provides objective scientific expertise and develops the essential tools for the application and communication of chemical knowledge for the benefit of humankind and the world.” Through its project system it has convened conferences, developed educational materials, and undertaken other activities related to chemical and biological safety and security and responsible conduct of science. In partnership with OPCW it has convened a series of meetings on advances in science and technology to help inform CWC review conferences. https://iupac.org |
| ISSCR is a “transnational, cross-disciplinary science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research.” In addition to an annual meeting, awards, and other activities, it publishes guidelines addressing “cultural, political, legal, and ethical perspectives related to stem cell research and its translation to medicine,” most recently updated in 2016 and available in several languages. These are not intended to address dual use issues but may serve as a potential model for a research community that wants to develop relevant practice, bioethics, and/or dual use guidelines for its field. http://www.isscr.org |
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
Suggested Citation:"Appendix F: Examples of Regional and International Forums, Organizations, or Bodies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25154.
×
