Controlling Dangerous Pathogens A Blueprint for U.S.-Russian Cooperation: A Report to the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program of the U.S. Department of Defense (1997) / Chapter Skim
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3 Phase 1: A Pathogens Initiative to Expand Cooperation
3 Phase 1: A Pathogens Initiative to Expand Cooperation
Pages 34-42
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From page 34... ...
~ Many Russian nuclear research institutes and production enterprises have participated effectively in international programs, including organizations that have been involved in sensitive activities; leaders of the biological defense community are interested in establishing analogous international programs. · The Ministry for Science and Technology has assumed increasing responsibility for financing and approving civilian activities at institutes that, in Soviet times, were involved in BW-related research; the ministry's interest in the benefits of international cooperation is well known throughout the Russian scientific community.
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From page 35... ...
RECOMMENDATION FOR A PATHOGENS INITL4TIVE Drawing on its positive experiences during 1996 and 1997 and current Russian interest in expanding cooperation, the committee recommends that a Pathogens Initiative focused on the public health aspects of dangerous pathogens begin as soon as possible. It will substantially expand the initial program of pilot projects described in Chapter 2 and will build on the limited efforts of several U.S.
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From page 36... ...
However, an expanded program will raise the political as well as scientific stakes considerably, and intergovernment endorsement could be helpful in providing impetus for an expansion in addition to encouraging coordination among related bilateral efforts. The committee believes that the strong support of both governments is important for successful implementation of a Pathogens Initiative It recommends that the two governments provide political support for such a cam through the (~(~.(?
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From page 37... ...
This recommendation is based on the following considerations: · Significant joint research activities should be located at the most important Russian institutions with research capabilities related to dangerous pathogens that were established in the framework of the Soviet BW program. (Although Boxes I-2, I-3, and I-4 provide a list of candidate institutes, not all of them will compete successfully for joint projects.)
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From page 38... ...
In short, focused joint research activities of this magnitude will make a substantial contribution to public health and national security and will concentrate research on dangerous pathogens at carefully selected facilities in each country. Framework for the Effort The committee recommends clustering collaborative research projects in the following seven program areas: I
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From page 39... ...
The program also should be prepared to support MOD specialists working at Biopreparat institutes or as subcontractors to Biopreparat institutes if appropriate projects are proposed. Several Biopreparat research institutes, in addition to the two that are carrying out pilot projects, have significant capabilities and should become involved in the program.
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From page 40... ...
step toward broadening Russian participation in the Pathogens Initiative and related engineering efforts. The Plague Research Institutes in Saratov and Stavropol have indicated interest in participating in cooperative activities, and on-site visits by U.S.
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From page 41... ...
Also, the overall approach should be reviewed in depth at the end of the second year and adjusted as necessary. In addition, the following types of project `development activities should be carried out: · Brief exchange visits to enable researchers from the two countries to develop proposals for submission to funding competitions; · Travel grants for Russian scientists to participate in scientific conferences in the United States, where they can make contacts and become aware of the state of international science in their fields; and · Joint scientific workshops to explore new areas for possible projects, including workshops that build on the results of completed projects.
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From page 42... ...
Also, invited efforts would be significant in setting the stage for sustained long-term efforts after the five-year initiative. The Pathogens Initiative is designed to help reduce the likelihood of proliferation of dangerous technologies that are extremely difficult to control, to encourage a concentration of Russian activities at carefully selected facilities with high scientific potential, and to encourage reconfiguration of former Soviet BW facilities to address new public health challenges.
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