Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research
1. Purpose
The order aims to mitigate the risks associated with gain-of-function research on biological agents, safeguarding American public health and national security.
2. Key Actions And Directives
- Prohibit Federal Funding: End federal funding for dangerous gain-of-function research by foreign entities and in countries lacking adequate oversight.
- Strengthen Oversight: Revise oversight policies for dual-use research within 120 days to enhance accountability and monitoring.
- Develop Governance Strategy: Create a strategy to manage non-federally funded gain-of-function research to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Reporting Requirements: Institutions receiving federal funds must submit reports on compliance with gain-of-function research oversight.
3. Important Points
- Public Health Risk: The research poses significant risks to public health and national security, necessitating stringent oversight.
- Federal Research Funding: The order highlights concerns regarding U.S. federal funding in foreign nations where oversight is limited.
- Definitions of Danger: Clarifies what constitutes dangerous gain-of-function research, focusing on enhanced pathogenicity or transmissibility of infectious agents.
- Accountability Measures: Research institutions are held accountable for maintaining standards and must report on their research activities.
- Outcomes of Concern: Emphasizes possible outcomes of such research, including increased transmissibility and creation of pathogens previously considered eradicated.
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