Rapid proliferation of pandemic research: implications for dual-use risks

Musunuri, Sriharshita, Sandbrink, Jonas B., Monrad, Joshua Teperowski, Palmer, Megan J. and Koblentz, Gregory D. (2021) Rapid proliferation of pandemic research: implications for dual-use risks. mBio, 12 (5). ISSN 2161-2129

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the world’s vulnerability to biological catastrophe and elicited unprecedented scientific efforts. Some of this work and its derivatives, however, present dual-use risks (i.e., potential harm from misapplication of beneficial research) that have largely gone unaddressed. For instance, gain-of-function studies and reverse genetics protocols may facilitate the engineering of concerning SARS-CoV-2 variants and other pathogens. The risk of accidental or deliberate release of dangerous pathogens may be increased by large-scale collection and characterization of zoonotic viruses undertaken in an effort to understand what enables animal-to-human transmission. These concerns are exacerbated by the rise of preprint publishing that circumvents a late-stage opportunity for dual-use oversight. To prevent the next global health emergency, we must avoid inadvertently increasing the threat of future biological events. This requires a nuanced and proactive approach to dual-use evaluation throughout the research life cycle, including the conception, funding, conduct, and dissemination of research.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://journals.asm.org/journal/mbio
Additional Information:	© 2021 The Authors
Divisions:	Health Policy
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
Date Deposited:	07 Jan 2022 14:48
Last Modified:	16 Nov 2024 07:21
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/113360

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