Bioterrorism experts to meet in Edinburgh

Released: 10 November 2006

The international scientific community will have to devise new ways to stand guard against terrorist misuse of biomedical advances, a meeting in Edinburgh will hear.

International fears about terrorists using scientific discoveries to develop biological weapons have increased dramatically in recent years, alongside rapid advances in genomics related research. 

In light of these concerns, a group of international biosecurity specialists will meet in Edinburgh (13 and 14 November 2006) to discuss ways to protect and promote critical biomedical research while preventing its potential misuse.

The expert meeting has been organised by the ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum, based at the University of Edinburgh.

Dr Ronald Atlas, US bioterrorism expert from the University of Louisville, will say that there should be a coordinated international system of physical, personnel and export controls to regulate possession and exchange of biothreat agents.

Dr Jo Husbands, international security and arms control specialist from the US Academies of Science will add that efforts are needed to foster governance within the scientific community to guard against malevolent use of research by terrorists.

The meeting will also focus on identifying current biosecurity concerns, the role of government and non government agencies in controlling biothreats, the responsibilities of the scientific community and the need for an international standards and cooperation in establishing and implementing biosecurity policies.

Professor Alistair Hay, University of Leeds and representing the Royal Society, commented,

‘The development of novel biological weapons is a real threat. The scientific community faces the challenge of identifying measures to reduce this risk without jeopardising the enormous potential benefits from research advances.’

Steve Yearley, Director, ESRC Genomics Forum added,

‘No single policy exists at either a national or international level to protect against the threat of bioterrorism. By providing an opportunity for policy makers, scientists and social scientists to explore options for governing biosecurity and its impact on scientific research, we hope to contribute to this important debate.’

Conclusions from the meeting will be published in January 2007.

Ends

Emma Capewell, Press and Communications Officer, ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum on 0131 651 4746, or e-mail: emma.capewell@ed.ac.uk

Note to Editors:

Notes for editors

Interviews are available on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th November with:

Dr Jo L Husbands, Director, International Biosecurity Project, U.S.National Academies