Science self-regulation to deter bioterrorism
An international code of self-regulation for scientists working with dangerous pathogens and toxins is one of the most effective ways to control the risk of bioterrorist attacks, according to the biomedical research-funding charity, the Wellcome Trust.
Such research is crucial for the discovery of new vaccines, diagnostics and therapies to counter diseases that continue to kill millions of people and cause worldwide economic strife. And the freely available, open publication, of such information is vital to enhance this work.
Two years ago the bacterium which causes plague - Yersinia pestis - was sequenced at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridgeshire, so aiding experts who are developing a vaccine for the disease which killed millions in mediaeval times and is still endemic in Africa, America and Asia.
However, concerns have been heightened recently that information about such pathogens could be misused and increase the risk of bioterrorism. (The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee today publishes its Scientific Response to Terrorism).
In order to allay these public concerns and to allow this research to continue the Wellcome Trust believes self-regulation at international, national and local level is the best way to manage risk. Scientists working in this field also have to take responsibility by making themselves aware of the potential dangers.
Over-zealous government intervention, no matter how well-intentioned, could result in the decline of international collaborations and may discourage talented overseas scientists from coming to work in the UK where they make an immense contribution.
Dr Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust, which has just issued a position statement on the issue, said: "This is of course a complex and highly sensitive area but it is imperative we continue to fund research involving pathogens and toxins if we are to combat some of the most pernicious diseases in the world.
"The benefits resulting from such responsibly-conducted work far outweigh the possibility of terrorists hijacking this information and using it for nefarious purposes.
"However, scientists employed in this small but important field of research must play their part by making sure they are aware of the potential risks involved as well as the health benefits. This is an issue that needs to be tackled globally if it is to be effective and it is important for scientists to talk to government and the security services to ensure concerns are addressed.
"By doing this we can hopefully maintain public confidence and effectively manage any potential risk as well as broadening the debate."
All Trust-funded research is peer reviewed and there is an independent team of experts, the Standing Advisory Group on Ethics, available to be consulted on such issues. The Trust will also develop guidelines for reviewers and applicants.
The problem of potential bioterrorism was raised in a recent report from the US National Academy of Sciences which also concluded that the dissemination of such scientific information should be self-regulated and not subject to government regulation.
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Media contact
Barry Gardner
Wellcome Trust Media Office
Tel: 020 7611 7329
E-mail:
b.gardner@wellcome.ac.uk
Notes to editors
• The Wellcome Trust is an independent research-funding charity, established under the will of Sir Henry Wellcome in 1936. It is funded from a private endowment which is managed with long-term stability and growth in mind. The Trust's mission is to foster and promote research with the aim of improving human and animal health.