New brochure published: 'Misuse potential and biosecurity in life sciences research'

Research in the life sciences produces knowledge and technologies to the benefit of humanity and the environment. However, certain discoveries can become dangerous when misused out of ill intent.

In the spring of 2016, life scientists from Swiss academic institutions exchanged their views on the misuse potential of biological research and on ways to address it. During these three workshops, the researchers expressed interest in having a written basis for further discussion within the scientific community of risks of possible life science research misuse.

This report from the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences has been developed in response to this request. It was compiled by the Forum for Genetic Research of the Swiss Academy of Sciences with contributions from additional experts, and with the support of the Federal Office for Public Health.

The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) Statement on Biosecurity (published in 2005) was an important basis for this brochure.

For more information on the brochure, please see here.