Globalizing Biosecurity

Presentation in the Panel "Biosecurity Challenges in the Post 9-11 World" at American Association for the Advancement of Science, Annual Meeting, St. LouisA global approach to biosecurity that includes both legally binding control of access to dangerous pathogens and community based ethical codes to limit potentially dangerous research results is needed to reduce the risk of bioterrorism. Such a harmonized regime should include transparency for sanctioned biodefense programs and assistance to developing countries to jointly advance biosafety and biosecurity. This effort must grow in a top-down manner from the Biological Weapons Convention accord in which States Parties have agreed to ban the development of biological weapons, and in a bottom-up manner from the scientific and health communities, which are engaged in the research and public health efforts that must be protected against misuse" especially involving the World Health Organization