The H5N1 Controversy: Dual-use Research The controversy over publication of H5N1 studies stems from the US National Science and Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) requesting scientific journals Nature and Science remove details of methodological studies (Dec 2011) from H5N1 papers about possible H5N1 mutations that could lead to rapid and deadly spread among humans. Certain research into deadly pathogens such as H5N1, anthrax, and the Ebola virus, is classified as dual-use research, meaning that research could lead to both the advancement of health and the advancement of bioterrorism. Obvious controversy comes from withholding such information, as study into possible virus evolution can help in preparedness and possible prevention of pandemic outbreaks. Some believe no research should be conducted into these deadly pathogens to mitigate biosecurity risks, and others feel that more research will increase biosecurity. One of the authors of the controversial research, Dr. Fouchier of the Netherlands, was additionally charged by the Netherlands of violating export control laws regarding the release of sensitive to information to other countries without government approval, and was barred from even discussing his research outside of the country before receiving a license, which he eventually did. Recent US policy has arisen out of the controversy, requesting regular monitoring and oversight of ongoing, possible dual-use research to help “mitigate risks” and “collect information for updated policy”. The full policy can be viewed here. http://oba.od.nih.gov/oba/biosecurity/pdf/united_states_government_policy_for_oversight_of_durc_final_version_032812.pdf Debates on the pros and cons of such research can be found in some of these resources: Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy, CIDRP.com, Schnirring L. US debuts life sciences dual-use research policy. Mar 2012. http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/avianflu/news/mar2912dual.html NIH Office of Biotechnology Activities. Video: Dual-use Research. http://oba.od.nih.gov/biosecurity/biosecurity.html Nature News Blog. Video debating H5N1 and dual-use research. Feb 2012. http://blogs.nature.com/news/2012/02/video-debating-h5n1-and-dual-use-research.html Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. Impreiale M, Dual-use research after the avian influenza controversy. July 2012. http://www.thebulletin.org/web-edition/op-eds/dual-use-research-after-the-avian-influenza-controversy NTI.Org. Between Publishing and Perishing? H5N1 Research Unleashes Unprecedented Dual-Research Controversy. May 2012.

http://www.nti.org/analysis/articles/between-publishing-and-perishing-h5n1-research-unleashes-unprecedented-dual-use-research-controversy/ ARSTechnica.com. Timmer J. Study of deadly flu sparks debate amidst fears of new pandemic. Feb 2012. http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/02/study-of-deadly-flu-sparks-debate-amidst-fears-of-new-pandemic/ Frankel M. Regulating the Boundaries of Dual-use Research. Science 22 June 2012. http://www.sciencemag.org/content/336/6088/1523.full