A virtual dialogue between animal health and public health experts on dual-use research: meeting report, 14 March 2023

Overview

Life sciences research and associated technologies play a critical role in improving global public health supporting healthier populations worldwide and promoting health equity for all to achieve the health-related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Likewise, advances and innovation in the life sciences are essential for animal and plant health, for veterinary medicine and agriculture, and the environment. However, developments and advances in this field may also pose safety and security risks caused by accidents, as well as inadvertent and deliberate misuse to cause harm. A virtual dialogue between animal health and public health experts was co-organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on 14 March 2023 to discuss experiences in working with dual-use research, the different perspectives and challenges associated with the oversight of dual-use research and key considerations and priorities for governing dual-use research within the context of One Health.