Towards a global guidance framework for the responsible use of life sciences: summary report of consultations on the principles, gaps and challenges of biorisk management, May 2022

Overview

Research and application of the life sciences offer both opportunities and risks to health, safety and security. To ensure that current and future advances in the life sciences are used for the betterment of humans and the planet’s biodiversity, ecosystems and environment, it is important that the scientific community adhere to high scientific, safety, security and ethical standards. To further this aim and to motivate and strengthen safe, secure, responsible practices, WHO is developing a Global Guidance Framework for the Responsible Use of Life Sciences. As part of this process, WHO formed four working groups of experts. This report provides a short summary of the work of the expert working groups and their principal recommendations.