Report of the WHO Informal Consultation on Dual Use Research of Concern

Overview

 In 2011 research on the genetic basis of the transmissibility of H5N1 conducted by two groups (one in the Netherlands1 and the other a joint Japan/USA group2 ) resulted in the creation of laboratory-modified H5N1 viruses capable of respiratory transmission between ferrets; these findings raised a number of issues. On 16–17 February 2012, WHO convened a technical consultation to address the most urgent concerns, including the scientific and public health benefit of the studies, management of the laboratory-modified viruses and public dissemination of any findings. These experiments were considered to be examples of dual use research of concern (DURC), i.e. life sciences research intended for benefit, but with results which might easily be misapplied to produce harm. 

During that meeting, several issues relating to the ethical, societal, scientific, security and safety implications of DURC were noted but not explored in detail. There was general agreement that WHO should facilitate a broader discussion. In response, WHO convened a wider, informal, consultation on 26−28 February 2013.