Responsible Research with Biological Select Agents and Toxins

The effort to understand and combat infectious diseases has, during the centuries, produced many key advances in science and medicine—including the development of vaccines, drugs, and other treatments. A subset of this research is conducted with agents that, like anthrax, not only pose a severe threat to the health of humans, plants, and animals but can also be used for ill-intended purposes. Such agents have been listed by the government as biological select agents and toxins. The 2001 anthrax letter attacks prompted the creation of new regulations aimed at increasing security for research with dangerous pathogens. The outcome of the anthrax letter investigation has raised concern about whether these measures are adequate.



Responsible Research with Biological Select Agents and Toxins evaluates both the physical security of select agent laboratories and personnel reliability measures designed to ensure the trustworthiness of those with access to biological select agents and toxins. The book offers a set of guiding principles and recommended changes to minimize security risk and facilitate the productivity of research. The book recommends fostering a culture of trust and responsibility in the laboratory, engaging the community in oversight of the Select Agent Program, and enhancing the operation of the Select Agent Program.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
Summary
1 Introduction
2 The Current Regulatory Environment
3 Guiding Principles for Science and Security
4 Issues Related to Personnel Reliability
5 Managing BSAT Research and the Select Agent Program
References
Appendixes
Appendix A: Committee Member and Staff Biographies
Appendix B: Information on Briefings and Site Visits
Appendix C: Abbreviations and Acronyms
Appendix D: Application for Security Risk Assessment