The White House on May 5 issued an executive order entitled “Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research,” directing the revision of current federal policy governing dual use research of concern (PDF), which was issued May 6, 2024, with an effective date of May 6, 2025, and research involving synthetic nucleic acids (PDF), issued in September 2024.
Among other provisions, the executive order directs agencies to end federal funding for gain-of-function research in countries of concern “or in other countries where there is not adequate oversight to ensure that the countries are compliant with United States oversight standards and policies.” The document also calls for the termination of other federally funded life sciences research occurring in foreign countries “that could reasonably pose a threat to public health, public safety, and economic or national security, as determined by the heads of relevant agencies.” The order further mandates the establishment of additional public reporting strategies and risk management for nonfederally funded research.
The AAMC previously joined a letter opposing restriction to gain-of-function research that read in part: “While we understand that there may be concerns with inappropriate applications of research deemed ‘gain-of-function,’ with adequate guidance, oversight, and safety standards in place, we can prevent those types of projects from going forward without hampering valuable research that would protect and enhance our nation's health security and the United States’ ability to remain a leader on the global stage.” [refer to Washington Highlights, Dec. 6, 2024]
- Washington Highlights