Biosecurity Events

1928 - 1979

1980 - 1989

1990 - 1999

2000 - 2005

2006 - 2009

 

2009

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: November 3-5, 2009
Location : Bethesda , MD , USA
Participant(s): NSABB
Description: The meeting agenda and presentations are not yet available. Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: August 11-13, 2009
Location : Bethesda , MD , USA
Participant(s): NSABB
Description: The meeting agenda and presentations are not yet available. Top

 

Building International consensus on biosecurity - the experience of OECD
Date: May 8, 2009
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Dr. Michael Oborne and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Biosecurity Seminar Series," at Princeton University. Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: April 29, 2009
Location : Bethesda , MD , USA
Participant(s): NSABB
Description: The meeting agenda, presentations, and report are available on the website. Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: April 3, 2009
Location : Bethesda , MD , USA
Participant(s): NSABB
Description: The meeting agenda, presentations, and report are available on the website. Top

 

7th Annual ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting
Date: February 22-25, 2009
Location : Baltimore , MD , USA
Participant(s): American Society for Microbiology
Description: The purpose of this meeting is to bring together individuals who are carrying out research to defend against the growing threat of bioterrorism and decision makers shaping the future biodefense research agenda, recognizing that emerging infectious diseases serve as a paradigm for handling the public threat of bioterrorism. Top

 

2008

The Risks of Safety
Date: December 12, 2008
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Edward Tenner and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Biosecurity Seminar Series," at Princeton University. Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: December 10, 2008
Location : Bethesda , MD , USA
Participant(s): NSABB
Description: The meeting agenda, presentations, and report are available on the website. Top

 

The CAS/IAP/OECD Joint Workshop on Biosecurity
Date: December 7-9, 2008
Location: Beijing, China
Participant(s): The OECD, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Inter Academy Panel, and invited guests
Description: The workshop’s objectives are to discuss and assess the misuse potential of new developments in life science research, understand how the risks of dual use research of concern are perceived in developed and developing countries, discuss oversight mechanisms for dual use research and how they can be balanced with the need to promote life science research, exchange views on managing dual use research through promoting the culture of responsibility, and learn what can be done to unite various nations in a global effort to promote biosecurity. Top

 

Meeting of States Parties to Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
Date: 1 - 5 December, 2008
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participant(s): State Parties to the BWC
Description: This inter review conference meeting is part of a four-year programme mandated by the Sixth Review Conference aimed at, “strengthening the implementation of the Convention and improving its effectiveness as a practical barrier against the development or use of biological weapons.” Top

 

Crime in a Wheat Field: Forensic Plant Pathology, a New Discipline to Meet National Needs
Date: December 5, 2008
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Jacqueline Flethcher and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Biosecurity Seminar Series," at Princeton University. Top

 

Frontiers in Synthetic Biology: Engineering Genes, Genomes & Cells for Drug Discovery
Date: December 1-2, 2008
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Participant(s): GeneExpression Systems and guests
Description: The workshop will discuss the use of synthetic biology in drug discovery. Top

 

Extensively Drug Resistant Tuberculosis: A Global Health and Security Crisis Being Addressed via Lilly Public/Private Partnerships
Date: November 21, 2008
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Gail Cassell and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Biosecurity Seminar Series," at Princeton University. Top

 

Bioterrorism, Counterterrorism, Science and Foreign Policy: Challenges at the Intersection with National Security
Date: November 14, 2008
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Marc L. Ostfield and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Biosecurity Seminar Series," at Princeton University. Top

 

Confronting Biological Threats: Biosecurity, Biological Weapons Nonproliferation, and Regional Cooperative Mechanisms
Date: October 27-29, 2008
Location : Amman, Jordan
Participant(s): Arab Institute for Security Studies
Description: This International forum on biosecurity brings together academic experts and practitioners from governments, inter-governmental organizations, academic institutions, civil society and the private sector. Top

 

Fostering the Biosecurity Norm: An Educational module for Life Science Students
Date: October 27, 2008
Location : Como, Italy
Participant(s): Bradford Disarmament Research Centre of the University of Bradford and Landau Network - Centro Volta
Description: The workshop will address content, dissemination, implementation, and strategies for biosecurity tertiary level education. Top

 

The Biosecurity Trust
Date: October 10, 2008
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Robert Hunt Sprinkle and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Biosecurity Seminar Series," at Princeton University. Top

 

Linking Global Surveillance for Human and Animal Diseases: Progress and Pitfalls
Date: October 3, 2008
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Peter M. Rabinowitz and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Biosecurity Seminar Series," at Princeton University. Top

 

Advancing Global Biological Threat Reduction
Date: September 26, 2008
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Kendra Chittenden and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Biosecurity Seminar Series," at Princeton University. Top

 

Meeting of Experts from States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
Date: August 18-22, 2008
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participant(s): State Parties to the BWC
Description: The Meeting of Experts (the second part of a four-year programme) is aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Convention and improving its effectiveness as a practical barrier against the development or use of biological weapons. The meeting will focus on n ational, regional and international measures to improve biosafety and biosecurity, as well as oversight, education, awareness raising, and adoption and/or development of codes of conduct. Top

 

Public Policy and Biological Threats
Date: July 26 - August 3, 2008
Location: Berkeley, CA, USA
Participant(s): UC Berkeley
Description: The multidisciplinary Public Policy and Biological Threats training program fosters a dynamic, collaborative, multidisciplinary learning environment for junior faculty, Ph.D. and professional-school students in the University of California system, and private industry professionals to analyze policy responses to bioterrorism and emerging public health threats. Top

 

Combating Bioterrorism / Pandemics: Implementing Policies for Biosecurity
Date: July 28-30, 2008
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
Participant(s): MIT, Professional Institute
Description: This workshop aims to address the organizational difficulties in addressing bioterrorism and the challenges of the implementation of biosecurity policies. Governments face new biosecurity priorities, including learning inter agency collaboration. Yet agencies have deeply embedded professional norms and organizational cultures, which resist change. MIT experts and affiliates explore the obstacles to implementation and strategies to overcome them. Top

 

Dual Uses of Biomedicine: Whose responsibility?
Date: July 9-10, 2008
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Participant(s): Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Swedish Emergency Management Agency, Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Swedish Research Council, Bank of Sweden Tercentenary Foundation
Description: This workshop looks at dual-use medicines.

 

Select Agent Program Regulations and High-Containment Laboratories
Date: June 25, 2008
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): AAAS Center for Science Technology and Security Policy
Description: The conference is a briefing on the select agent regulations and biosafety and biosecurity of high-containment research laboratories.  Top

 

Canadian Biosafety Symposium
Date: June 1-3, 2008
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Participant(s): Professionals interested in biosafety and biosecurity
Description: The symposium featurse presentations and posters on an array of biosafety topics, including containment facilities design, maintenance and equipment; laboratory management and operations; animal containment; biosecurity; and, infectious diseases affecting human and animals. Top

 

Synbiosafe E-conference
Date: May 5 - June 9, 2008
Location: Online
Participant(s): Open
Description: The conference was intended to stimulate open debate about the ethical issues surrounding synthetic biology. Top

 

A Market-Based Strategy for Improving Biosecurity
Date: May 2, 2008
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Kenneth N. Luongo and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Biosecurity Seminar Series," at Princeton University. Top

 

Project Coast: South Africa’s Apartheid-Era Chemical and Biological Warfare Program, and its Implications for Scientific Research and Global Health Security
Date: April 25, 2008
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Peter Folb and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Biosecurity Seminar Series," at Princeton University. Top

 

Between Terrorism and Indifference: Charting the Future of Biodefense Policy
Date: April 18 , 2008
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Jeanne Guillemin and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Biosecurity Seminar Series," at Princeton University. Top

 

Regional Meeting of the EU Joint Action in Support of the BTWC
Date: April 16-17, 2008
Location: Rome, Italy
Participant(s): European Union
Description: This EU Join Action seeks to promote universality and national implementation of the BWC. Top

 

Biosecurity in Synthetic Biology
Date: April 3, 2008
Location: Munich, Germany
Participant(s): Industry Association of Synthetic Biology
Description: The workshop focused on planning of appropriate risk management measures. These include systematic cataloguing and adequate user information via a dedicated internet portal as well as close monitoring of customer orders. Top

 

2nd International Forum on Biosecurity
Date: March 30 - April 2, 2008
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Participant(s): Various national academies and guests.
Description: The Forum, brought together organizations and individuals active in the field of biosecurity to discuss the roles and responsibilities of the international scientific community in fostering policies that promote both continuing scientific progress and greater international security. Top

 

Countering Biological Risks
Date: March 14 , 2008
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Terrence Taylor and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Biosecurity Seminar Series," at Princeton University. Top

 

Agricultural Bioterrorism
Date: March 12, 2008
Location: Stanford University, CA, USA
Participant(s): Richard Bostock and guests
Description: This seminar is being held by the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University. Top

 

The International Health Regulations: challenges and opportunities for global governance of disease
Date: February 29 , 2008
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Rebecca Katz and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Biosecurity Seminar Series," at Princeton University. Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: February 27-28, 2008
Location : Bethesda , MD , USA
Participant(s): NSABB
Description: The meeting agenda, presentations, and report are available on the website. Top

 

6th ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research
Date: February 24-27, 2008
Location: Baltimore, MD, USA
Participant(s): American Society for Microbiology
Description: This meeting brings together researchers and decision makers working to defend against bioterrorism. Top

 

 

2007

Global Biosecurity: Challenges & Opportunities: Options for Reducing Natural and Intentional Biological Risks
Date: December 18, 2007
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): David Franz and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

Biotechnology Nonproliferation: U.S. Export Regulations and International Collaboration
Date: December 11, 2007
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Elizabeth Scott and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

Meeting of States Parties to Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
Date: 10 - 14 December, 2007
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participant(s): State Parties to the BWC
Description: This inter review conference meeting is part of a four-year programme mandated by the Sixth Review Conference aimed at, “strengthening the implementation of the Convention and improving its effectiveness as a practical barrier against the development or use of biological weapons.” Top

 

Plague in a Virtual World: What Real World Bio-Security Can Learn from Warlock Night Elves
Date: November 27, 2007
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Nina Fefferman and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

Biosafety and Biosecurity International Conference 2007: A Seminar for the Life Sciences and Policy Communities the Gulf and MENA region
Date: November 12 - 14, 2007
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Participant(s): The Environment agency of Abu Dhabi & the International Council for Life Sciences (ICLS)
Description: The conference will feature presentations on best practices, standards, and training in biosafety and biosecurity and success stories for national and trans-national disease surveillance networks. Special attention will be paid to identifying priority areas for the Gulf and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and developing an action plan for future work. Top

 

8th Meeting of the Global Health Security Action Group
Date: November 2, 2007
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): Ministers/Secretaries/Commissioner of Health and senior health officials from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Mexico, the European Union and the World Health Organization.
Description: This annual meeting is held to coordinate public health activities throughout the world. Top

 

Strengthening a Global Biosecurity/Biosafety Framework and Coping with the Biotechnology Revolution
Date: October 25- 26, 2007
Location: Como, Italy
Participant(s): Landau Network Centro Volta (LNCV) and The Partnership for Global Security (PGS) Description: The workshop is aimed at examining options for global biosecurity. Top

 

Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences Presents "Biosecurity Code of Conduct"
Date: October 22, 2007
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Participant(s): Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences
Description: Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences has developed a code of conduct and is encouraging its implementation in organizations conducting life sciences research. "The code is intended to raise awareness among scientists of the potential misuse of their research." Top

 

National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) - Roundtable on Synthetic Biology
Date: October 11, 2007
Location: Bethesda , MD, USA
Participant(s): NSABB
Description: This roundtable will explore the biosecurity and biosafety dimensions of synthetic biology – the agenda is available on the NSABB website. Top

 

Prevention of Biocrimes: A Discussion on Achieving International Security while Promoting Scientific Advancement
Date: September 27, 2007
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): Barry Kellman, Special Agent Kristine Beardsley, Nancy Connell, and guests.
Description: This conference examine, “ the potential impact of measures to criminalize the misuse of biology on scientific advancement and international security. Top

 

The Future of Biosecurity Communications
Date: September 10, 2007
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): The US National Academy and the Federation for American Scientists
Description: The meeting will discuss how the biosecurity policy community can form the infrastructure necessary to effectively disseminate information to the public and other stakeholders on biosecurity. Top

 

Meeting of Experts from States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
Date: August 20-24, 2007
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participant(s): State Parties to the BWC
Description: The Meeting of Experts (the first part of a four-year programme) is aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Convention and improving its effectiveness as a practical barrier against the development or use of biological weapons. The 2007 Meeting of Experts will focus on ways and means to enhance national implementation and regional and sub-regional cooperation on implementation of the Convention. Top

 

Combating Bioterrorism / Pandemics: Implementing Policies for Biosecurity
Date: July 23-25, 2007
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
Participant(s): MIT, Professional Institute
Description: This workshop aims to address the organizational difficulties in addressing bioterrorism and the challenges of the implementation of biosecurity policies. Each agency has developed its only organizational style and is resistant to change during times of crisis. Participants will learn to identify how existing agencies will be able to change their priorities concerning bioweapons and how alternative approaches can be implemented. Finally, participants will tackle the question on how accurate information regarding bioterrorism and biosecurity may be provided to the public. Top

 

Public Policy and Biological Threats: Training the Next Generation
Date: July 22-August 4, 2007
Location: IGCC Public Policy and Biological Threats Program, UC San Diego, USA
Participant(s): UC San Diego and invited guests
Description: This summer training program will address among other things the following elements of public policy tools and biological threats: science of biological weapons and biological threats: an introduction to infectious diseases, treatment, weaponization, dispersion, and detection of biological agents best practices for organizing trans-disciplinary and high-volume data; Improved risk-scenario planning and improved tools for scenario building; Large-scale modeling evaluation analysis to achieve cost-benefit evaluations; Assessment of response strategies and plans, International rules and regime building (creation of shared understandings of the strategic challenge and policy norms); Strategic interaction analysis (game theory and other policy tools; Analysis of building consensus among stakeholders, including a concise introduction to public policymaking; and analysis of the intersection of the growth of a sophisticated biotechnology industry around the world and the issues posed for the control of bioterrorism. Top

 

Biodefense, genomics and synthetic biology: the dual-use dilemma
Date: 12 June, 2007
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): Dr. Claire Fraser-Liggett and guests.
Description: This conference is s ponsored by the National Institutes of Health Emergency Preparedness and Biodefense Interest Group. Top

 

Controlling Dangerous Pathogens Project Regional Workshop on Dual-Use Research
Date: May 28-30, 2007
Location: National University of Singapore, Singapore
Participants: The Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM)
Description: This workshop is designed to engage a broad range of government, scientific, academic, security, and industry experts in the Asian Pacific region on the issue of dual-use biotechnology research. It has two primary goals: to help raise awareness among key stakeholders about the dual-use issue; and to obtain feedback on the governance proposals that have been developed for managing the most consequential areas of dual-use research, whether government, academic or industry-sponsored. Top

Bio-Safety and Security in Asia (BIOSECASIA)
Date: May 21-22, 2007
Location: Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
Participant(s): Malaysian Science and Technology Research Institute for Defense(STRIDE) and guests
Description: This conference seeks to address issues and challenges regarding biosafety, biosecurity, and national defense. Moreover, the conference intends to function as a coordinating platform in developing policies, issuing guidance and encompassing issues in the advancement of biosecurity and biosafety and their impact on the global community. Top

 

Dual-Use Biotechnology Threats in a Post 9/11 World: Synthetic Genomics and Bioterrorism
Date: May 18, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participant(s): Dr. Kathleen Vogel and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

Terror Medicine
Date: May 11, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participant(s): Dr. Leonard A. Cole and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . This lecture will contain highly graphic materials that have been shown primarily to medical audiences.  It should not be attended by the faint-hearted. Top

 

The Weapon Potential of a Microbe and the Select Agents Act
Date: May 4, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participant(s): Dr. Arturo Casadevall and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

Dr. Ken Alibek presentation at Princeton University (Title to be Announced)
Date: April 27, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participant(s): Dr. Ken Alibek and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: April 19, 2007
Location: Bethesda , MD , USA
Participant(s): NSABB
Description: At the meeting the NSABB considered the DRAFT Report of the NSABB Working Group on Oversight Framework Development . Top

 

Emerging Exotic Diseases of Food Producing Animals: Global Implications
Date: April 13, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participant(s): Dr. James A. Roth and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

Agricultural Biosecurity - Protecting our Livestock and Crops
Date: April 2-3, 2007
Location: Washington D.C. , USA
Participants: American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Description: The Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy at AAAS will host this two-part briefing series on agriculture security and food defense.

 

The Threat of Bioterrorism and Pandemics since 9/11, How to Improve North American Cooperation
Date: April 2, 2007
Location: Washington D.C. , USA
Participants: American University Center for North American Studies
Description: This workshop on biosecurity and pandemic response within the North American community brought together experts to explore cooperation measures.

 

The Biological Weapons Threat and Nonproliferation Options: A Survey of Senior U.S. Decision Makers and Policy Shapers
Date: March 30, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participant(s): Dr. Amy Smithson and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

OECD releases "Best Practice Guidelines for Biological Resource Centres (BRCs)"
Date: March 27, 2007
Location: Paris, France
Participant(s): OECD Committee on Science and Technology Policy
Description: The OECD Best Practice Guidelines on Biosecurity for BRCs are designed to secure all types of biological materials (e.g. plant-, animal-, micro-organism- and human-derived) in proportion to the risk they present. The Guidelines on Biosecurity direct facilities within their purview to perform a risk assessment of the various biological materials they hold, assign a biosecurity risk level to each type of material and implement risk management practices to reduce the chance of their loss or theft. Top

 

Interpol Workshop on Preventing Bioterrorism
Date: March 19-21, 2007
Location: Muscat, Oman
Participant(s): Interpol and security representatives from various countries
Description: This workshop covering the Middle East and North Africa region called for delegates to encourage their governments to be aware of, and prepared for, the threat of biological attack.The three-day meeting aimed to educating senior law enforcement officials in areas relating to bioterrorism prevention and response, with input from international scientific and legal experts. Participants from 15 countries took part in a simulation of a major bioterrorism event to underline the importance of inter-agency co-operation.

 

"Synthetic Biology and Biological Security"
Date: March 9, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA .
Participants: Dr. Drew Endy and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: The seminar series hopes for a multidisciplinary approach to potential risks of dual use research. It seeks a collaborative relationships between policy and security experts and the life sciences community to improve strategies for addressing the dual-use dangers of modern biology. This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

Developing Options for Global Biosecurity: Assessing Progress and Evaluating New Mechanisms
Date: March 6 -7, 2007
Location : Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington D.C. , USA
Participant(s): organized by the Partnership for Global Security
Description : This workshop examines the scope of existing biosecurity activities and initiatives while outlining the new challenges arising from the rapid growth of the biotechnology sector. The seminars will consider a wide range of proposals that can facilitate the harmonization of global biosecurity approaches and mechanisms. The second part of the workshop will focus on a discussion of the formation of a Global Biosecurity Task Force, which will play an important advisory role to this project.  Top

 

The New Arms Race: Making the Case for an International Compact for Infectious Diseases
Date: February 16, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participant(s): Dr. Harvey Rubin and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

"Governance for Biological Threat Reduction: A Comprehensive, Interdisciplinary, International Approach.” 
Date: February 9, 2007
Location: Princeton , NJ , USA
Participants : Dr. Gerald L. Epstein and Dr. David Heyman and the Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description : The seminar series seeks to engage leading university, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industry scientists in discussions with security analysts on issues of biodefense, biothreats, biosecurity, biosafety, and bioethics in order to help the life sciences community contribute to biodefense policy development.  This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University . Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: January 31, 2007 (Closed Session)
Location: Bethesda , MD , USA
Participant(s): Closed Meeting, NSABB
Description: This was a closed meeting. The agenda, presentations, and report are not available.Top

 

2006

7th Meeting of the Global Health Security Action Group
Date: Late 2006
Location: Japan
Participant(s): Ministers/Secretaries/Commissioner of Health and senior health officials from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Mexico, the European Union and the World Health Organization.
Description: This annual meeting is held to coordinate public health activities throughout the world. Top

 

Controlling Dangerous Pathogens Project Regional Workshop on Dual-Use Research
Date: December 8-10, 2006
Location: Teresopolis, Brazil
Participants: The Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM)
Description: The second Regional Workshop on Dual-Use Research had two primary purposes: to help raise awareness among key stakeholders about the dual-use issue; and to obtain feedback on the governance proposal that we have developed for managing the most consequential areas of dual-use research. Nearly two dozen scientists, academic researchers, government science ministry officials, security experts, and industry representatives participated in the workshop, from 8 Latin American and Caribbean countries.

 

6th Review Conference for the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction - often referred to as the Biological Weapons Convention - BWC
Date: 20 November - 8 December 2006
Location: Geneva , Switzerland
Participant(s): State Parties to the BWC
Description: This is the 6th BWC Review Conference and the first since the establishment of intercessional Experts’ Meetings. At the Conference, States will discuss ways of strengthening the BWC. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan addressed the Conference, pointing to the heightened insecurity after September 11, 2001, and the growing importance of countries to come together to address the global threat of potential advancements in science and technology. Top

 

Workshop: Biosecurity & Genomics
Date: 13-14 November 2006
Location: Edinburgh, UK
Participant(s): Representatives from OECD, US NAS, UK Royal Society as well as social and political scientists
Description: This workshop will explore the emergence of biosecurity controls and their impact on genomics and biomedical research. Top

 

Enhancing Biosafety and Biosecurity: Developing National and International Strategies
Date: November 7-9, 2006
Location: Moscow , Russia
Participant(s): ICLS, NP TEMPO, and the  I.M. Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy
Description: At this seminar, the International Council of Life Scientists (ICLS) announced the development of International Advisory Groups (IAGs) composed of local partners and international experts to promote best practices, standards and training curricula. The IAGs sought to enhance biosafety and biosecurity on an international, regional and national level. Top

 

Interpol Workshop on Preventing Bioterrorism
Date: November 6-8, 2006
Location: Kiev , Ukraine
Participant(s): Interpol and security representatives from various countries
Description: This workshop followed the 1st Interpol Global Conference on Preventing Bioterrorism and regional workshops ( Africa , Asia , and the Americas ). It sought to provide information and training in bioterrorism prevention policies and to enhance response capabilities in Member States. Furthermore, the conference served as an opportunity to bring together international, regional and national organisations and law enforcement agencies to promote greater cooperation. In launching its Biocriminalization Project, Interpol focused the agenda on the development of national legislation and possible national information gaps. Top

 

Chemical and Biological Weapons: Facing Future Challenges
Date: 29 September - 1 October 2006
Location: West Sussex, United Kingdom
Participant(s): Wilton Park and the International Security Bureau of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Description: This conference was aimed at analyzing questions such as, "What are the prospects beyond the Biological and Toxin Weapons Review Conference? What are the critical issues in the run up to the 2008 Chemical Weapons Review Conference? How can industry be more involved and what are the implications of technological change for CBW non-proliferation? What are the future prospects for counter-proliferation?" Top

 

OECD/Russian Federation Workshop on “Biosecurity of Microbial Biological Resources – Complementing Innovation”
Date: 20 - 21 September 2006
Location: Moscow, Russia
Participant(s): OECD and the Russian Federation
Description: The Workshop will focus on how to improve research on biosecurity and biosecurity measures in entities handling dangerous biological materials. Top

OPCW and IUPAC Develop Code of Ethical Principles of Chemistry
Date: September 21 – 22, 2006
Location: Bologna , Italy
Participant(s): Scientific Advisory Board of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)
Description: This joint seminar centered on the OPCW/IUPAC chemical education and outreach project, particularly focusing on the development of a code of conduct for the scientific community dealing with chemistry. Discussions on a Code of Ethics were perceived as relevant to ensure that university and post-graduate curricula in chemistry will include education in the ethical norms that govern the peaceful uses of chemistry. Top

Bioterrorism International Coordination Exercise (Black ICE)
Date: 7-8 September 2006
Location: Montreux, Switzerland
Participant(s): The United States Department of State and the Foreign Ministry of Switzerland as well as numerous intergovernmental organizations
Description: This two-day tabletop exercise is an opportunity for officials from numerous international organizations to examine the critical cooperation and coordination issues that would be necessary to respond to an international bioterrorism attack. Top

Scientific and Technological Developments Relevant to the Biological & Toxin Weapons Convention
Date: 4-6 September 2006
Location: The Royal Society, London, United Kingdom
Participant(s): The Royal Society (RS), InterAcademy Panel (IAP) & International Council for Science (ICSU)
Description: The workshop brought together 84 leading international scientific and policy experts from 23 countries to provide independent and authoritative advice to BTWC States Parties on new scientific and technological developments relevant to the Sixth Review Conference, which will take place in Geneva between 20 November and 8 December 2006. Top

 

 

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: 13 July, 2006
Location: Bethesda, MD, USA
Participant(s): NSABB Board Members (click for list)
Description: This is the fourth meeting of the NSABB. The meeting agenda and presentations are not yet available. Top

 

Biological Threats to Global Health and Security
Date: 26 June 2006
Location: Monterey, California, USA
Participant(s): Commonwealth Club of California and the Monterey Institute of International Studies
Description: As the threat from infectious diseases grows as a result of technology and increased travel and population density, the world's ability to deal with such threats is increasingly inadequate. Panel participants will discuss the threats and the adequacy of measures put in place to address it. Top

 

Controlling Dangerous Pathogens Project Regional Workshop on Dual-Use
Date: 12 - 14 May 2006
Location: Matrahaza, Hungary
Participant(s): The Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM)
Description: CISSM designed this workshop to engage a broad range of scientific, academic, government, security, and industry experts on the issue of dual-use biotechnology research. It had two primary goals: to help raise awareness among key stakeholders about the dual-use issue; and to build support for the development of internationally harmonized arrangements for managing the most consequential areas of dual-use research, whether government, academic or industry-sponsored. Nearly 30 scientists, academic researchers, government science and health ministry officials, security experts, and industry representatives representing 15 Western and Eastern European countries participated in the workshop. Three international organizations -- the World Health Organization (WHO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) -- were also represented. Top

Managing Dual-use Biosecurity Concerns in the Bioindustry
Date: 13 April 2006
Location: Paris, France
Participant(s): Institut de Relations Internationales et Strategiques (IRIS) and guests
Description: IRIS is holding a debate series on nonproliferation and disarmament, this event will focus on dual-use concerns. For more info, contact: karbal@iris-france.org

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: 30 - 31 March, 2006
Location: Bethesda, MD, USA
Participant(s): NSABB Board Members (click for list)
Description: At this meeting, the NSABB was brought up to date on Working Group and related NGO activities related to biosecurity. Top

 

 

Biodefense Research: NIH Role, NIH Management, Oversight of Safety, Oversight of Security, and Oversight of Dual-Use Implications
Date: 10 March, 2006
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

2nd Biological Weapons Convention Regional Workshop
Date: 6-7 March, 2006
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Participants: The Australian and Indonesian governments along with regional neighbors
Description: Following on a regional workshop held in February 2005, "The objectives of the Second Workshop were to promote regional awareness of and engagement in the BWC; to discuss the importance of bio-security; to examine national mechanisms for maintenance of the security and oversight of pathogenic micro-organisms and toxins; to facilitate the establishment of a forum for networking with a view to developing partnerships in enhancing bio-security and bio-safety; and to provide a forum for sharing of information." Top

 

University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics Calls for International Organization to Monitor Biotechnology
Date: 28 February, 2006
Location: Toronto, Canada
Participant(s): University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics
Description: In the report entitled, "DNA for Peace: Reconciling Biodevelopment and Biosecurity," the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics calls for an International Organization to monitor biotechnology. The group concluded that despite biotechnology's promise to improve living standards around the globe, there is a great deal of risk of misuse. They urge the G8 to identify an appropriate organization (similar to the IAEA for atomic energy) to monitor the use of biotechnology so that the risks and benefits are balanced.

 

Assessing Synthetic Genomics: Applications, Risks, and Governance
Date: 24 February, 2006
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

The Life Sciences, Biosecurity, and Dual-Use Research
Date: 23 February, 2006
Location: Ithaca, NY, USA
Participant(s): Cornell University Peace Studies Program
Description: This presentation is meant to inform participants about current issues arising from dual use research in the life sciences and spur debate. Top

 

The American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) Annual Meeting
Date: 18 February, 2006
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Participant(s): AAAS and guests
Description: Though this meeting will cover many topics unrelated to biosecurity, there are three symposia of particular interest: Future Potential of Biological Weapons: Science, Technology, and Policy; Biosecurity Challenges in the Post 9-11 World; & Codes of Conduct and the Biological Weapons Convention. Top

 

Future Measures on Strengthening the BWC Regime
Date: 14 February, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Participant(s): 26 Nations
Description: Twenty six nations met in Tokyo to exchange views on the BWC and prepare for the formal BWC review conference later this year. Top

 

Preventing Bio Violence - The Need for International Legal Action
Date: 10 February, 2006
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This presentation is part of the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

Russian Scientist States That Bird Flu is not a Biological Weapon
Date: 2 February, 2006
Location: Russia
Participant(s): Oleg Kiselyov, head of the Russian Influenza Research Institute
Description: Kiselyov stated that the Bird Flu virus was not manmade. He claims that, "we have not advanced enough to create such a genetic machine.” He also stated that international agreements needed to be signed to effectively fight the spread of avian flu. Top

 

Globalization, Biosecurity, and the Future of the Life Sciences
Date: 31 January, 2006
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): US National Academy of Science (NAS) and guests
Description: A new report by the US NAS call for a coordinated global effort to stem the threat of misuse of the biosciences. It recommends the creation of an independent advisory board that could analyze and forecast advances in the biosciences and coordinate with intelligence officials. The full report can be found here. Top

 

Advancing the International Biosecurity Dialogue: Clarifying Definitions
Date: 27 January, 2006
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): Nearly 40 experts invited by the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
Description: There is great national and international interest in biosecurity and the associated topic of biosafety. Dialogue is hindered to a degree because these terms do not have a universally understood meaning and in fact mean different things in different communities.  The goal of the meeting was to determine whether additional work on this topic could contribute to reducing definitional confusion and establish overlaps and areas of agreement between definitions. Top

 

2005

Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction - often referred to as the Biological Weapons Convention - BWC
Date: 5 – 9 December, 2005
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participant(s): State Parties to the BWC
Description: This is the final intercessional meetings of States Parties. At the Conference, States will discuss strengthening the BWC through codes of conduct for life scientists. States Parties agreed on the importance of codes being, "compatible with national legislation and regulatory controls and contributing to national implementation measures; simple, clear and easily understandable both to scientists and to wider civil society; relevant, helpful and effective for guiding relevant actors in making decisions and taking action in accordance with the purposes and objectives of the Convention; sufficiently broad in scope; and regularly reviewed, evaluated for effectiveness, and revised as necessary." Top

 

Strengthening European Action on WMD Non-proliferation and Disarmament: How Can Community Instruments Contribute?
Date: 7 – 8 December, 2005
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Participant(s): UNIDIR, ISIS-Europe, SIPRI, and guests
Description: This conference presented the finding of a one-year research study undertaken by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). The research was aimed at exploring the ways in the EU can contribute to strengthening non-proliferation efforts. Top

 

Bioscience Oversight: Where are We and Where Should We Go?
Date: 2 December, 2005
Location: Princeton, NJ, USA
Participant(s): Princeton Program on Science and Global Security
Description: This was the initial workshop to kick off the, "Helping the Life-Sciences Community Contribute to Biodefense Policy Development," program at Princeton University. Top

 

The InterAcademy Panel (IAP) releases a statement on biosecurity
Date: 1 December, 2005
Location: Trieste, Italy
Participant(s): More than 65 National Academies of Science
Description: The IAP released a statement on biosecurity which has been signed by a majority of its members. The IAP released a statement on biosecurity which has been signed by a majority of its members. The statement lays out principles (in the areas of awareness, safety & security, education & information, accountability, and oversight) to guide individuals and organizations in developing codes of conduct for life scientists. The full statement and list of signatories is available on the IAP site. Top

 

Interpol African Regional Training Workshop on Bioterrorism
Date: 21 - 23 November, 2005
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Participant(s): Interpol and police representatives from various African countries
Description: Interpol’s bio-terrorism prevention initiative is seeking to guide its 184 member countries toward improved awareness, preparedness and a clear understanding of the measures police agencies need to take to prevent bioterror attacks.  Interpol will host regional training workshops with senior police officials that have operational and/or training responsibilities, as well as experts in the terrorism field to train them in the context of bio-terrorism prevention and first-response. South Africa will host the first of these workshops in November 2005, and others will follow in Singapore in March 2006 and Chile later in 2006. Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: 21 - 22 November, 2005
Location: Bethesda, MD, USA
Participant(s): NSABB Board Members (click for list)
Description: This is the second meeting of the NSABB. The meeting will focus on progress of board business following the inaugural NSABB meeting. Top

 

6th Meeting of the Global Health Security Action Group
Date: 18 November, 2005
Location: Rome, Italy
Participant(s): Ministers/Secretaries/Commissioner of Health and senior health officials from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Mexico, the European Union and the World Health Organization.
Description: This annual meeting is held to coordinate public health activities throughout the world. Top

 

6th European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) / European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Conference on Science and Society
Date: 28 – 29 October, 2005
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
Participant(s): EMBO/EMBL and guests
Description: This conference is to promote mutual interest, understanding, and dialogue between biologists and a variety of other sectors of society that are concerned with the impact of modern biology. Top

 

Protecting Against Foodborne Threats to Health
Date: 25– 26 October, 2005
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): US National Institute of Medicine and guests
Description: Deliberate contamination of food by chemical or biological agents can occur at any vulnerable point along the food chain - from farm to table - depending upon both the food and the agent.  In an attempt to understand the nature and extent of foodborne threats to health and what policies and practices are in place to identify and mitigate these risks, the workshop will explore risks associated with globalization of the food supply, burden of illness associated with foodborne threats to health, regulatory responsibility in both the domestic and international realms, and threat reduction research and policy opportunities. Top

 

The Responsibility of Scientists in a Changing World
Date: 25 October, 2005
Location: New York, NY, USA
Participant(s): The NY Academy of Sciences and guests
Description: In recognition of the 60th anniversary, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, public forums are being convened to address contemporary issues at the forefront of science, global security, and sustainability. Top

 

Singapore Passes "Biological Agents & Toxins Bill"
Date: 18 October, 2005
Location: Singapore, Singapore
Participant(s): The Singaporean Government
Description: Singapore's strict new Biological Agents & Toxins Bill imposes up to a one million dollar fine and life imprisonment for anyone found flouting its rules concerning biological agents. The bill sets up a framework regulating biological activities in Singapore which addresses import/export controls, biosafety, and biological terrorism. Top

 

Reconstruction of the 1918 Flu Virus
Date: 5 October, 2005
Location: Rockville, MD, USA
Participant(s): Two teams of US federal and university scientists
Description: The 1918 flu virus, which caused the deaths of over 20 million people, was reconstructed through a full genetic sequencing. The scientists were sensitive to concerns that the work shouldn't be published due to the risk for misuse. The work was submitted to the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), which unanimously voted that the benefits of the research outweighed the risk of misuse. Despite this vote of confidence, critics are unconvinced, and are calling the publication "foolish" and a "Recipe for Destruction (editorial)" because of its potential for use as a biological weapon. Top

 

CBW Proliferation: Developing New Responses
Date: 30 September - 2 October, 2005
Location: West Sussex , UK
Participant(s): Wilton Park and the Chemical and Biological Arms Control institute
Description: This conference convened to answer a number of questions related to how chemical and biological weapons regimes can be strengthened. Top

 

The Global Bargain for Biosecurity and Health
Date: 28 September - 1 October, 2005
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Participant(s): The International Consortium on Law and Strategic Security & The International Law institute of Uganda
Description: This conference convened to discuss the ways in which security against biological weapons and promotion of global public health are interlinked. It asserts that legitimate bioscience is good for society and should be advanced while international laws are developed to protect against the spread of disease, oversee scientific research, and criminalize the misuse of pathogens. Top

 

Asia Pacific Roundtable: Preventing the Hostile Use of the Life Sciences
Date: 20 - 21 September, 2005
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Participant(s): The Asia - Pacific life sciences community
Description: To advance the International Committee of the Red Cross' belief that scientists, health professionals, and those who employ them, have a responsibility to uphold the international rules prohibiting the hostile use of the life sciences, the event, was intended to foster the creation of a regional network of specialists. Top

 

Joint Statement on Biomedical Research Misuse Issued by the Wellcome Trust, the Medical Research Council (MRC), and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Date: 8 September, 2005
Location: UK
Participant(s): The Wellcome Trust, MRC, & BBSRC
Description: Three of the largest biosciences funding institutions in the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on the misuse of research for harmful purposes by terrorists or others. The statement, which builds on previous policies enacted by the institutions to curtail abuse, initiates a change in funding policies requiring applicants to address questions specifically aimed at determining the research's potential for misuse. Top

 

Education and Raising Awareness: Challenges of Responsible Stewardship of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences
Date: 8 - 9 September, 2005
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): The US National Academies & the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Description: This conference brought together experts to discuss the responsible stewardship of dual use research and the effectiveness and utility of codes. Top

 

China issues white paper on, "China's Endeavors for Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation"
Date: 1 September, 2005
Location: Beijing, China
Participant(s): The Chinese Government
Description: The white paper was released by the Chinese government to clarify its positions and elaborate on its efforts in relation to Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation. In regards to the Biological Weapons Convention, China states that the international community should take three actions: encourage more countries to accede to the BWC and urge all its States Parties to fulfill their obligations in a comprehensive and faithful manner, maintain and facilitate the multilateral process aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the BWC and explore and formulate concrete measures through full consultations, and encourage more countries to submit to the UN declarations on confidence-building measures regarding the BWC. Top

 

US and Ukraine sign an agreement to stem bioterrorism threat
Date: 30 August, 2005
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Participant(s): US and Ukrainian Governments
Description: The US and Ukraine signed an agreement designed to stem the risk of bioterrorism. The agreement places new safeguards on Soviet-era biological weapons facilities that could be vulnerable to theft. Top

 

The US Department of State releases the, "Adherence to and Compliance With Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments," report
Date: 30 August, 2005
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participant(s): US Department of State Bureau of Verification and Compliance
Description: The report, which is required by Section 403 of the Arms Control and Disarmament Act, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2593), documents US and international efforts at compliance with international arms agreements. In the report, the US claims that Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Syria continue to maintain biological weapons programs and that China maintains 'some elements' of an offensive biological program. The report goes on to state that US experts are divided as to whether or not Cuba is attempting to develop offensive biological weapons. Top

 

France Increases Bird Flu Defence
Date: 30 August, 2005
Location: Paris, France
Participant(s): The French Government
Description: France announced that it is increasing its defences against the H5N1 strain of bird flu which infected humans in Asia. They stated that there is a "moderate but real" risk of the virus being carried to Europe via migratory birds. France will increase border controls and begin stockpiling vaccine and protective masks to be used in the event of an outbreak. Top

 

New York City conducts large test for biochemical attack
Date: 8 August, 2005
Location: New York City (NYC), NY, USA
Participant(s): Around 100 scientists
Description: NYC scientists began simulating a terrorist attack using biochemical gas released in the city's metro system. The tests will help officials plan evacuation routes and emergency efforts in case of a real attack. Top

 

Training Course on Prevention and Crisis Management of Biological Terrorism
Date: 18 - 22 July, 2005
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Participant(s): Approximately 50 expert participants from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, People's Republic of China, Japan, the US, Canada, France, Singapore, and the World Health Organization.
Description: At this training course, experts discussed past experiences in bioterrorism, biosecurity, infectious diseases and surveillance, preparedness and response. Top

 

Meeting of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: 30 June - 1 July, 2005
Location: Bethesda, MD, USA
Participant(s): NSABB Board Members (click for list)
Description: This is the first meeting of the NSABB. At the meeting members will be sworn in and introduced and the structure and function of the board will be discussed. Following will be presentations relevant to the Board's work. The agenda of the meeting is available on the NSABB website. Top

 

Appointment of the Members of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB)
Date: 29 June, 2005
Location: Bethesda, MD, USA
Description:  US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt announced the appointment of 24 members to the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB). The 24 members consist of doctors, scientists, lawyers, researchers, publishers, and consultants from government, academia, and the private sector. The list of members is available from the link above. Top

 

Publication of "Analyzing a bioterror attack on the food supply: The case of botulinum toxin in milk" in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science (PNAS)
Date: 28 June, 2005
Participants: Lawrence M. Wein and Yifan Liu
Description:  This paper was the subject of debate because it was labeled by Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Stewart Simonson as, "a road map for terrorists and [its] publication is not in the interests of the United States," in a letter to the science academy chief Dr. Bruce Alberts. The paper gives "very detailed information on vulnerability nodes" in the milk supply chain and "includes ... very precise information on the dosage of botulinum toxin needed to contaminate the milk supply to kill or injure large numbers of people," Simonson wrote. After debate, PNAS decided to publish the article with an accompanying editorial by Alberts in which he wrote that all of this information is "immediately accessible on the World Wide Web through a simple Google search." He continued, "A terrorist who wants to do great damage will therefore not find anything in the article that is likely to increase his or her certainty concerning the minimum level of toxin to use," Alberts wrote. Top

 

Brazil's Biosecurity Law Faces Legal Challenge
Date: 21 June, 2005
Participants: Claudio Fonteles (Brazil's attorney-general)
Description:  Brazil's attorney-general asked the Brazilian Supreme Court to review the countries four-month old Biosecurity Law. Specifically, Fonteles challenged a section of the law that gives the Brazilian National Biosafety Committee (CTNBio), rather than federal and local governments, the power to decide whether a genetically modified organism (GMO) is environmentally safe. Top

 

Third Intercessional Meeting of Experts of Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BWC)
Date: 13 – 24 June, 2005
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participant(s): State Parties to the BWC
Description: This was the third intercessional expert’s meeting prior to the 6th BWC Review Conference (to be held in 2006). It focused on the content, promulgation, and adoption of codes of conducts for scientists. Top

 

Virginia Tech: University Biosecurity Summit
Date: 9 - 10 May, 2005
Location: Alexandria, VA, USA
Participant(s): Representatives from 12 U.S. and Canadian universities, two
prominent non-profit institutes, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health and the President’s Council on Bioethics
Description: This conference was held based on the conviction of Virginia Tech that the complexity, challenges and diversity of the problem set of biosecurity requires strong consideration be given now to developing and preparing the next generation within academia to support and advance global biodefense. Virginia Tech reasoned that this will only succeed by the current generation of biosecurity performers laying down a well conceived and robust foundation in a coordinated and harmonious manner for those who will succeed us. Top

 

New Defense Agenda (NDA) 4th Experts' Meeting on Bioterrorism
Date: 25 April, 2005
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Participant(s): NDA’s Bioterrorism Reporting Group
Description: NDA convened its 4th Bioterrorism Report Group meeting on the subject, “ Countering Bioterrorism: How can Europe and the United States work together?” Top

 

International Forum on Biosecurity
Date: 20-22 March 2005
Location: Como, Italy
Participant(s): The InterAcademy Panel on International Issues (IAP), the International Council for Science (ICSU), the InterAcademy Medical Panel (IAMP), The National Academies of the United States, and guests.
Description: This Forum was convened to discuss issues raised in the 2003 report by The National Academies on Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism that reflects growing awareness that rapid developments in the life sciences and biomedical research, while offering great benefits, also pose the risk that the knowledge, tools, and techniques that enable these advances might be misused to cause deliberate harm. Top

 

Preventing Bioterrorism: The 1st Interpol Global Conference on Bioterrorism
Date: 01 - 02 March, 2005
Location: Lyon, France
Participant(s): Senior police officers including Chiefs of Police, Heads of NCB and those involved in counter-terrorism; relevant national and international governmental and non governmental agencies, academics and scientists.
Description: Interpol convened this conference to discuss and examine how to strengthen law enforcement preparedness and develop effective police training for bioterror events. Top

 

Biological Weapons Convention Regional Workshop
Date: 21 - 25 February, 2005
Location: Asia-Pacific Centre for Military Law, University of Melbourne, Australia
Participants: The Australian and Indonesian governments
Description: Workshop participants discussed the obligations of States Parties to the BWC, codes of conduct for scientists involved in biological research, different approaches to national implementing legislation, biological defence and surveillance, detection and combating of infectious diseases. Top

 

New Defence Agenda (NDA) 3rd Experts’ Meeting on Bioterrorism
Date: 25 January, 2005
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Participant(s): NDA’s Bioterrorism Reporting Group
Description: NDA convened its 3rd Bioterrorism Report Group meeting on the subject, “Next Generation Threat Reduction: Bioterrorism’s Challenges and Solutions.” Top

 

2004

Second Intercessional Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction - often referred to as the Biological Weapons Convention - BWC
Date: 6 - 10 December, 2004
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: State Parties to the BWC
Description: This was the second intercessional meeting of states of parties to the BWC. At the Conference, States discussed ways of strengthening the BWC. Top

 

5th Meeting of the Global Health Security Action Group
Date: December 2004
Location: Paris, France
Participant(s): Ministers/Secretaries/Commissioner of Health and senior health officials from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Mexico, the European Union and the World Health Organization.
Description: This annual meeting is held to coordinate public health activities throughout the world. Top

 

“Promoting Responsible Stewardship in the Biosciences: Avoiding Potential Abuse of Research and Resources”
Date: 17 -19 November, 2004
Location: Frascati, Italy
Participants: OECD International Futures Programme and guests
Description: In September 2004, 55 participants selected from government, academia, industry, public research organizations, scientific societies, and the science publishing field gathered in Frascati, Italy for three days to discuss the promotion of responsible stewardship in the biosciences and means of avoiding the potential abuse of research and resources. Top

 

Biological Weapons: Coping with the Current Threats
Date: 12 November, 2004
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Participants: Simons Centre for Disarmament and Non-proliferation Research and Guests
Description: This conference brought together experts to discuss the threats posed by biological weapons and the dual use dilemma posed by biotechnology research. Top

 

New Defence Agenda (NDA) 2nd Experts' Meeting on Bioterrorism
Date: 18 October, 2004
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Participants: NDA's Bioterrorism Reporting Group
Description: NDA convened its second Bioterrorism Report Group meeting on the subject "Countering Bioterrorism: Science, Technology and Oversight." Top

 

Do No Harm: reducing the Potential for Misuse of Life Sciences research (Joint Royal Society - Wellcome Trust Conference)
Date: 7 October, 2004
Location: Royal Society, London, UK
Participants: Life Scientists, Policy Makers and Interested Parties
Description: This meeting was convened in response to the increased Concern of scientific misuse following the 2001 Anthrax attacks in the US and as a prelude to the 2005 BWC experts meeting which will be chaired by the UK and focus on codes of conduct for scientists. Top

 

Biosafety and Biosecurity Workshop for the Central Asian and Caucasus Regions
Date: 20 - 21 September, 2004
Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Participants: The International Science and Technology Center and guests
Description: This meeting was held to provide biological nonproliferation training to government officials and public health workers of the Central Asian and Caucasus regions. Top

 

Second Intercessional Meeting of Experts of Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction - Often referred to as the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
Date: 19 - 30 July, 2004
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: State Parties to the BWC, UN, Specialized Agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations and Guests
Description: This was the second intercessional experts' meeting prior to the 6th BWC Review Conference (to be held in 2006). It focused on strengthening biological weapons surveillance systems and enhancing international capabilities for responding to the alleged use of biological weapons.Top

 

New Defence Agenda (NDA) First Experts' Meeting on Bioterrorism
Date: 21 June, 2004
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Participants: NDA's Bioterrorism Reporting Group
Description: "Prevention and Protection". This also served as a brainstorming session to guide further discussion by the Reporting Group. Top

 

Biotechnology, Weapons and Humanity: ICRC outreach to the life science community on preventing hostile use of the life sciences
Date: 7 May, 2004
Location: London, UK
Participants: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the British Red Cross
Description: This one day roundtable brought together representatives of the British life sciences community in order to promote cross-sectoral engagement on the issues raised by the ICRC in regards to misuse of life science research. Top

 

United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540
Date: 28 April, 2004
Location: New York, NY, USA
Participants: UN Security Council
Description: This UNSCR attempts to prevent individuals, organisations and terrorist groups from obtaining or spreading nuclear, chemical and biological weapons as well as their means of delivery. Top

 

Roundtable on Biosecurity
Date: 19 April, 2004
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participants: The United Nations Foundation, the National Academies, the Nuclear Threat Initiative, & guests.
Description: At this experts' roundtable, participants explored the role of the United Nations in responding to biological threats to international security – both the natural hazards of emerging and reemerging microbial threats to health and the risk that states or terrorists would deliberately use disease as a weapon. Experts discussed the approaches that the UN has taken and could take to address these closely interrelated threats. Key ideas from the papers commissioned for this roundtable are used to inform the High-Level Panel. Top

 

Creation of the US National Science Advisory Board
Date: 4 March, 2004
Location: NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
Participants: Up to 25 voting members along with non-voting members from the 15 US federal agencies and departments
Description: In response to the US National Academy of Sciences report entitled "Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism," the NSABB was established by the US Government to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Director of National Institutes of Health and the heads of all other government agencies supporting or conducting life science research. Top

 

International Symposium: "Securing High Consequence Pathogens and Toxins"
Date: 1 - 6 February, 2004
Location: Albuquerque, NM, USA
Participants: Over 60 bioscience and policy experts from 14 countries
Description: Sandia National Laboratories, a United States Department of Energy technical organization, conducted this international biosecurity symposium. It focused on approaches to secure high consequence pathogens and toxins, located in bioscience facilities worldwide, from possible theft or diversion. The symposium addressed the need to balance security with microbiological research, and identified areas for international cooperation.Top

 

Conference on the ethical implications of scientific research on bioweapons and prevention of bioterrorism
Date: 3-4 February, 2004
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Participants: European Commission, DG Research, Directorate for “Biotechnology, Agriculture and Food
Research” & Guests
Description: The Conference brought together a multidisciplinary group of experts to discuss the ethical
implications of scientific research on bioweapons and prevention of bioterrorism including issues such as risk communication, dual use technologies and protection of human subjects involved in biodefence
research. Top

 

Publication of "Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism" (aka "The Fink Report"
Date: 2004
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participants: Gerald R. Fink et al.
Description: This influential report lays out a strategy to maintain security of sensitive biological information without hindering cooperative research and development. Top

 

2003

Libya abandons its WMD program
Date: 19 December, 2003
Location: Libya
Participants: The Libyan Government
Description: After years of denying its suspected WMD program, the Libyan government admitted it had continuously attempted to develop WMD, agreed to halt weapons development and cooperate with international inspectors to dismantle WMD facilities. Top

 

World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology
Third session of the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST)
Date: 1 - 4 December, 2003
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Participants: COMEST and guests
Description: This COMEST session focused for the first time on new themes such as the ethics of nanotechnology, ethics education, and an oath and a code of conduct for scientists. Top

 

4th Meeting of the Global Health Security Action Group
Date: November 2003
Location: Berlin, Germany
Participant(s): Ministers/Secretaries/Commissioner of Health and senior health officials from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Mexico, the European Union and the World Health Organization.
Description: This annual meeting is held to coordinate public health activities throughout the world. Top

 

First meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of bacterial (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BWC)
Date: 10 - 14 November, 2003
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: State parties to the BWC, UN, Specialized Agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations and Guests
Description: This was the second intercessional meeting of states of parties to the BWC. At the Conference, States discussed ways of strengthening the BWC. Top

 

First Intercessional Meeting of Experts of Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BWC)
Date: 10 - 14 November, 2003
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: State parties to the BWC, UN, Specialized Agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations and Guests
Description: This was the first intercessional experts' meeting prior to the 6th BWC Review Conference (to be held in 2006). It focused on the adoption of national implementation measures to implement the prohibitions set forth in the BWC and the security and oversight of pathogens by parties to the BWC. Top

 

National Security & Biological Research: What are the Boundaries?
Date: 11 November, 2003
Location: New York Academy of Sciences, NY, USA
Participants: Experts from the scientific, institutional, academic and government sectors
Description: At this conference, experts debated the changing relationships between science and law enforcement, and speakers discussed major initiatives to preserve scientific integrity while maintaining security interests. Top

 

20th Pugwash Workshop Study Group on the
Implementation of the CBW Conventions:
The BWC Intercessional Process towards the Sixth Review Conference and Beyond
Date: 8 - 9 November, 2003
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: The Harvard Sussex Program, Swiss Pugwash Group, and guests
Description: This workshop focused on the 5th BWC review conference and discussed codes of conduct that would function to increase awareness among biologists, chemists, and geneticist of the possibility of misuse of their research for the production or delivery of chemical or biological weapons. Top

 

Pugwash Workshop on Science, Ethics and Society
Date: 27 - 29 June, 2003
Location: Paris, France
Participants: Pugwash and guests
Description: This workshop discussed the ethical responsibilities of scientists in the modern world.Top

 

Statement on scientific publication and security from editors
Date: February 2003
Location: Science, Nature and PNAS
Participants: Over 30 editors of major life sciences journals
Description: A joint statement by the editors of numerous life sciences journals recognized the necessity of open scientific publication for peer and public review as well as the possibility for misuse. They therefore charged the science and publishing community with regulating the way in which results are disseminated in order to allow review while not putting society at risk. Top

 

Arrests in the UK in connection with a proposed Ricin attack
Date: 11 January, 2003
Location: UK
Participants: Possible Al-Qaeda Operatives
Description: British authorities arrest 23 people and seize equipment in connection with a proposed Ricin attack in the UK. Though Ricin is considered a chemical, this incident underscores the fact that terrorist groups wish to possess such weapons for use against civilians. Top

 

Scientific Openness and National Security Conference
Date: 9 January, 2003
Location: NAS, Washington DC, USA
Participants: Experts from the scientific, institutional, academic and government sectors
Description: The one day conference, sponsored by NAS and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, focused on the dissemination of scientific results in the post September 11th landscape. Top

 

2002

3rd Meeting of the Global Health Security Action Group
Date: December 2002
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Participant(s): Ministers/Secretaries/Commissioner of Health and senior health officials from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Mexico, the European Union and the World Health Organization.
Description: This annual meeting is held to coordinate public health activities throughout the world. Top

 

Fifth Review Conference (2nd of 2 sessions, first session held on 19 November - 7 December, 2001) of Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BWC)
Date: 11 - 22 November, 2002
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: State Parties of the BWC
Description: During this review a draft text of an international protocol for BWC verification was produced. It was eventually rejected, but other proposals for strengthening the BWC were issued. In order to discuss implementation of these proposals, it was decided that an intercessional expert's meeting would occur every year for the 3 years prior to the 6th BWC Review Conference (to be held in 2006). Top

 

Preventing the Misuse of Biotechnology
Date: 15 November, 2002
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Participants: The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Description: This conference examined the differences between the tools needed to combat biological weapons proliferation and more conventional nonproliferation endeavors because of the biotechnology's dual use nature. The conference concluded that, "neither traditional national security nor typical arms control methods are appropriate because the relevant material, equipment, information, and expertise are globally distributed in legitimate research institutions, commercial enterprises, and government bio-defense programs." The panel therefore explored alternative strategies such as self-governance, cooperative security, and criminalization for preventing the misuse of biotechnology without impeding beneficial research. Top

 

18th Workshop of the Pugwash Study Group on the
Implementation of the Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions:
The Resumption of the Fifth BWC Review Conference 2002 and Beyond
Date: 9 -10 November, 2002
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: The Harvard Sussex Program, Swiss Pugwash Group, and guests
Description: This workshop focused on the 5th BWC review conference and discussed codes of conduct that would function to increase awareness among biologists, chemists, and geneticist of the possibility of misuse of their research for the production or delivery of chemical or biological weapons. Top

 

Joint Statement from the President of the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the UK Royal Society
Date: 8 November, 2002
Location: Science Magazine
Participants: Lord May (President of the Royal Society) and Bruce Alberts (President of NAS)
Description: A joint editorial appeared in the 8 November issue of the US publication Science by the presidents of The Royal Society and the NAS, titled "Scientist support for Biological Weapons Controls". It called for scientists to work with policy makers in order to make progress towards measures that would counteract the threat from advances in weapons technology that could be misused by governments or terrorist threat agents. Top

 

Biotechnology, Weapons and Humanity
Date: 23 -24 September, 2002
Location: Montreux, Switzerland
Participants: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and guests
Description: This ICRC meeting brought together experts to discuss concerns related to the fields of biotechnology, biological weapons, and social responsibility. During the meeting a draft Declaration on Biotechnology, Weapons and Humanity was presented to governments proposing a range of measures which could reduce the potential for biotechnology to be put to hostile uses. Top

 

Introduction of US House Resolution 514
Date: 26 July, 2002
Location: US House of Representatives, Washington DC, USA
Participants: Dave Weldon and seven other US Congressmen
Description: Created in response to the publication of a report showing how the polio virus had been recreated synthetically, the resolution calls for the scientific community to ensure that information that may be used by terrorists is not made widely available. Top

 

Publication of "Chemical Synthesis of Poliovirus cDNA: Generation of Infectious Virus in the Absence of Natural Template"
Date: 11 July, 2002
Location: Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, NY, USA
Participants: J. Cello, AV Paul and E. Wimmer
Description: This publication described the creation in a laboratory of the polio virus from the natural chemical template. This sparked public concern that viruses could be produced and sold as weapons to terrorist groups. The publication spurred US House Resolution 514 which criticized the publication of the work. Top

 

Publication of "Variola Virus Immune Evasion Design : Expression of a Highly Efficient Inhibitor of Human Complement"
Date: 25 June, 2002
Location: Proceedings of the National Academies of Science (PNAS)
Participants: Ariella M. Rosengard, Yu Liu, Zhiping Nie and Robert Jiminez
Description: The publication presented research on how to take the vaccine for the variola virus which causes smallpox, and increase its virulence making it potentially lethal. This publication was viewed as very controversial because some argue that it gives information on how to convert an easily available and beneficial substance into a dangerous virus. Top

 

2nd Meeting of the Global Health Security Action Group
Date: March 2002
Location: London, UK
Participant(s): Ministers/Secretaries/Commissioner of Health and senior health officials from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Mexico, the European Union and the World Health Organization.
Description: This annual meeting is held to coordinate public health activities throughout the world. Top

 

2001

1st Meeting of the Global Health Security Action Group
Date: November 2001
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Participant(s): Ministers/Secretaries/Commissioner of Health and senior health officials from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Mexico, the European Union and the World Health Organization.
Description: This annual meeting is held to coordinate public health activities throughout the world. Top

 

Fifth Review Conference (first of 2 sessions) of Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction
Date: 19 November - 7 December, 2001
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: State Parties to the BWC
Description: Draft text of an international protocol for Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) verification is rejected by the US. The US delegation makes proposals to strengthen the BWC and proposes intercessional meetings of states and experts in each of the following three years. Top

 

16th Workshop of the Pugwash Study Group on the
Implementation of the Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions:
The Fifth BTWC Review Conference
Date: 24 - 25 November, 2001
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: The Swiss Pugwash Group and guests
Description: This workshop focused on the 5th BWC review conference and discussed codes of conduct that would function to increase awareness among biologists, chemists, and geneticist of the possibility of misuse of their research for the production or delivery of chemical or biological weapons. Top

 

Passage of the UK "Anti-terrorism Crime and Security Act"
Date: 12 November, 2001
Location: London, UK
Participants: UK Parliament
Description: Through this piece of legislation the UK placed new legal obligations on the scientific community to ensure that their technologies are not misused or misappropriated. Top

 

Passage of the US Patriot Act
Date: 24 October, 2001
Location: Washington DC, USA
Participants: US Congress
Description: Developed in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the US, the Patriot Act aims to protect the US against further terrorist attacks. This is one of the most extensive pieces of anti-terror legislation in the world and has been used as a template for proposed anti-terror legislation in many countries. In terms of biological threats, the Patriot Act improves the protection of "select" agents and toxins and places restrictions on access to select agents for aliens from countries seen as supporting terror. Top

 

Weaponized Anthrax mailed within the US
Date: 18 September 2001
Location: New York, NY, Boca Raton, FL and Washington DC, USA
Participants: Unknown
Description: On 18 September 2001, five letters were sent to media outlets containing the anthrax virus. On 9 October, 2001 two more letters containing the virus were mailed to two democratic US Senators : Tom Daschle of South Dakota and Patrick Leahy of Vermont. Some reports described the material in the Senate letters as "weapons grade" anthrax. Overall, twenty-two people developed anthrax infections, eleven of the life-threatening variety, and five died of inhalation anthrax. The perpetrator of these attacks is still at large. Top

 

Publication of "Expression of Mouse Interleukin-4 by a Recombinant Ectromelia Virus Suppresses Cytolytic Lymphocyte Responses and Overcomes Genetic Resistance to Mousepox"
Date: February, 2001
Location: Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
Participants: Ronald J. Jackson, Alistair J. Ramsey, Carina D. Christensen, Sandra Beaton, Diana F. Hall and Ian A. Ramshaw
Description: While researching a strain of "mousepox" intended to eradicate mice in Australia, researchers made an unexpected discovery that an engineered version of the "mousepox" virus was potentially lethal to even those mice that had been immunized against the original strand. This publication was met by harsh criticism by some in the political and security communities for its potential application in bioterrorist attacks. Top

 

1999

UNESCO - World Conference on Science
Date: 26 June - 1 July, 1999
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Participants: UNESCO, ICSU, and guests
Description: At this conference participants analyzed current and future issues for the natural sciences in regards to societal obligations.The discussion led to a new ‘social contract’ for science in the form of a "Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge." Top

 

1996

Fourth Review Conference of Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacterial (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BWC)
Date: 25 November - 6 December 1996
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: State Parties to the BWC
Description: State Parties to the BWC gathered to reaffirm their commitment to the BWC and discuss ways to improve its effectiveness. Top

 

Creation of the "Select Agent" List
Date: 24 April, 1996
Location: Washington DC, USA
Participants: US Congress
Description: Passage of the US "Anti-terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act" directed the US Department of Health and Human Services to create a list (known as the select agent list) that names biological agents that could pose a severe threat to public health and safety, and to regulate the transfer of such agents while maintaining the availability of these agents for research, education and other legitimate purposes. Top

 

1995

Arrest for possession of plague causing bacteria
Date: May 1995
Location: Ohio, USA
Participants: Larry Wayne Harris
Description: A microbiologist with ties to the Aryan Nation and other anti-establishment groups was arrested with vials containing plague causing bacteria that he had ordered from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Later released, Harris was arrested again in 1998 when authorities were tipped off that he may be intending on releasing anthrax in the New York City subway system : it turned out that he merely possessed an anthrax vaccine. Top

 

Sarin Gas Attack on the Tokyo Subway
Date: 20 March, 1995
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Participants: AUM Shinrikyo
Description: AUM Shinrikyo, a radical Japanese religious group, released Sarin gas into the Tokyo metro. Considered a domestic terror event, the attack killed 12 people and injured approximately 6000. Though this was a chemical attack, it underscores the danger from and the panic caused by these types of attacks. Top

 

1993

Aum Shinrikyo attempts biological weapons attacks in Tokyo
Date: June - August 1993
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Participants: Aum Shinrikyo
Description: In three separate incidents, members of the Japanese Aum Shinrikyo cult attempted to use toxins to attack Japanese government installations. The attacks failed because of technical difficulties regarding dissemination or because the group had failed to obtain a virulent toxin. Top

 

1992

UK issues Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Regulations
Date: 21 December, 1992
Location: London, UK
Participants: UK Parliament
Description:The UK issues guidelines that require all research activity on GMOs to be registered and comply with governmental regulations for safety and security. These guidelines have been revised numerous times since their inception. Top

 

Russia acknowledges clandestine biological weapons programme
Date: 27 May, 1992
Location: Moscow, Russia
Participants: Russian President Boris Yeltsin
Description: In an interview with Russian president Boris Yeltsin, the Russian leader admitted that Russia had maintained a major clandestine biological weapons programme despite being an original signatory to the 1975 BWC. Later in the year, Russia committed to abiding by its obligations under the BWC and opened its facilities for international inspection. Top

 

1991

Third Review Conference of Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of bacterial (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BWC)
Date: 9 - 27 September, 1991
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: State parties to the BWC
Description: State parties to the BWC gathered to reaffirm their commitment to the BWC and discuss ways to improve its effectiveness. Top

 

1990

Aum Shinrikyo attempts botulinum attack
Date: April 1990
Location: Tokyo, Yokohama, Yokosuka, & Narita, Japan
Participants: Aum Shinrikyo
Description: Members of the Japanese Aum Shinrikyo cult sprayed what they thought was botulinum toxin from trucks as they drove past US military and Japanese government installations. The attacks failed because the group had failed to isolate the toxin properly from the contaminated soil sample which they had used. Top

 

1986

Second Review Conference of Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of bacterial (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BWC)
Date: 8 - 26 September, 1986
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: State parties to the BWC
Description: State parties to the BWC gathered to reaffirm their commitment to the BWC and discuss ways to improve its effectiveness. Top

 

1985

Formation of The Australia Group
Date: June 1985
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Participants: 38 States and the European Commission
Description: Following the use of chemical weapons by Iraq in the early 1980's, the need to control the export of potentially dangerous technologies to eliminate further misuse was realized. At that time, the Australia Group was formed to harmonize international export controls of technologies sensitive to the production of chemical weapons. Beginning in 1990, the Australia Group also focused on controlling technologies that could be used for biological weapons programmes. Top

 

US National Security Decision Directive 189
Date: 21 September, 1985
Location: Washington DC, USA
Participants: US Federal Government
Description: The Directive made the official US policy towards science that the results of fundamental research should be unrestricted to the maximum extent possible. Top

 

1984

Salmonella attacks
Date: 1984
Location: The Dalles, Oregon, USA
Participants: Rajneesh sect
Description: The Rajneesh sect contaminated 10 salad bars in The Dalles, Oregon with Salmonella in an apparent attempt to influence local elections. Approximately 750 contracted salmonellosis, 45 of which required hospitalization. Top

 

1982

Publication of "Scientific Communication and National Security," (aka "The Corson Report")
Date: October, 1982
Location: Washington DC, USA
Participants: National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering & Institute of Medicine
Description: Stated that the "Free communication among scientists is viewed as an essential factor in scientific advance." The report did not, however, deal with the life sciences. Top

 

1980

First Review Conference of Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of bacterial (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BWC)
Date: 3 - 21 March, 1980
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: State Parties to the BWC
Description: State parties to the BWC gathered to reaffirm their commitment to the BWC and discuss ways to improve its effectiveness. Top

 

1976

US National Institutes of Health (NIH) Publish "Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules"
Date: June, 1976
Location: NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
Participants: US NIH
Description: The guidelines specified laboratory practices, containment equipment and facility safeguards that were thought to be appropriate for work involving recombinant DNA (rDNA) molecules. These guidelines have been revised numerous times since inception. Top

 

1975

The Asilomar Conference
Date: February, 1975
Location: Asilomar Conference Center, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
Participants: 150 Scientists from 13 countries along with attorneys, government officials and members of the press
Description: In 1973 after the successful attempt to recombine DNA from one organism with that of another, a group of scientists called for a self-imposed moratorium on certain types of recombinant DNA experiments due to potential, though unproven, risks. Despite no evidence of harm, many scientists complied with the ban and research in the area stagnated. In 1975, a conference at the Asilomar Conference Center was charged to determine whether or not to lift the moratorium and if so to set up strict guidelines under which research could continue safely. Ultimately, the conference produced a set of voluntary guidelines monitoring recombinant DNA experiments. Top

 

Entry into Force of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of bacterial (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BWC)
Date: 26 March, 1975
Location: Moscow, Russia, Washington DC, USA and London, UK
Participants: 151 States
Description: The BWC adds to the 1925 Geneva Protocol by not only forbidding the use of biological weapons in warfare, but also forbidding their production, development or stockpiling. The treaty does allow for research and development of biological weapons to occur for "justifiable" reasons, such as defence, however, it has no verification or control mechanism to prevent misuse. Top

 

1969

Passage of the UK Biological Weapons Act
Date: 25 November, 1969
Location: London, UK
Participants: UK Parliament
Description: This legislation served to implement the BWC into the UK Legislative system prior to its entry into force. It placed obligations on all of its citizens, "never in any circumstance to develop, produce, stockpile or otherwise acquire or retain : microbial or other biological agents, or toxins whatever their origin or method of production, of types and in quantities that have no justification for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes." Top

 

US National Security Decision Memorandum 35
Date: 25 November, 1969
Location: Washington DC, USA
Participants: US Federal Government
Description: Under President Nixon, the United States renounced the "use of lethal methods of bacteriological/biological warfare." Top

 

1928

Entry into Force of the 1925 Geneva Protocol/Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gasses, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare
Date: 8 February, 1928
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Participants: 132 States
Description: The 1925 Geneva Protocol was a response to the extensive use of poisonous gas during the First World Was. It expressly forbids the further use of such weapons. Top