Research Institutes & Non-Profit Organisations
Institutes and organisations with a direct or indirect role in biosecurity and scientific oversight are included here. Some groups listed here may have only a marginal interest or role in biosecurity. Where possible, links have been provided to any webpages relating directly to biosecurity and codes of conduct. This is a “living” document and comments about the content or any potential omissions are welcome. Please contact webmaster@biosecuritycodes.org.
Argentina Top
The Argentine Physical Society (AFA)
Comment: AFA has developed a Code of Ethics which specifically prohibits its members from, "conscious participation in the development, improvement and fabrication of weapons of indiscriminate destruction such as nuclear chemical and biological weapons..."
Contact: afa@iflysib.unlp.edu.ar
Australia Top
AusBiotech
Comment: AusBiotech is the Biotechnology Industry Organization for Australia. On behalf of its more than 2400 members, it is dedicated to strengthening and improving Australia's biotechnology industry. AusBiotech has developed a Code of Conduct.
Contact: + 61 (0)3 9208 4200
The Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre (ABCRC)
Comment: ABCRC aims to protect Australia's public health, livestock, wildlife and economic resources through research and education that strengthens the national capability to detect, diagnose, identify, monitor, assess, predict and respond to emerging infectious disease threats which impact on national and regional biosecurity.
Contact: + 61 (0) 8 9266 1650
The Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM)
Comment: ASM was formed to further the science of microbiology. In order to achieve this, ASM publishes materials, convenes symposia, and establishes suitable standards for the practice of microbiology. ASM also attempts to promote public awareness of microbiology an its every day application by liaising with government and industry officials. ASM has developed a Code of Ethics for its members.
Contact: + 61 (0) 3 9867 8699
Belgium Top
The European Association for Bioindustries (Europabio)
Comment: Europabio represents 25 national biotechnology associations, 40 global companies, and 1500 small and medium enterprises in promoting the benefits of biotechnology. In addition, Europabio is committed to responsible behavior in biotechnology research and development and has developed an ethical charter for use by its members. Europabio has developed a Code of Ethics which is adopted by all of its members.
Contact: + 32 (0) 2 735 03 13
European Group for Non-Proliferation Studies (EGNPS)
Comment: EGNPS is an independent research group specializing in biological weapons policy and non-proliferation issues. They are committed to monitoring bio-security regulation and bio-safety standards within the European Union. EGNPS provides research support for biological security policy to academics, decision-makers, policy analysts, government and industry experts.
Contact: + 32 (0) 3 677 25 17
Security and Defence Agenda (SDA)
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 32 (0) 2 737 91 48
Canada Top
BIOTECanada
Comment: BIOTECanada is the Canadian national association dedicated to ensuring the long term durability of the Canadian biotech economy and educating the Canadian public about how biotechnology improves their quality of life. Representing various industry sectors as well as other organizations working in the biotechnology field, BIOTECanada attempts to guide biotechnology professionals in areas where established laws are unsuitable. BIOTECanada approaches biotechnology with a mixture of enthusiasm and caution because it recognizes that along with potential and power of biotechnology, there are underlying social issues which need to be addressed. BIOTECanada has developed a Statement of Ethical Principles.
Contact: + 1 (613) 230 – 5585 [ Ottawa ]
Contact: + 1 (416) 979 – 2652 [ Toronto ]
Simons Centre for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Research (SCDNPR): Liu Institute for Global Issues
Comment: The Liu Institute conducts policy-related research on issues of global public policy related to human security. Through its SCDNPR, the Liu Institute researches WMD proliferation and has held conferences on the "current threat" of biological weapons.
Contact: + 1 (604) 822 - 6966 [Fax]
China Top
China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)
Comment: The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) is a non-profit,
non-governmental organization of Chinese scientific and technological workers. CAST has set up a Commission on Ethics and Rights of Scientists and Engineers which is charged with dealing with scientific conduct and moral character.
Contact: + 8610-68571898
National Institute of Biosciences
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 80726688
Finland Top
Helsinki Business and Science Park Ltd.
Comment: The Business and Science Park in Helsinki provides a dynamic business environment with a diversified research and expert network and a Centre of Expertise within biotechnology, drug development and diagnostics, as well as food and environmental technology.
Turku Science Park
Comment: Turku Science Park is a large community of experts that speeds up the growth of high-tech businesses in Southwest Finland through its operations. TSP's focal areas are biotechnology and ICT branded BioTurku and ICT Turku.
Agropolis Ltd.
Comment: Agropolis Ltd is a development company operating in the agricultural and food sectors. The development of diverse businesses, and the creation of new workplaces - thus maintaining the vitality of rural areas - are the main targets of the company. Agropolis Ltd is owned by MTT Agrifood Research Finland , several local authorities, and local organizations of agricultural producers.
Lahti Science and Business Park
Comment: Lahti Science and Business Park is o ne of the leading environmental technology science parks in the world. It is f ocused on developing the branches of environmental technology, ICT, mecatronics, design and well-being.
Finn-Medi Research Ltd.
Comment: Finn-Medi is a pool of expertise in healthcare and biotechnology based in Tampere , Finland . A combination of multi-disciplinary, technological, bio-medical and medical expertise and an efficient operational environment, it gathers experts and services in education, research, healthcare and business.
Technopolis Ltd.
Comment: In terms of the number of corporate clients, Technopolis Ltd. is Europe ’s largest technology center. Technology center brings together education, research, financing, various public sector partners and business life. This synergy gives birth to development projects, new business, networking, technology transfer etc. The Oulu Region Centre of Expertise carries out programs in the environmental technology, biotechnology and medicine.
France Top
Institut Pasteur
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 33 (0)1 45 68 80 00
International Council for Science (ICSU)
Comment: ICSU is a global nongovernmental organization which, through cooperative efforts with its national and international scientific organization members, provides a forum for discussion of policy issues relating to international science, spearheads interdisciplinary research, advocates freedom in the conduct of science, assists in developing scientific standards, and facilitates numerous scientific events. The ICSU also attempts to strengthen international science by mobilizing its members to identify and address issues of major importance to international science, facilitate interdisciplinary cooperation in the international arena, promote universal participation in the sciences, and provide independent advice to promote dialogue amongst governmental, institutional, and private groups.
Contact: + 33 (0) 1 45 25 03 29
The World Medical Association (WMA)
Comment: WMA is an international organization dedicated to ensuring the independence of physicians, and working for the highest possible
standards of ethical behavior and care by physicians, at all times. The WMA has produced the "WMA Declaration of Washington on Biological Weapons."
Contact: + 33 (0) 1 45 25 03 29
Germany Top
Arms Control Assocation (ACA)
Comment: ACA is a national nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to promoting effective arms control policies. It maintains public education and media programs and publishes a magazine that provides global information, analysis and commentary on arms control proposals, negotiations and agreements, and related national security issues.
Contact: + 49 171 359 2410
Association for General and Applied Microbiology – VAAM
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 49 (0) 345 - 550 93 18
International Network of Engineers and Scientists for Global Responsibility (INES)
Comment: Founded in 1991, the International Network of Engineers and Scientists for Global Responsibility (INES) is an independent non-profit-organization concerned about the impact of science and technology on society. INES has developed an "Appeal to Engineers and Scientists and Associated Pledge."
Contact: + 49 (0) 30 4401 0498
India Top
Society for the Study of Peace and Conflict (SSPC)
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 98 7132 1997 or + 98 9959 4088
Italy Top
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: +39-040-37571
South Africa Top
Institute for Security Studies (ISS)
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 27 12 346 - 9500/2 or + 27 (0) 21 461 - 7211
South Korea Top
Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology (KSMCB)
Comment: The Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology (KSMCB) was established in
order to advance the science and technology of molecular and cellular biology
through academic studies and the dissemination of fundamental knowledge. They have produced a code of ethics which requires its members to encourage the open dissemination of scientific knowledge.
Contact: + 82 - 2 - 568 - 4490
Sweden Top
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
Comment: SIPRI conducts research on questions of conflict and cooperation of importance to international peace and security with the hope of understanding the conditions for peaceful resolution of international conflicts leading to stable and enduring peace. SIPRI employs researchers from all locales and disciplines to gather hard data and render impartial information on militaries and disarmament.
Contact: + 46 – 8 – 655 97 00
Switzerland Top
BioWeapons Prevention Project (BWPP)
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 41 22 908 5834
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Comment: ICRC is one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations. The ICRC is impartial, neutral, and independent; its only mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal struggles by providing assistance. It also endeavors to eliminate suffering by improving humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. ICRC has developed a set of General Principles that they feel should underpin any code of conduct for life scientists.
Contact: + 41 (22) 734 60 01
International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Association
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 41 22 338 32 00
United Kingdom Top
The Acronym Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: rej@acronym.org.uk
Chatham House
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 44 (0) 20 7957 5700
Genewatch
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 44 (0) 1298 871898
Institute of Science in Society (ISIS)
Comment: ISIS promotes responsible science which, independent of government controls or commercial and special interests, benefits civil society and the public good. The organization believes that science is intrinsically honest and disagreements must be openly debated. Therefore to encourage open debate and public participation, ISIS believes that scientific information should be disseminated promptly in an unbiased and uncensored form.
Contact: + 44 (0) 1994 231623
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
Comment: IISS is a leading independent authority on political-military conflict. As a primary source of accurate and objective information for international strategic issues, IISS publications are used by politicians, diplomats, and others within the public sector as well as members of the private sector and public concerned with international affairs. IISS has launched The Charter of the International Council for the Life Sciences, that will commit its members to a code of conduct and best practices to prevent
the life sciences from being misused.
Contact: + 44 (0) 20 7379 7676
The John Innes Centre (JIC)
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 44 (0) 1603 450000
Society for General Microbiology (SGM)
Comment: SGM aims to advance the art and science of microbiology. SGM convenes meeting its board and special interest groups related to microbiology. SGM has developed a Policy on Scientific Publication, Security and Censorship.
Contact: +44 (0) 118 988 1800
VERTIC
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 44 (0) 20 7065 0880
The Wellcome Trust
Comment: The Wellcome Trust is an independent charity whose mission is to foster and promote research with the aim of
improving human and animal health. It is the United Kingdom's largest non-governmental source of funds for biomedical research. The Trust has recognized that there is potential for the harmful misuse of biomedical research and has therefore developed a, "position statement on bioterrorism and biomedical research," and issued a joint statement with the Medical Research Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council on, "managing risks of misuse associated with grant funding activities."
Contact: + 44 (0) 20 7611 8888
United States Top
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Comment: AAAS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science and serving society around the world. Through its publications and activities, AAAS attempts to foster communication among science professionals and the public while increasing the public’s understanding of, enhancing international cooperation in, promoting the responsible use of, educating in, enhancing the workforce for, and strengthening support for enterprises involving science and technology. After the September 11th terror attack in the US, AAAS set up its program which attempts to find the right balance between serving US national security and maintaining the
openness required for the advancement of science.
Contact: + 1 (202) 326 – 6400
American Biological Safety Association (ABSA)
Comment: The ABSA was setup to promote biosafety as a scientific discipline, serve the needs of the worldwide biosafety community, and provide a forum where biosafety information can be exchanged and discussed. The ABSA also publishes a number of biosafety journals, runs biosafety courses, conducts biosafety conferences, and recognizes biosafety professionals through a registration and certification program.
Contact: + 1 (847) 949 - 1517
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS)
Comment: The AIBS represent more than 80 professional societies and organizations with a combined membership exceeding 240,000 scientists and educators. AIBS programs promote biological research nationally and internationally, disseminate up-to-date biological science information, provide scientific support services to governmental and private research and education programs,
improve formal and informal biological science education for all ages and professions, help train the next generation of biologists, and provide information about biological science to policy-makers for better-informed decisions. AIBS has developed an ethics statement.
Contact: + 1 (202) 628 - 1500
American Medical Association (AMA)
Comment: AMA is a nationwide network of doctors that works on professional and public health issues. AMA has developed Guidelines to Prevent Malevolent Use of Biomedical Research.
Contact: + 1 (800) 621-8335
American Society for Microbiologists (ASM)
Comment: ASM represents 25 specializations of microbiological research as well as microbiology educators. In order to support their work, ASM encourages information dissemination, publishes journals and books, conducts seminars and colloquia, promotes contributions of microbiological sciences to society, recognizes distinctions amongst its practitioners, and sets standards for ethical and professional behavior. ASM has developed a Code of Ethics and a, "Policy Guidelines of the Publications Board of the ASM in the Handling of Manuscripts Dealing with Microbiological Sensitive Issues."
Contact: + 1 (202) 737 - 3600
Association of American Universities (AAU)
Comment: AAU is an association of Universities in the US and Canada that offer PhD programs. It provides its members with assistance in developing national policy positions on issues relating to academic research as well as graduate and professional education. The AAU also provides members with a forum for discussing a broad range of other institutional issues.
Contact: + 1 (202) 408 – 7500
Battelle
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 1 (614) 424-6424
Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)
Comment: Because biotechnology researchers expand the boundaries of science to benefit mankind, BIO champions biotechnology and advocates for its member organizations. BIO has produced a Statement of Ethical Principles and a ,"Statement on Ethical Use of Biotechnology to Promote Public Health and National Security
and to Fight Against Bioterrorism."
Contact: + 1 (614) 424-6424
Comment: The Carnegie Corporation strives to promote “the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding.” Focusing mainly on the United States (up to 7.4% of funds go abroad), the Carnegie Corporations seeks to improve people’s lives through initiatives in education, international peace and security, international development, and strengthening US democracy. The Carnegie Corporation helps fund the Harvard Sussex Program which is an inter-university collaboration for research, communication and training in support of informed public policy regarding chemical/biological warfare (CBW).
Contact: + 1 (212) 207-6289
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Comment: The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing cooperation among nations and promoting active international engagement by the United States . They attempt to shape fresh policy approaches around the world by working with businesses, international organizations, and civil society and focusing on the economic, political and technological forces driving global change.
Contact: + 1 (202) 483 – 7600
Center For Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
Comment: The Biological and Chemical Weapons Control Program at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, and its Scientists Working Group, work to prevent the development and use of biological and chemical weapons. The Program develops analyses, reports, recommendations and briefings on technical and policy issues for Congress, the public, and the international community.
Contact: + 1 (202) 546 - 0795
The Center for Defense Information (CDI)
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 1 (202) 332 – 0600
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Comment: CSIS strives to provide world leaders with strategic insights on -and policy solutions to- global issues. The CSIS endeavors to achieve three goals: address the full spectrum of new challenges to national and international security, maintain resident experts on all the worlds’ geographic regions, and commit to developing new methods of governance for the global age.
Contact: + 1 ( 202) 887 - 0200
The Chemical and Biological Arms Control Institute (CBACI)
Comment: CBACI is a policy research organization established to address challenges to global security in the 21 st century with a special focus on the elimination of chemical and biological weapons. Through its program of research, the Institute attempts to alert public and private sector leaders about problems before they become crises. CBACI has set up a project entitled, "The Future of the Life Sciences: Reaping the Rewards and Managing the Risks," which examines the risks and benefits of biotechnology.
Contact: + 1 (202) 296 – 3574
Council for Responsible Genetics (CRG)
Comment: CRG fosters public debate about the social, ethical and environmental implications
of genetic technologies. It has started the "Campaign for the Peaceful Development of the Biological Sciences," which encourages scientists to sign a pledge that prohibits the "development of novel biological and toxic agents, or the
modification of biological agents, to enhance virulence, pathogenicity, or transmission
characteristics, for any purposes, including biological defense"
Contact: + 1 (617) 868 - 0870
Comment: FDP is a cooperative initiative among US federal agencies, academic research institutions, and policy research organizations. FDP’s purpose is to reduce the administrative burdens associated with federally funded research grants and contracts by providing a forum where federal officials and individuals from non-profit and academic research organizations can collaborate and discuss the issues involved in federal research grants.
Contact: + 1 (202) 334 - 1399
The Federation of American Scientists (FAS)
Comment: FAS was formed by a group of scientists that worked on the Manhattan Project, which developed the world’s first nuclear weapon, and were deeply concerned about its impact on society. FAS is dedicated to ending the global arms race and avoiding any use of nuclear weapons.
Contact: + 1 (202) 546 - 3300
The Henry L Stimson Center
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 1 (202) 223 - 5956
Comment: Funded by the US federal government, HSI provides the US Department of Homeland Security with independent and objective analyses and advice on issues of importance to homeland security, particularly those requiring scientific, technical, and analytical expertise. HSI’s work supports policy development, decision-making, analysis of alternative approaches, and evaluation of new ideas on issues of significance to homeland security.
Contact: None Given
John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation of Chicago
Comment: The MacArthur Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking institution dedicated to fostering lasting improvement to the human condition. Through a number of programs, including the “Program on Global Security and Sustainability” and the “Program on Human Community Development,” the foundation seeks to strengthen institutions, improve public policy, and provide information to the public. The MacArthur foundation helps fund the Harvard Sussex Program which is an inter-university collaboration for research, communication and training in support of informed public policy regarding chemical/biological warfare (CBW).
Contact: + 1 (312) 726 - 8000
National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA)
Comment: NCURA attempts to serve its members and advance the field of research administration through education and professional development programs, the sharing of knowledge and expertise, and by fostering a professional, collegial, and respected community. NCURA also strives to be the leading information portal for the research administration community, increase the knowledge about and respect for the research enterprise, and courier support for research from the American public and research sponsors.
Contact: + 1 (202) 466 – 3894
National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism (MIPT)
Comment: MIPT is dedicated to preventing terrorism and mitigating its effects. Though the institute feels a special obligation to first responders and funds research to improve their safety while responding to disasters, by US federal mandate the institute conducts, “research into the social and political causes and effects of terrorism and the development of technologies to counter biological, nuclear, and chemical weapons of mass destruction…”
Contact: + 1 (405) 232 – 5121
New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM)
Comment: NYAM is dedicated to understanding the factors that harm or safeguard health in urban areas and developing appropriate interventions and preventive measures that will make city-dwellers healthier. The Academy’s focuses on pressing health issues including health disparities, access to care, asthma, HIV/AIDS, geriatric social work, substance abuse, health policy, urban disaster, mental health, health education training for public school teachers, handgun safety and improving community partnerships' ability to solve complex health problems.
Contact: +1 (212) 822-7200
Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI)
Comment: COMING SOON
Contact: + 1 (202) 296 – 4810
The Pugwash Conferences
Comment: After a 1955 manifesto issued by leading scientists that called for scientists to assemble to discuss the global threat posed by the advent of thermonuclear weapons, a conference was organized in Pugwash, Nova Scotia, Canada. Since the first meeting, over 275 Pugwash conferences have been held and today they focus on bringing together scholars and influential public figures to reduce the danger of armed conflict and seek cooperative solutions to global problems.
Contact: + 1 (202) 478 – 3440
Sloan Foundation
Comment: The Sloan Foundation is a philanthropic non-profit institute focusing on science and technology, standard of living and economic performance, education and careers in science and technology, civics, and select national interests. Through its select national interests program, the Sloan Foundation has funded a number of biosecurity initiatives including those at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the University of Maryland’s Center for International and Security Studies, the National Academies of Science, the George Washington University Medical Center, and the New York Academy of Medicine, as well as law initiatives at University of Pacific, DePaul University, Georgetown University, and Johns Hopkins University.
Contact: + 1 (212) 649 - 1649
Student Pugwash USA (SPUSA)
Comment: SPUSA is the US student affiliate of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs. It is an educational, non-profit organization that strives to aid students in understanding the true depth of scientific education by encouraging independent thinking and helping them focus on and understand the interaction between science, technology, and public policy.
Contact: + 1 (202) 429 – 8900
