@article{69415d5072ec44f4805b0171e2bcd3b1,
title = "Assessing the Risks and Benefits of Advances in Science and Technology: Exploring the Potential of Qualitative Frameworks",
abstract = "Continuing rapid advances in science and technology both pose potential risks and offer potential benefits for the effective implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). The lack of commonly accepted methods for assessing relevant risks and benefits present significant challenges to building common understandings that could support policy choices. This article argues that qualitative frameworks can provide the basis to structure BWC discussions about potential risks and benefits, reveal areas of agreement and disagreement, and provide a basis for continuing dialogue. It draws on the results of a workshop held in Geneva during the 2019 BWC Meetings of Experts. A diverse group of international experts were given the opportunity to apply 2 qualitative frameworks developed specifically to assess potential biosecurity concerns arising from emerging science and technology to BWC-relevant case examples. Participants discussed how such frameworks might be adapted and put into action to help support the BWC. They also began a discussion of how a comparable framework to assess potential benefits could be developed.",
keywords = "Biodefense policy, Biological Weapons Convention, Risk communication",
author = "Katherine Bowman and Husbands, {Jo L.} and Daniel Feakes and McGrath, {Peter F.} and Nancy Connell and Kara Morgan",
note = "Funding Information: BWC/MSP/2019/MX.2/WP.3 - Approaches to Risk and Benefit Assessment for Advances in the Life Sciences. Submitted by the United States of America BWC/MSP/2019/MX.2/WP.6 - Biological Risk Assessment and Management: Some Further Considerations. Submitted by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland BWC/MSP/2018/MX.2/WP.1 - Germany{\textquoteright}s Best Practice in Handling (Bio)Security-Relevant Research: Self-Governance Organized by the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the German Research Foundation (DFG). Submitted by Germany BWC/MSP/2018/MX.2/WP.5 - Recent Advances in Gene Editing and Synthesis Technologies and Their Implications. Submitted by the United States of America BWC/CONF.VIII/WP.32 and Corr.1 - A Coordinated Approach to Enhancing Bio-Risk Mitigation: National CBRN Action Plans. Submitted by Cote d{\textquoteright}Ivoire, Gabon, Georgia, Kenya, Montenegro, Morocco, Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Senegal, and Uganda BWC/CONF.VIII/PC/WP.25 - Frameworks for Effective Oversight of Scientific Research Facilities and Awareness of Dual-Use Risks. Submitted by Canada BWC/MSP/2015/WP.2 - Biosafety and Biosecurity: Today{\textquoteright}s Challenges for Politics and Science. Report from a Seminar Held on 25 June 2015 in Vienna. Submitted by Austria BWC/MSP/2015/MX/WP.4 - The United States of America High Containment Laboratory Policy. Submitted by the United States of America BWC/MSP/2015/MX/WP.17 - Consideraciones y medidas para mejorar la biocustodia de los materiales y agentes biol{\'o}gicos y de las instalaciones biol{\'o}gicas. Presentado por Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Espa{\~n}a, Italia, y Panam{\'a} BWC/MSP/2015/MX/WP.19 - National Measures to Address Dual Use Research. Submitted by Indonesia, Malaysia, Netherlands, and the United States of America BWC/MSP/2014/MX/WP.7 and Corr.1 - The United States of America Government Policy for Oversight of Life Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC). Submitted by the United States of America BWC/MSP/2014/MX/WP.6 - Aplicaci{\'o}n nacional de la Convenci{\'o}n sobre las Armas Biol{\'o}gicas: Una herramienta para la evaluaci{\'o}n de las instalaciones con agentes biol{\'o}gicos. Presentado por Chile, Colombia, Espa{\~n}a, y M{\'e}xico BWC/MSP/2013/MX/WP.4 - Key Biosecurity-Related Changes Made to the USA Select Agent Regulations. Submitted by the United States of America BWC/MSP/2012/WP.3 - The United States Government{\textquoteright}s Biotransparency and Openness Initiative. Submitted by the United States of America BWC/MSP/2012/MX/WP.12 - Measures for Mitigation of Risks Due to New Science and Technology Developments of Relevance to the BWC. Submitted by the European Union BWC/MSP/2012/MX/WP.15 - Update on Australia{\textquoteright}s Security Sensitive Biological Agents (SSBA) Regulatory Scheme. Submitted by Australia Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} Copyright 2020, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers.",
year = "2020",
month = may,
day = "1",
doi = "10.1089/hs.2019.0134",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "18",
pages = "186--194",
journal = "Health Security",
issn = "2326-5094",
publisher = "Mary Ann Liebert Inc.",
number = "3",
}