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Dual Use Research
About Dual Use Research
Dual use research of concern DURC refers to legitimate biological research that could be misused to cause harm. The concept gained prominence after the 2011 H5N1 ferret transmission studies by Fouchier and Kawaoka. DURC encompasses research that enhances pathogen virulence, transmissibility, or host range, enables evasion of diagnostics or immunity, or produces weapons applicable knowledge. The US government established DURC oversight policies in 2012 and 2014. Institutions must identify and review DURC projects. However, the definition is subjective and oversight varies between institutions. The COVID pandemic intensified DURC debates, particularly regarding bat coronavirus research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity NSABB provides guidance on DURC. The 2012 US policy covered 15 agents and toxins; a broader 2024 US policy extended oversight to research on pathogens with enhanced pandemic potential. The challenge is balancing scientific freedom, public health benefits, and biosecurity risks.
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