Research structures and the “web of prevention”: ethical implications for insufficient environments

Journal articleThe dual-use potential of scientific research refers to the possibility that any beneficial scientific research may be misused for nefarious purposes by a third party. This potential within the life sciences has led to much discussion regarding ways to raise awareness and limit possible harm. The concept of a “web of prevention” as a multifaceted system for dealing this potential provides a comprehensive method of conceptualising a system of controls in the life sciences. The “web of prevention” involves multiple stakeholders, from diverse backgrounds such as science, public health, security studies and governance.Wellcome Trus

From cases to capacity? A critical reflection on the role of ‘ethical dilemmas’ in the development of dual-use governance

The dual-use issue is often framed as a series of paralyzing ‘dilemmas’ facing the scientific community as well as institutions which support innovation. While this conceptualization of the dual-use issue can be useful in certain contexts (such as in awareness-raising and as part of educational activities directed at the scientific community) its usefulness is more limited when reflecting on the governance and politics of the dual-use issue. Within this paper, key shortcomings of the dilemma framing are outlined. It is argued that many of the issues raised in the most recent debates about ‘dual-use’ bird flu research remain unresolved. This includes questions about the trajectories of certain lines of research, as well as broader trends in the practice and governance of science. This leads to difficult questions about current approaches to the dual-use issue within the US, as well as internationally