A group of scientists and others concerned about potentially risky research on human pathogens is launching a nonprofit organization to advocate for tighter biosafety rules.
Frustrated that their tweets, published commentaries, and comments to the press aren’t having enough impact, a group of scientists and others concerned about potentially risky research on human pathogens is launching a nonprofit organization today to advocate for tighter biosafety rules. The group, called Protect Our Future, wants to prevent “lab-generated pandemics that could threaten the survival of the human species,” a press release declares.
For 2 decades, Ebright has sought stronger restrictions on risky research with human pathogens. He and two of his research collaborators were inspired to launch the nonprofit, he says, after realizing there is “no grassroots-oriented public organization” focused on curbing pathogen research the scientists believe is dangerous.
Current U.S. biosafety guidelines, which only cover federally funded research and are enforced with fines and loss of grants, should be replaced with federal regulations with the force of criminal penalties, the group says. The World Health Organization could help countries harmonize biosafety rules, the group says.
For now, its chief goal is to educate the public about the risks of pathogen research so that people may voice concerns to policymakers. Although Republicans in Congress have proposed legislation that would accomplish some of Protect Our Future’s aims, microbiologists have, and Democrats are unlikely to pass the measures. Ebright says a flood of letters from the public “won’t turn the matter instantly but will impact discussion.
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