On 4 March, US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced the creation of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) to improve biosecurity measures related to so-called 'dual use' research—legitimate biological research that could be misused to threaten public health or national security1. The HHS Secretary, with input from directors of other federal departments and agencies, will appoint board members, including up to 25 voting members with specialties ranging from bioethics, to law enforcement, to veterinary medicine. The NSABB will also include nonvoting members representing at least 15 federal departments and agencies.

The NSABB will be managed by NIH and will be expected to advise the Secretary of HHS, the director of NIH, and the heads of federal departments and agencies that conduct or support 'dual use' biomedical research on the following issues:

  • “strategies for local and federal biosecurity oversight for all federally funded or supported life sciences research;

  • “development of guidelines for biosecurity oversight of life sciences research and [provision of] ongoing evaluation and modification of these guidelines as needed;

  • “strategies to work with journal editors and other stakeholders to ensure the development of guidelines for the publication, public presentation and public communication of potentially sensitive life sciences research;

  • “development of guidelines for mandatory programs for education and training in biosecurity issues for all life scientists and laboratory workers at federally funded institutions; and

  • “development of a code of conduct for life scientists and laboratory workers that can be adopted by federal agencies as well as professional organizations and institutions engaged in the performance of life sciences research domestically and internationally1.”

HHS will extend its biosecurity policies internationally on a voluntary and cooperative basis through existing international scientific and health organizations, and other relevant international organizations. Additional information on the NSABB is available at http://www.biosecurityboard.gov.