Increasing nursing research opportunities in biodefense: National Institute of Nursing Research Science workgroup

The threat of bioterrorism and the need for biodefense are new challenges for the scientific community. Bioterrorism already has had significant effects on the nation's health. Researchers involved in nursing research are addressing these effects and the many issues relevant to biodefense. To explore the role and potential contributions of nursing research in these arenas, the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) recently convened a science workgroup. The workgroup highlighted current knowledge in biodefense, suggested opportunities for nursing research, and proposed specific research topics and research training needs. The topics are integral to the strategic plan on biodefense developed by the National Institutes of Health and include biologic, behavioral, applied/translational, and health systems research. Nurse researchers can contribute particularly to biologic studies directed toward effective diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the effects of bioterrorism and biodefense.