Code of Conduct on Biosecurity for Biological Resource Centres: procedural implementation

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biosecurity
• Life Sciences

Background:

• Global concerns over the malicious use of biological materials, information, and technologies necessitate robust biosecurity measures.
• Legislation such as the USA PATRIOT Act, UK Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act, and EU Dual-Use Regulation highlight the need for international biosecurity standards.
• The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Biological Resource Centre (BRC) Initiative underscored the importance of best practices in managing microbial resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a globally applicable code of conduct for biosecurity, specifically for Biological Resource Centres (BRCs) and the broader microbiology community.
• To provide procedural implementation guidance for the code of conduct, ensuring responsible handling of biological materials and associated information.
• To raise awareness of regulatory requirements and protect researchers, facilities, and stakeholders from the misuse of dangerous microorganisms.

Main Methods:

• Development of a code of conduct based on best practice principles for scientists and institutions working with biological resources, with a focus on microorganisms.
• Collaboration between international project consortia and field experts to draft the Code of Conduct on Biosecurity for BRCs.
• Consideration of existing global legislation and recommendations from international organizations like the OECD.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive code of conduct for biosecurity has been established, applicable to BRCs and all microbiology laboratories.
• Practical implementation guidance is provided to support the adoption of best practices in handling microorganisms, data, and technical know-how.
• The code of conduct was presented to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) States' parties, who recommended its broad application in life sciences.

Conclusions:

• The developed code of conduct offers a framework for responsible biosecurity practices in microbiology and related fields.
• Effective implementation of the code of conduct is crucial for preventing the malicious use of biological resources and ensuring global safety.
• Dissemination of this code among microbiologists and life science researchers is vital for fostering a culture of biosecurity worldwide.