Building the Biodefense Policy Workforce
[2009]

Academic support, training, funding, and recruitment efforts are needed within biodefense programs to educate experts in policymaking and prepare scientists for bioterrorism challenges, according to a AAAS-sponsored workshop report. More…

Current training programs for stakeholders in the public health workforce need to incorporate more field experience, cross-training, and team-based activities, according to a AAAS-sponsored workshop report. More...

Biological Safety Training Programs as a Component of Personnel Reliability
[2009]

Research institutions require renewed training and mentorship standards, as well as increased funding for biosafety training, research, and high-containment laboratories, according to a AAAS-sponsored workshop report. Exisiting employment and biosafety training practices should be considered before developing new personnel reliability programs. More...

Scientists doing dual use research—beneficial work that may be misapplied for malicious purposes in the wrong hands—need more tools to help them understand the scientific, ethical and legal issues surrounding their work, according to a AAAS-sponsored workshop report. More…

Since 9/11, the challenge of finding the right balance between serving our national security and maintaining the openness required for the advancement of science has become more vexing than ever. By providing issue briefs and links to useful resources on key issues related to this topic, this website aims to aid scientists, policy makers, and the general public as they struggle to meet this challenge.  More…

In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, the already complex balance between national security and scientific freedom and human rights has become even more complicated. At the same time, scientists and engineers have begun to reassess their professional and social responsibilities in light of the changed situation.  More…