Biosecurity

Biosecurity refers to measures and policies designed to prevent the misuse of biological agents, technologies, and information, and to protect people, animals, agriculture, and the environment from deliberate harm. It encompasses the secure and responsible handling of biological materials, the protection of critical infrastructure, and the minimization of risks associated with advances in life sciences. Biosecurity is distinct from biosafety; biosafety focuses on preventing accidental release or exposure, while biosecurity concentrates on preventing intentional misuse and diversion.

Key elements of biosecurity include risk assessment, governance, and oversight; physical security and access controls for facilities that handle hazardous agents; personnel reliability and training programs; secure supply chains and inventory management; and response planning for incidents. Surveillance, early warning, and coordinated public health preparedness are integral to detecting and mitigating threats. Ethics, dual-use awareness, and responsible conduct of research are also emphasized to balance scientific openness with safeguards.

Threats addressed by biosecurity range from natural disease outbreaks to deliberate misuse of biological agents, devices, or information. The field also deals with dual-use research of concern, where scientific findings could be repurposed for harm, necessitating oversight, risk-benefit analysis, and transparent governance.

International and national frameworks guide biosecurity efforts. Prominent examples include the Biological Weapons Convention, guidelines from the World Health Organization, and national policies on incident reporting, facility security, and DURC oversight. Ongoing challenges include balancing openness with security, addressing global disparities, and adapting to technological advances while protecting public health and safety.