Promoting Biosecurity Awareness and Responsibility by Embedding it in Life Science Undergraduate Curriculum
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Continually emerging biotechnologies and advancing techniques are increasing the world’s attention to the potential dual use of scientific research, and the possibility of significant risks to global health and security. It is imperative to establish a fundamental understanding in the life science community of the role scientists play in mitigating these risks and protecting national security. However, linking the life sciences and global security has not always been highly prioritized. Past surveys have shown a significant lack of biosecurity education and awareness in the life science community and has subsequently led to multiple plans, including policies, regulations, and awareness raising measures, to address this problem. Utilizing a review of the existing surveys and papers addressing the better integration of science and security, this paper proposes a way to create a true paradigm shift. By providing biosecurity education, as early as possible, to the next generation of scientists, it will be possible to change the way the life science community thinks about its active role in promoting and protecting security. Undergraduate life science course offerings at some of the top universities in the United States were surveyed. The results suggest there is a substantial void of biosecurity education offered to these young, future working scientists. It is vitally important that universities across the United States, and the rest of the world, develop programs and courses to fill this void, to build a foundational knowledge of biosecurity topics in undergraduate life scientists. This early education and awareness is essential to ensure the continued practice of responsible science that will help protect the global health security of the future.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC52-07NA27344
- OSTI ID:
- 1544949
- Report Number(s):
- LLNL-TR-763361; 951688
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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