Smith David, Martin Dunja, Novossiolova Tatyana
CABI, Bakeham Lane, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9TY, UK.
Leibniz-Institut DSMZ-Deutsche Sammlung von Mikro-organismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, Inhoffenstraße 7 B, 38124, Brunswick, Germany.
Curr Microbiol. 2017 Mar;74(3):299-308. doi: 10.1007/s00284-016-1181-y. Epub 2016 Dec 26.
The life-science community is a key stakeholder in the effort to ensure that the advances in biotechnology are not misused. Unfortunately, to date, the engagement of life scientists with issues of biosecurity has been limited. Microorganisms have been harnessed for the benefit of humankind but in the wrong hands could be used in direct or indirect acts against humans, livestock, crops, food, water infrastructure and other economically valuable entities. The Microbial Resources Research Infrastructure in its preparatory phase has addressed the topic implementing a code of conduct as part of its programme of prevention of malicious use and continues to work with the international community to raise awareness of best practice to avoid misuse of microorganisms. Biosecurity has become a major concern for several countries creating numerous activities to put in place counter measures, risk assessment, legislation and emergency response. The goal is to implement measures to protect us against malicious use of microorganisms, their products, information and technology transfer. Through this paper, we wish to discuss some of the activities that are underway, mention key educational tools and provide scientists with information on addressing biosecurity issues.
生命科学共同体是确保生物技术进步不被滥用这项努力中的关键利益相关者。不幸的是，迄今为止，生命科学家对生物安全问题的参与程度有限。微生物已被用于造福人类，但如果落入坏人之手，可能会被用于对人类、牲畜、作物、食品、水利基础设施及其他具有经济价值的实体采取直接或间接的攻击行为。处于筹备阶段的微生物资源研究基础设施已将实施行为准则作为其预防恶意使用计划的一部分来处理该主题，并继续与国际社会合作，提高对避免微生物滥用的最佳做法的认识。生物安全已成为若干国家的主要关切事项，它们开展了众多活动来制定应对措施、进行风险评估、立法及应急响应。目标是实施各项措施来保护我们免受微生物及其产品、信息和技术转让的恶意使用。通过本文，我们希望讨论一些正在开展的活动，提及关键的教育工具，并为科学家提供有关应对生物安全问题的信息。
