Innovation System Research Center, Kwansei Gakuin University, Hyogo, Japan.
National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan.
Pathog Glob Health. 2024 Jun;118(4):285-294. doi: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2265626. Epub 2023 Oct 4.
Governing dual-use research of concern (DURC) in the life sciences has become difficult owing to the diversification of scientific domains, digitalization of potential threats, and the proliferation of actors. This paper proposes three approaches to realize bottom-up governance of DURC from laboratory operation to institutional decision-making levels. First, a technological approach can predict and monitor the dual-use nature of the research target pathogens and their information. Second, an interactive approach is proposed in which diverse stakeholders proactively discuss and examine dual-use issues through research practice. Third, a personnel approach can identify the right persons involved in DURC. These approaches suggest that, going beyond self-governance by researchers, collaborative and networked governance involving diverse actors should become essential. This mode of governance can also be seen in light of the management of research use. Therefore, program design by funding agencies and publication screening by journal publishers continuously contribute to governance at the meso-level. Bottom-up governance may be realized by using an appropriately integrated design of these three approaches at the micro-level, such as dual-use prediction and monitoring, stakeholder dialogue, and background checks. Given that the term 'open science' has been promoted to the research community as part of top-down governance, paying due attention on site to research subjects, research practices, and persons involved in research will provide an opportunity to develop a more socially conscious open science.
由于生命科学领域的多样化、潜在威胁的数字化以及行为体的增多，对两用研究的治理变得更加困难。本文提出了三种方法，从实验室操作到机构决策层面，实现两用研究的自下而上治理。首先，可以通过技术手段预测和监测研究目标病原体及其信息的两用性质。其次，提出了一种互动方法，通过研究实践，让不同的利益相关者主动讨论和审查两用问题。第三，可以确定参与两用研究的合适人员。这些方法表明，除了研究人员的自我治理之外，还应该建立涉及不同行为体的协作和网络化治理。这种治理模式也可以从研究用途的管理角度来看待。因此，资助机构的项目设计和期刊出版商的出版物筛选不断为中观层面的治理做出贡献。通过在微观层面上适当整合这三种方法，如两用预测和监测、利益相关者对话和背景调查，可以实现自下而上的治理。鉴于“开放科学”一词已作为自上而下治理的一部分被推广到研究界，因此在现场适当关注研究对象、研究实践和参与研究的人员，将为发展更具社会意识的开放科学提供机会。
