Research: Biosafety and Biosecurity

The field of biosecurity is increasing in importance. Much of the biomedical research conducted today is of ‘dual use' nature, which means that it can have both peaceful (civil) and military applications. The current perception of a bio-terrorist threat (due to recent terrorist events) and the subsequent security countermeasures, demands the scientific community to take responsibility and assist in protecting biological material and knowledge of concern.

An ongoing PhD project entitled "Dual use and responsible life science research – A bioethical approach" looks at how the means and methods in bioethics can be used to prevent proliferation of biological weapons. The project examines the responsibility of biomedical researchers in preventing proliferation of biological material, technology and knowledge to actors with malicious intents.

Dual Uses of Biomedicine: Whose responsibility?

The X Annual Swedish Symposium on Biomedicine, Ethics and Society was held at Seglarhotellet, Sandhamn on 9-10 June 2008. The symposium dealt with dual uses of biomedicine and questions of responsibility.

The multi-disciplinary conference addressed the potential dual uses of biomedical research and practice. In the symposium, “Dual use” refered to the fact that biomedical research can have both beneficial and harmful uses and consequences.

More information, report and programme >

More information

• Stefan Eriksson, Associate Professor, Senior Researcher
  
  
  
  
• Kathinka Evers, Associate Professor, Senior Researcher
  
  
  
  
• Anna Höglund, Associate Professor, Senior Lecturer
  
  
  
  
• Frida Kuhlau, MsC, PhD Student