Strengthening biological security after COVID-19: Using cartoons for engaging life science stakeholders with the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)

Autor: Tatyana Novossiolova, Simon Whitby, Malcolm Dando, Lijun Shang
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2022
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity, Vol 4, Iss 1, Pp 68-74 (2022)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2588-9338
DOI: 10.1016/j.jobb.2022.03.001
Popis: The devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have acutely shown the need for maintaining robust international and national systems for biological security and ensuring that life sciences are used only for peaceful purposes. Life science stakeholders can play an important role in safeguarding scientific and technological advances in biology and related fields against accidental or deliberate misuse, not least because they are on the frontlines of driving innovation. In this paper, we argue that enhancing awareness and understanding of the risk of deliberate disease is essential for effective biological security. We first discuss the issue of ‘dual use’ in science and technology as it relates to disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Second, we review how scientist engagement with dual-use risks has been addressed in the context of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC). Third, we report on the development of an innovative awareness-raising tool, a cartoon series, that can be used for engaging life science stakeholders with BTWC issues. Finally, we outline a set of practical considerations for promoting sustainable life science engagement with the BTWC.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals