1. Untangling cutting-edge biotech misuse concern
Dr Brett Edwards, Lecturer in Security and Public Policy, University of Bath
Concern about the offensive application of cutting-edge biotechnology has led to a wide range of initiatives directed at the governance of scientific research and emergent technology. These initiatives are embedded in a complex, contested and evolving governance landscape. This situation can be bewildering for anyone trying to make sense of policy in this issue area; including those grappling with concerns about recent gene-editing advances.
Below three key concepts are introduced. The first diagram distinguishes three formulations of the misuse dilemma which are prevalent in this area. The second diagram highlights the broad range of forums in which this issue has been discussed. The third diagram distinguishes three categories of working-assumption which have informed practical initiatives.
This might be useful for thinking about the broader context of early technology specific discussions as well as for reflecting on sub-national, national and international level priorities.
Concerns about the misuse of cutting-edge science and technology….
The Scientist’s Dilemma
The Collingridge Dilemma
The Security Dilemma
The responsible researcher?
New discoveries have the potential to do both great harm and great good; but the responsibilities this creates for developers are unclear.
Example response: Development of ethical guidelines for scientists
Great expectations?
When a technology is only just emerging it is difficult to assess potential risks and benefits. However in later stages of development it is much harder to control.
Example response: Pre-emptive technology assessment initiatives
Mixed messages?
Technology advancement creates both advantages and threats to states; which can create insecurity and drive competition.
Example Response: Maintenance and development of international level disarmament regimes
Lab safety and security
Ethics review
Local
Community standard setting
Education
Training
Societal engagement
Community
Awareness raising
Accreditation
Engagement
Professional
National level security and technology strategy
Ethical, social and legal implication review
National Laboratory safety and security policy review
Antiterrorism policy review
State Level
Industry standardization
Laboratory safety and security training
Disarmament treaty review
Export control policy review
Technology assessment initiatives
Responsible research and innovation norm development
International
Have led to a range of practical initiatives…
Technology
Development process
Societal context
Disruptive Potential
Threats
Logic
Actors
Target
Severity
Control
Scope
Feasibility
Means
Adaptability
All have been based on a range of working assumptions about….
Acknowledgements
Wellcome Trust: Building a sustainable capacity for dual-use bioethics project ( PhD stipend)
ESRC: Biochemical Security 2030 Project grant ( Post-Doctoral research position)
Volkswagen Foundation (Travel award)
Recent Publications
Edwards (2017) We’ve got to talk: The militarization of biotechnology. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Edwards et Revill (2016) A Decade of Synthetic Biology in the Context of the Biological and Toxin Weapon Convention and the Chemical Weapon Convention. Biochemical Security 2030 Policy Paper Series.
Further information
@biochemsec2030