Scientists walk fine line conducting research post-9/11

Updated 10:00 AM February 28, 2005

Scientists walk fine line conducting research post-9/11

By Kevin Bergquist

It is important for scientists to know the new rules and regulations governing biological research and comply with them, especially in times of heightened security after Sept. 11, a leader in the fight against bioterrorism said Feb. 14.

Ronald Atlas, graduate dean, professor of biology and co-director of the Center for the Deterrence of Biowarfare and Bioterrorism at the University of Louisville, delivered the keynote address at the Jerome B. Wiesner Symposium.

Speaking on "Academic Freedom and National Security: Confronting the Dual Dilemma," Atlas discussed the problem many scientists have conducting research with materials that could be used as biological weapons in the wrong hands.

"In the wake of 9/11 and anthrax, many new laws were created that impact biological research. It is [scientists'] responsibility to know the regulations and comply with them as part of our ethical responsibilities," Atlas said.

"To the maximum extent possible, science should be open and freely available. But we need to engage in a dialogue to help define the boundaries of scientific inquiry."

Atlas was a member of an Institute of Medicine committee that authored a 2004 National Research Council Report, "Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism." He advises the U.S. government on policy issues related to the deterrence of bioterrorism.

The fifth edition of the Wiesner Symposium was entitled "Academic Freedom and National Security: Biological Research in the Post-9/11 Era." Sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research, it examined how research can thrive despite increasing scrutiny over the use of potentially dangerous materials.

Atlas cited two examples of how researchers have been affected by changing laws governing the possession and use of biological agents.

He cited a case involving Thomas Foral, a University of Connecticut graduate student who was charged under the U.S. Patriot Act for saving a culture of bacillus anthracis after being ordered by a professor to destroy it. Facing a 10-year prison sentence and $250,000 fine, Foral reached a plea bargain.

Atlas also recalled the story of a Texas Tech researcher who was charged with illegally transporting Tanzanian plague samples.

"None of us has the luxury of disobeying the laws and regulations," Atlas said. "We need to define what is dangerous information and how can it be contained while still allowing legitimate biological research."

The National Biosecurity Initiative established a National Scientific Advisory Board for Biosecurity to advise the federal government. Atlas said a code of ethics has been developed that will "prevent the life sciences from becoming the death sciences."

"The scientific community should have a self-governance system," Atlas said. "We are not forced to do this; it is our responsibility to act."

Michael Imperiale, professor of microbiology and immunology and chair of U-M's Institutional Biosafety Committee, introduced Atlas at the symposium.

"Most scientists cringe at the thought of someone taking their work and using it to bring harm," Imperiale said.

Scientists walk fine line conducting research post-9/11

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