The Technical Advisory Group on the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences and Dual-Use Research (TAG-RULS DUR) was established in November 2023 to provide independent advice to WHO including technical and strategic advice relevant to the monitoring and mitigation of biorisks, advances in the life sciences and related technologies, the governance of dual-use research and the responsible use of the life sciences.
The TAG-RULS DUR members have expertise in a range of areas including, but not limited to, the following:
- oversight of dual-use research and dual-use of concern (DURC), knowledge, information, methods, products or technologies;
- biorisk mitigation and management, biosafety and biosecurity;
- emerging areas of research and technologies in biology and the life sciences (for example, but not limited to, synthetic biology, genome editing, virology, infectious diseases, bioinformatics, neurosciences) and associated disciplines (for example, but not limited to, chemistry, artificial intelligence, nanotechnologies);
- governance of emerging technologies;
- risk communication and disinformation;
- ethics, international law, policy and governance and other relevant social science domains, related to the responsible use of the life sciences, dual-use research and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response;
- foresight;
- monitoring and evaluation related to global health security; and
- One Health approach to the responsible use of the life sciences and dual-use research.
The composition of the TAG respects an adequate distribution of technical expertise, geographic and gender distribution. The members serve in their personal capacities, from a broad range of disciplines relevant to the TAG-RULS DUR areas of work.
This meeting, held on 24 January 2024, provided the opportunity to meet virtually for the first time; to discuss the current and upcoming project activities on the responsible use of the life sciences and dual-use research; and to share members’ perspectives and priorities on the work ahead.
A report of this meeting will be published.
