Dual Use Research of Concern: Perspective of Clinicians from a Training Viewpoint.

Abstract

The field of Dual use research of concern (DURC) has been rapidly expanding in the last decade. Though this has led to unprecedented breakthroughs in Life sciences and Technology, it is also associated with significant risks. These risks are enormous, transcend local and national boundaries and have the potential of catastrophic effects. Some of these include the release of highly infectious pathogens capable of sparking unnatural outbreaks, with resultant widespread illness and deaths. Yet Clinicians who are significant first responders involved in the management of cases in outbreaks, often lack relevant training on DURC and its associated risks. We propose that the World Health Organization (WHO) should develop global guidelines on the integration of relevant DURC training into undergraduate and postgraduate medical curricula. In addition, country-level national policy should be developed by each member country in line with their specific context.

Keywords

• Dual use research of concern, Clinicians, Training