Improving The Safety And Security Of Biological Research

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The executive order addresses concerns regarding dangerous gain-of-function research on biological agents and pathogens.
It emphasizes that such research poses significant risks to American citizens, including potential widespread mortality, impaired public health, and threats to national security.
The Biden Administration's previous approach allowed dangerous gain-of-function research with insufficient oversight and authorized life-science funding in foreign countries with limited U.S. oversight.
The order prioritizes U.S. federally funded research benefiting citizens without compromising national security, public health, or economic stability.
Key directives include:
- Immediate cessation of federal funding for dangerous gain-of-function research abroad, particularly in countries of concern (like China).
- Suspension of federally funded dangerous gain-of-function research until new policy guidance is developed.
The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) must revise existing guidelines to:
- Enhance oversight, accountability, transparency, and define research scope while maintaining U.S. leadership in health research.
- Incorporate enforcement mechanisms in federal funding agreements.
Within specified timelines, further actions must be taken to limit and track dangerous gain-of-function research, even outside federal funding.
Institutions receiving federal funding must report on their gain-of-function research activities and comply with new contractual requirements.
“Dangerous gain-of-function research” is defined broadly to encompass activities that enhance infectious agents' harmfulness or transmissibility and could lead to significant societal consequences.
Clauses specify that the order does not infringe on existing legal authorities of departments and agencies.