Self-Regulation of Science: What Can We Still Learn from Asilomar?

Can scientists self-regulate effectively? The controversial select agent regulations, the recent implementation of U.S. dual-use research of concern policies, the funding moratorium on gain of function experiments, and the 2014 incidents at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all seem to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Perspectives in biology and medicine 2016, Vol.59 (3), p.364-381
Main Authors: Baskin, Carole R, Gatter, Robert A, Campbell, Mark J, Dubois, James M, Waits, Allison C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cell division
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA
E coli
Education
Ethics
Ethics, Research
Genetic engineering
Guidelines as Topic - standards
Humans
Interdisciplinary Communication
Life sciences
Mammals
National Institutes of Health (U.S.)
Public health
Recombinant DNA
Research - standards
Self regulation
United States
Viruses
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Summary:Can scientists self-regulate effectively? The controversial select agent regulations, the recent implementation of U.S. dual-use research of concern policies, the funding moratorium on gain of function experiments, and the 2014 incidents at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all seem to suggest that the answer is a resounding "no." Yet history tells us that it is feasible. In this comprehensive history of the first iteration of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Recombinant DNA Guidelines, we examine the principles, thoughts, and behaviors that resulted in successful self-regulation of scientific research for the past four decades and how engagement of scientists made it possible. Starting with a willingness on the part of researchers all over the world to pause exciting experiments, and with a genuine concern for public health, the individuals involved demonstrated unprecedented (and thus far never replicated) openness to dialogue with others from different disciplines, the media, and the public.
ISSN:0031-5982
1529-8795
1529-8795
DOI:10.1353/pbm.2016.0031