Web of Prevention

Since September 11, 2001 in many countries renewed attention has been given to how research in the life sciences might inadvertently or intentionally facilitate the development of biological or chemical weapons. This book examines the extent of the issues and debates. It also examines the security-inspired governance regimes for the life sciences.

Foreword by Gabriele Kraatz-Wadsack * Introduction: A Web of Prevention? * Life Sciences or Death Sciences: Tipping the Balance towards Life with Ethics, Codes and Laws * Whistleblowers: Risks and Skills * Education for the Life Sciences: Choices and Challenges * Dual Use: Can We Learn from the Physicists Experience? A Personal View * Science and Technology Developments Relevant to the Biological Weapons Convention * Options for a Scientific Advisory Panel for the Biological Weapons Convention * Dual Use Biotechnology Research: The Case for Protective Oversight * Reflections on the Role of Research Oversight in a Web of Prevention * Export Control and the Non-proliferation of Materials: National Boundaries in International Science? * Chemical and Biological Weapons Export Controls and the Web of Prevention : A Practitioner's Perspective * How Does Secrecy Work? Keeping and Disclosing Secrets in the History of the UK Biological Warfare Programme * Reflecting on the Problem of Dual Use * Governing Dual Use Life Science Research: Opportunities and Risks for Public Health * Index