Publications

On July 11, 2006, the Center for Biosecurity of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) convened an invitational meeting to discuss high-containment biodefense research in the United States. Our goal was to analyze whether and how the growing numbers of laboratories could be operated safely, productively, and with respect for the communities in which they are placed.

The group was composed of distinguished scientists and experts in biosafety, biosecurity, and public health and included proponents of the laboratories as well as those who oppose the recent expansion. Participants were not asked to reach consensus on the topics discussed; rather, the intention was to spur an open discussion of key issues related to high-containment laboratory research and to seek proposals for constructive actions. Meeting participants are listed in Appendix I. Individual comments were not for attribution, but some quotations that make a compelling case for particular actions are cited without attribution.

In this report, the Center for Biosecurity analyzes a number of critical issues related to high-containment laboratories and offers recommendations intended to improve their productivity, safety, and public engagement practices. These recommendations have been informed by pre- and post-meeting discussions with a range of experts, a survey of peer-reviewed literature, press reports, and discussions during the meeting on the issues summarized in this report. Our recommendations are not necessarily endorsed by the participants in the July 11 meeting.