The InterAcademy Panel (IAP), a global network of science academies that includes the Australian Academy of Science, has issued a statement on biosecurity to coincide with the Meeting of States Parties of the Biological Weapons Convention, which ran from 5-9 December.

The statement has been endorsed by over 60 national science academies.

According to the statement, scientists must recognise their obligation to do no harm. The IAP has published a set of principles, to be taken into account when formulating codes of conduct.

The statement addresses five fundamental issues facing scientists working in the biosciences: awareness; safety and security; education and information; accountability; and oversight.

Professor Philip Kuchel, Secretary, Science Policy, Australian Academy of Science, said: 'The threat from biological weapons is again a live issue. This statement, endorsed by 68 of the world's national academies of science from all regions of the world, is to guide individual scientists in their day-to-day activities and also to act as the basis for codes of conduct developed by scientific communities or institutions.

'Scientists need to be aware. They must always bear in mind the potential consequences of their research and should not ignore the possible misuse of their work by others. They also need to pass on this awareness. Teaching the next generation of scientists about national and international laws and regulations is important. And as part of that, the underlying principles aimed at preventing the misuse of research must also be explained.'

Kuchel continued: 'Since the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention in 1972, scientific research has created new and unexpected knowledge and technologies which have benefited mankind in many ways. But some of this technology can be used for destructive as well as for constructive purposes and that is why getting scientists to think about these principles is so vital.'

The full text of the IAP biosecurity statement, along with the names of national science academies that have endorsed it, is available (external link).

Notes for news editors

The InterAcademy Panel on International Issues (IAP) is a global network of the world's science academies, launched in 1993. Its primary goal is to help member academies work together to advise citizens and public officials on the scientific aspects of critical global issues. IAP is particularly interested in assisting young and small academies achieve these goals and, through the communication links and networks created by IAP activities, all academies will be able to raise both their public profile among citizens and their influence among policy makers.