Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC)

 

On September 24, 2014, the United States Government issued its Policy for Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) . DURC is defined as research involving certain categories of experimental effects with select agents or toxins that may be misapplied to create a potential threat to public health, safety, plants, animals, the environment or national security. The policy requires institutions to establish a process no later than September 24, 2015, for review of life sciences research that may be defined as DURC. Principal Investigators are urged to review the Princeton University policy and process for review of DURC.

At this time, the only action required by Principal Investigators is to notify the Institutional Biosafety Committee if you use or store any of the following agents or toxins in your laboratory. The IBC Registration Form has been designed to allow Principal Investigators to include this information as appropriate.

Agents and Toxins of Concern:

  • Avian influenza virus (highly pathogenic)
  • Bacillus anthracis
  • Botulinum neurotoxin (in any quantity)
  • Burkholderia mallei
  • Burkholderia pseudomallei
  • Ebola virus
  • Foot and mouth disease virus
  • Francisella tularensis
  • Marburg Virus
  • Reconstructed 1918 influenza virus
  • Rinderpest virus
  • Toxin-producing strains of Clostridium botulinum
  • Variola major virus
  • Variola minor virus
  • Yersinia pestis

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sheera Gaskin, Director of Research Integrity and Assurance or Meagan Fitzpatrick, Environmental Health and Biological Safety Officer.

United States Government Policy for Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences DURC

USG DURC - Points to Consider

Princeton University Policy on Dual Use Research of Concern