Responsible life sciences research for global health security
Key activities
Raising awareness and developing a cross-sectional approach to Responsible life sciences research for global health security
Over the past few years, the project has been raising awareness, from a public health perspective, on the issue of responsible life sciences research. It has published several documents (see Publications) and has convened and co-sponsored several meetings with a variety of stakeholders.
The WHO project on Responsible life science research for global health security recommends investing capacities in three pillars supporting public health: research excellence, ethics and biosafety and laboratory biosecurity. This project has therefore been developed in collaboration with the following WHO programmes: biosafety and laboratory biosecurity; ethics and research policy and cooperation (see Links).
Providing support to countries and institutions to build capacity on Responsible life sciences research for global health security
As part of the guidance document on Responsible life sciences research for global health security, a self-assessment questionnaire has been developed to assist Member States and institutions assessing their strengths and weaknesses in the three aforementioned pillars and for developing capacities. The questionnaire can also be used to raise awareness and facilitate discussion on issues associated with global health security, safe, secure and responsible life sciences activities. Once Member States or institutions have identified their strengths and weaknesses, follow-up activities can include the provision of selected technical skills and knowledge through training, facilitating the sharing of best practices and technical expertise.