Global framework for the safe use of Life sciences

Key highlights of the framework-

• The framework aims to mitigate biorisks and govern dual-use research, which has a clear benefit but could be misused to harm humans, other animals, agriculture and the environment.
• The new framework addresses decades-long challenges of preventing the accidental and deliberate misuse of biology and other life sciences, as well as how to manage governance to accelerate and spread innovation, while mitigating negative impacts.
• Life sciences are increasingly intersecting with other fields, such as chemistry, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology, which changes the landscape of risks, and could be missed.
• It also outlines the need for anticipatory and responsive governance mechanisms, including foresight approaches, which are participatory and multi-disciplinary ways of exploring trends, emerging changes, systemic impacts and alternative futures.
• To help manage risks, it covers issues such as preventing misinformation and disinformation, as well as managing large health data sets. 
• The framework is intended as the go-to starting point for the development and strengthening of biorisk management, which relies on three core pillars: biosafety, laboratory biosecurity and the oversight of dual-use research.

Note: 

• This list of life sciences comprises the branches of science that involve the scientific study of life – such as microorganisms, plants, and animals including human beings. 
• This science is one of the two major branches of natural science, the other being physical science, which is concerned with non-living matter. 
• Biology is the overall natural science that studies life, with the other life sciences as its sub-disciplines.