The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is sponsoring an international consultative workshop on December 17-18 on Gain-of-Function Research on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Viruses. The purpose of this workshop is to provide a forum for sharing multidisciplinary international perspectives on research that aims to increase transmissibility, increase pathogenicity, and/or alter host range of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses. Specific issues for discussion will include the implications of such research for global public health; risks and concerns associated with this research; the risks of not conducting such research; fundamental principles regarding the conduct and oversight of such research; and conditions under which such research might be conducted.
Perspectives will be presented by individuals from around the globe who collectively have a broad range of expertise in such areas as influenza, other infectious diseases, dual use research, bioethics, national and global public health, biosecurity, epidemiology, national security, public health surveillance, biosafety, biosecurity agriculture/veterinary sciences, the WHO International Health Regulations and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework, global public health law, and medical countermeasure development. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to exercise a proposed HHS funding framework through discussion of a series of case studies. These presentations and discussions will be an important contribution to the ongoing global dialogue on this issue.
Because these issues are of great importance to the scientific and public health communities, as well as the public at large, the meeting will be open to all those interested in attending. This event will not be webcast.
A preliminary agenda for the event is now available. Please register for the meeting at the link below. Please also download the informational flyer and share with your colleagues.
http://oba.od.nih.gov/
