The risks posed by bioterrorism and the proliferation of biological weapons capabilities have increased concern about how the rapid advances in genetic engineering and biotechnology could enable the production of biological weapons with unique and unpredictable characteristics.

This study (conducted jointly with the National Research Council) examined trends and objectives of research in public health, life sciences, and biomedical science that contain applications relevant to developments in biological weapons 5 to 15 years into the future and ways to anticipate, identify and mitigate these dangers. 

This committee explored issues surrounding the "dual use" applications of biotechnology and genetic engineering data.  This project did not address agricultural biotechnology or bioterrorism threats to agricultural plants and animals since this topic has already been addressed by the NRC report entitled Countering Agricultural Bioterrorism.

Specifically, the charge to the Committee was to:

1. Examine current scientific trends and the likely trajectory of future research activities in public health, life sciences, biomedical and materials science that contain applications relevant to development of “next generation” agents of biological origin 5 to 10 years into the future.
2. Evaluate the potential for hostile uses of research advances in genetic engineering and biotechnology that will make biological agents more potent or damaging. Included in this evaluation will be the degree to which the integration of multiple advancing technologies over the next 5 to 10 years could result in a synergistic effect.
3. Identify the current and potential future capabilities that could enable the ability of individuals, organizations, or countries to identify, acquire, master, and independently advance these technologies for both beneficial and hostile purposes.
4. Identify and recommend the knowledge and tools that will be needed by the national security, biomedical science, and public health communities to anticipate, prevent, recognize, mitigate, and respond to the destructive potential associated with advancing technologies.