title: European Academies Advise on Gain-of-Function Studies in Influenza Virus Research.
abstract: Gain-of-function (GoF) studies to understand factors affecting transmissibility of potentially pandemic pathogens are controversial. The European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC) recently published consensus recommendations relating to GoF research review and management on self-regulation and harmonization; bioethical considerations; benefit-risk assessment; biosafety, and biosecurity advisory options; and publication of sensitive information. A layered approach to integration of responsibilities must include conforming to the stringent rules and guidance already existing. Further commitment is essential to extend the debate on issues worldwide.
authors.affiliation: Biosciences Programme, EASAC, German National Academy of Sciences, Halle (Saale), Germany Gain of Function Working Group, EASAC, German National Academy of Sciences, Halle (Saale), Germany.
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fears
authors.affiliation: Biosciences Steering Panel, EASAC, German National Academy of Sciences, Halle (Saale), Germany Gain of Function Working Group, EASAC, German National Academy of Sciences, Halle (Saale), Germany Volker.termeulen@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de.
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: ter Meulen
mesh_terms: D000047:Academies and Institutes; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D058873:Pandemics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014773:Virology / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D014774:Virulence