Financial Resources

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As in many other discussions about expanding education about dual use issues, the need for resources, especially financial, emerges almost immediately. In many countries, university administrators and faculty, who normally live in dread of "unfunded mandates," are particularly stretched by the impact of the current financial crisis. It might not be particularly expen- sive for a newly enthusiastic professor to develop a few sessions about dual use issues for an existing course or as a special side event, but if dual use issues are to become a regular part of the curriculum across the life sciences, much more substantial and sustained funding would be required. Among the needs cited by participants were funds to:

" Develop new case studies and educational materials tailored to the research interests of scientists in different areas of the life sciences as well as to the interests and priorities of different countries.

" Translate relevant existing case studies and educational materials into local languages.

" Develop materials such as CDs or DVDs that could provide experiences similar to online interactions ...
... and engagement to those lack- ing reliable Internet access.

" Support the creation of clearinghouses or resource centers, which could be linked to form an international network, where mate- rials could be deposited, shared, and developed and vetted collaboratively.

" Undertake meeting sessions, workshops, articles and other publicity to engage students and faculty through various scientific organizations and professional associations.

A common feature of many of these points is that implementation would require time for faculty and instructors (and in some cases administrators) to develop the new resources and programs. Underwriting time for similar purposes is a common practice for private and public funding bodies, suggesting a role that some are already playing.

Many participants acknowledged the important contribution that private funding, particularly from foundations in the United States and the United Kingdom, has made and continues to make in supporting the development and implementation of education about dual use issues. Much of the most creative work to engage the scientific community in biosecurity and dual use issues in the past decade has come as a result of the support of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Nuclear Threat Initiative, and the Wellcome Trust. But only the Wellcome Trust continues to support work on dual use issues; at present there are no major U.S. foundations with programs on dual use or broader biosecurity issues. And private organizations obviously cannot develop and implement the policies to support a greater role for education. Participants argued that national governments as well as regional and international organizations have essential roles in providing resources.

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