Gain-of-Function Research on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Viruses:
An International Consultative Workshop
December 17-18, 2012
Day 1
8:00 -- 9:00 A.M. Introductory Remarks
Welcome
• Sally Howard, J.D., Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Meeting Co-Moderators:
• Robbert Dijkgraaf, Ph.D., Co-chair, InterAcademy Council
Past President, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Netherlands
Director and Leon Levy Professor, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, USA
• Harvey Fineberg, M.D., Ph.D., President, Institute of Medicine, National Academies
Professor of Health Policy and Management, Emeritus, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard University, USA
Presenters:
• Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, USA
• Amy P. Patterson, M.D., Associate Director for Science Policy, National Institutes of Health, USA
The presentations in the opening session will set the stage for the Workshop by briefly highlighting the scientific, public health, biosafety, and biosecurity issues surrounding HPAI H5N1 research that increases transmissibility, pathogenicity, and/or host range; introducing the concept that HHS has developed a draft Framework for guiding funding decisions about proposed HPAI H5N1 GOF research; and noting that the meeting participants will have the opportunity to exercise this Framework through discussion of a series of case studies. The global nature of the research and the benefits and risks associated with it underscore the importance of hearing a broad range of perspectives about the responsible funding and conduct of such research. Discussions over this 2-day workshop will be carefully considered as HHS finalizes its Framework.
