Dual Use Liaison Group (DULG)
Minimizing risks
Although research is crucial for developing knowledge in science and medicine, some research may represent a risk for human health or the environment if misused or in the event of an accident. The term dual use research of concern (DURC) is used to refer to such cases, which may include research to understand pathogen function through genetic engineering. This research is important and useful in scientific terms to advance knowledge, but if there is a chance that the resulting pathogens become more transmissible or evade existing treatments, these risks need to be measured and controlled. The pathogens themselves need to be monitored, as do the results of research involving them, which may give rise to scientific publications or related products.
In 2021, the Institut Pasteur was the first institution in France to introduce a monitoring procedure for its projects and to establish an operational group, the Dual Use Liaison Group (DULG), tasked with implementation.
The group’s internal members are not involved in running the research projects under review and are supported by two external experts. They are in charge of analyzing dual use research of concern conducted at the Institut Pasteur and proposing mitigation measures to minimize risks as necessary.
Duties of the DULG
- Identifying the risks involved in certain research projects;
- Ensuring the projects are justified by assessing the expected benefits/perceived risks, then monitoring the projects in the lead-up to publication;
- Helping to raise awareness of dual use research of concern among scientists.
This process is an Institut Pasteur initiative. It is not a legal requirement provided laboratory biosecurity and biosafety standards are met. It was introduced in connection with the Institut Pasteur Ethics Charter on the basis of a 2018 recommendation by the National Biosafety Advisory Council (CNCB).
Find out more
- 2018 recommendation by the CNCB (in French)
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Conflict of Interest Review Board (GELI)
Advice and support for people affected by potential conflicts of interest
The GELI is an operational group that provides information, advice and support for people affected by the prevention and management of situations of conflict of interest. It has the responsibilities of the expert group mentioned in the Practical Guide for the Prevention of Conflicts of Interest in Activities of the Institut Pasteur's National Reference Centers (CNRs) and Laboratory for Urgent Response to Biological Threats (CIBU – in French).
Duties of the GELI
The group takes action:
- At any time: to clarify internal rules relating to conflicts of interest, either in response to individual requests for clarification or via awareness-raising measures, training or other action in this area;
- In response to specific requests from people subject to the Institut Pasteur's regulations: to issue guidelines if they are unable to find a solution to a conflict of interest despite the prior application of internal regulations;
- In response to requests from the senior management team for an operational analysis of the conflict of interest management procedure at the Institut Pasteur;
- In general, it produces memos, guides and other documents.
The GELI helps draft documents for submission to the Ethics and Compliance Committee (CDC) and applies the CDC's guidelines and policy positions.
Regulatory basis of the GELI
- Institut Pasteur Charter for the Prevention and Management of Conflicts of Interest
- Practical Guide for the Prevention of Conflicts of Interest in Activities of the Institut Pasteur's CNRs and CIBU
GELI members
The group includes one or more representatives from each of the following departments:
- Legal Affairs Department (DJ);
- Medical Department (DM);
- Technology Transfer and Industrial Partnership Department (DARRI);
- Human Resources Department (DRH);
The representatives are appointed by their respective department directors.
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