A New Synthesis for Dual Use Research of Concern

Points• "Dual use research of concern," or DURC, denotes beneficial life sciences research whose results could be misused by those wishing to cause harm.• Dual use was largely ignored until a couple of years ago, when debate erupted over the publication of manuscripts describing enhanced transmissibility of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza.• Dual use has not served its intended purpose of clearly delineating research that might require additional scrutiny.• Over the decade, the debate has largely switched focus from biosecurity to biosafety.• We propose a path forward that we believe better defines the issues at hand.