Why Biosecurity and Dual-Use Awareness Matter More Than Ever

When was the last time you considered how your research could be misused?

As life sciences research continues to advance quickly, the importance of biosecurity and dual-use awareness has never been greater. Many scientists are familiar with biosafety, which protects individuals and the public from regulated biological materials. Biosecurity however, focuses on protecting those materials from the following threats:

• loss
• theft
• misuse
• diversion
• sabotage
• unauthorized intentional release

What is Biosecurity, and Why Does it Matter?

Biosecurity goes beyond the containment zone and applies to the entire facility and its perimeter (e.g. fencing, lighting, and landscaping). It encompasses the protection of valuable assets such as:

• personnel
• sensitive information
• equipment
• critical support systems
• regulated materials

To manage biosecurity effectively, facilities can implement multiple layers of security measures, including:

Physical security measures:

• deter, deny, delay, and detect unauthorized access (e.g., intrusion detection systems, access card readers, and Closed-Circuit Television cameras)

Operational security measures:

• compliance with security protocols through policies, procedures, documentation, and incident reporting systems.

Logical security measures:

• protect digital sensitive information by using firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication.

Failure to implement comprehensive biosecurity-related measures, including physical, operational, and logical safeguards across the entire facility, can result in enforcement actions. These can include notices of non-compliance, suspension, revocation of licenses, or even criminal prosecution with significant fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity and risk involved. These actions are taken as per the Compliance and Enforcement continuum from the Compliance and Enforcement Policy.

The Awareness Gap in the Research Community

Despite the importance of these measures, recent research reveals a concerning gap in awareness and engagement among life scientists regarding biosecurity and dual-use risks.

A March 2025 study surveying 127 researchers at a major U.S. university found that while many scientists recognize their responsibility to address biosafety risks, far fewer regularly consider the dangers of intentional misuse or the risks associated with sharing sensitive research information. Non-faculty researchers were especially unlikely to think about these issues, with many admitting they “never or almost never” considered biosecurity or dual-use risks. Even faculty members, though somewhat more aware, did not consistently meet expectations for managing these concerns.

This lack of awareness is concerning, particularly since these researchers frequently work with regulated material that, if misused, could cause significant harm. Formal training on biosecurity is often lacking, and discussions of these topics are often absent from lab meetings.

Building a Culture of Responsibility

As the field of biotechnology evolves, it’s essential to integrate biosecurity and dual-use considerations into everyday work. This commitment goes beyond simply following regulations; it's about protecting the integrity of research and the health and safety of the wider community.

What Can You Do Today?

Reflect on how biosecurity applies to your own work:

• Bring up dual-use risks in your next lab meeting
• Explore available biosecurity training and resources
• Review your facility’s protocols with a biosecurity lens

To learn more about the risks of dual-use and to encourage a culture of responsibility in life sciences, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Training Portal for comprehensive curricula.

Additional resources and information can be found on the biosafety and biosecurity in Canada page.