Module 2c: Research Controversy

Instructions

Based on the information provided in this module, participate in the discussion concerning the issues raised.

In your group, identify what actions should be taken, and any additional requirements, critical issues, decisions, and/or questions that should be addressed at this time..

Scenario Update

November 19, 2015:

Scandal has erupted from China to our university. 

A researcher at a Chinese university biosafety laboratory alleges that there was a previously unreported accident in July. The accident is said to have exposed two laboratory technicians to an H7N9 strain engineered to have higher transmissibility without loss of ability to cause severe disease. 

China health officials and the lead researcher on the project have denied the allegation of an accident. They also say that genetic sequencing of the virus administered to ferrets in the laboratory is different from that of strains collected from patients in the ongoing H7N9 outbreak. 

Our university has released a statement that an adjunct professor who recently returned from a research sabbatical at the Chinese university laboratory had no involvement with the controversial research project. Social media are now awash in conspiracy theories regarding our decision to close. 

Other universities in the region are receiving renewed, intense scrutiny and negative publicity about research on dangerous pathogens conducted in their biocontainment facilities. 

Many who discount the conspiracy theories are nevertheless increasingly vocal about the risk of dangerous pathogens escaping the biocontainment laboratories at several of the region’s universities. This includes students, parents, and donors. 

Lawmakers in the region’s state legislatures are calling for a moratorium or ban on such research and on the construction or upgrade of laboratories beyond Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2). They cite the ongoing consequences of the H7N9 pandemic as something that could occur due to a laboratory accident. Insurers are also examining these risks for possible adjustment. 

•What are the Key Issues and Questions?

•What are some of the uncertainties?

•What actions are taken?

Discussion Questions

  1. For institutions conducting biomedical research perceived as dangerous, what risks or opportunities does an infectious disease outbreak present for the institution’s brand? 
  2. Specifically, consider the following questions: 
    1. What is our public affairs posture in this situation?
      1. Can you afford to take an “only-if-asked” approach? 
    2. If you cannot claim zero risk from such research activities, what are the elements of your message?
      1. Medical benefits of the research? 
      2. Economic benefits of the research? 
      3. Precautions in place? 
      4. Procedural compliance? 
      5. Past accident reporting history (or lack of accidents to report)? 
      6. Distinctions between “gain-of-function” research and research on pathogens as found in nature? 
Next Module (Lessons Learned)