ASEAN Scientists' Contributions to Biosecurity and Responsible Science

Implementation in Action: Contributions of ASEAN Scientists and Scientific Organizations to the BWC Main Results of the Discussion: Pre-Conference Workshop 13th December 2015, Geneva in reference to possible contribution of ASEAN scientists to and participation at the 8th BWC Abhi Veerakumarasivam & Edith Sangalang Tria

Aims of Pre-Conference Workshop To present biosecurity-related activities organised by ASEAN scientific organizations in the region; To give scientists and Academies officials from ASEAN countries the opportunity to become acquainted with the BWC; To explore how life scientists and Academies, particularly from the ASEAN region, can contribute to the preparation of the 8th Review Conference of the BWC.

Participants of the Pre-Conference Workshop Academy officials and life scientists from ASEAN countries; EU officers and a representative of the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC); Other biosecurity experts attending the MSP (the workshop is open to all BWC registrants and participants).

Science, Scientists and Biosecurity: Responsible Science Initiatives of US NAS Since 2011: Educational Institutes of Responsible Science in the MENA Region, South Asia & Southeast Asia Building upon an existing culture of responsibility in the life sciences and science more generally Taking advantage of the increasing international emphasis on Responsible Conduct of Science & Research Integrity Sharing international efforts, e.g. regulatory framework-research oversight to scientists in the region Emphasis on Responsible Science makes scientists part of the solution, not part of the problem Positive increase in Awareness, Knowledge, Practices Empowerment & Enculturation

Promoting Responsible Science through Active Learning The need for developing materials and new pedagogical approaches to improve teaching [adult] students and preparing faculty (teachers) Gain of factual knowledge + Understand facts in the context of conceptual framework + Organise knowledge that facilitate retrieval and application = Learning Active Learning: Learner-centric: Exchange of Views, Debate, Assess Enhance Retention Frame the learning and discussion on research with dual use potential and other biosecurity as a matter of professional education and ethics

Key Messages of the European Academies Science Advisory Council Report (Gain-of-Function Experiments) National Regulations Conforming to EU regulations as implemented nationally Publication of Sensitive Information Responsibility of researchers and their institutions: decisions about publishing sensitive information Journals should obtain appropriate advice, including from security experts European Commission s Export Control Regulation is an inappropriate and ineffective vehicle to block publication Public Engagement: Trust and openness are crucial for researchers and their institutions. Academies and others in the scientific community should actively participate in public dialogue articulating objectives for research, potential for benefit and risk, and biorisk management practices adopted. EASAC is committed to continuing working with academies to promote engagement Global Context: Countries worldwide vary in their standards, national guidelines, legal frameworks and in their attitudes to benefit-risk balance. Collectively, there is much more to do to understand, share and implement good practice. Academies should consider what they can do to help convene and inform global discussions

Biosecurity: Initiatives in the ASEAN Academies Network Presentations from Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam Significant initiatives in the region Awareness, Knowledge & Practice Immediate Positive Impact National Code of Conduct on Biosecurity Legal Framework Initiatives targets the whole ecosystem with an extra focus on Young Scientists and their role Informal Vs. Formal Efforts International Collaboration Importance of Local Contextualisation

Plenary Discussion How Life Scientists and National Academies, particularly from the ASEAN region, can contribute to the preparation of and take part in the 8th Review Conference of the BTWC?

Recognition of Efforts of Academies and Scientists in the ASEAN Region Past and on-going efforts in the ASEAN region have had a measurable immediate impact These efforts need to be highlighted, shared and made mainstream to enrich the current international dialogue on biosecurity Dialogues by stakeholders discussing the needs for National Vs. Regional legal frameworks and code of conduct While national-based efforts are essential, appreciation for greater cohesion between countries in the ASEAN region

Recommendations on the Responsibility of ASEAN Academies and Scientists ASEAN Academies and Scientists should: Increase visibility of the efforts towards enculturation Enhance current efforts & measure long-term impact Increase influence in the policy-making and implementation processes create networking opportunities and connections with national delegates Augment efforts to share the initiatives within the region Advocate a common position related to Biosafety and Biosecurity to the existing ASEAN governance mechanisms through sectors and working groups that eventually can be expected to be used as a reference for policy recommendation at the regional level

General Recommendations for Academies and Scientists in the ASEAN Region Play a greater role in the international dialogue and efforts to promote Responsible Science in the context of Biosecurity & Biosafety Essential to contextualise and localise international efforts to ensure traction and impact Code of Conducts need to be a living , local and tangible with a possible need for a legal framework that does not inhibit relevant research Essential for creating a Culture of Responsibility promote Self-Regulation Education is key in ensuring a sustainable positive outcome Re-evaluate Pedagogy: Active Learning Vs. Traditional Pedagogies Young Scientists as key implementers, targets and drivers of these initiatives National & Regional efforts to be augmented Greater dialogue and communication channels

Recommendations for Academies and Scientists in the ASEAN Region in the context of BWC To ensure great participation and contribution to the preparation of the 8th Review Conference of the BWC, Academies and Scientists in the ASEAN region agree to the need to: improve their awareness of the initiatives and information made available by BWC disseminate and share the BWC initiatives and messages to the scientific ecosystem in respective countries organise regional preparatory meetings ensure that their voice is represented in their respective national delegations at the Conference build networks to ensure relevant experts in expert meetings and working groups work together on a position paper/statement for the Conference present posters at the Conference organise a side-meeting during the Conference to discuss and present regional efforts

Acknowledgements Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences US National Academies of Sciences Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Biosecurity Engagement Programme SEA-EU-NET Jo Husbands Koos van der Bruggen Lida Anestidou

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