Viral Gain-of-Function Research Moratorium Act This bill prohibits the award of federal research grants to institutions of higher education or research institutes that conduct gain-of-function research. Gain-of-function research refers to any research that (1) could confer attributes to influenza, MERS, or SARS viruses such that the virus would have enhanced pathogenicity or transmissibility in an organism; or (2) involves methods that could enhance potential pandemic pathogens or related risky research with potentially dangerous pathogens.
Impact
If enacted, SB81 would significantly impact the funding landscape for research institutions involved in virology and related fields. By prohibiting federal grants for gain-of-function research, the bill could hinder scientific progress in understanding and mitigating potential pandemic threats. Critics argue that while the bill addresses legitimate safety concerns, it may inadvertently stifle important research that contributes to public health by enhancing our understanding of viral behaviors and transmission mechanisms.
Summary
Senate Bill 81, titled the Viral Gain-of-Function Research Moratorium Act, aims to impose a moratorium on federal research grants awarded to institutions of higher education and other research institutes conducting gain-of-function research. This type of research is defined as any activity that might confer enhanced pathogenicity or transmissibility to viruses such as influenza, MERS, or SARS. The bill reflects a growing concern regarding the safety and ethical implications of such research, particularly in light of recent global health crises.
Contention
The bill has sparked discussions about the balance between promoting scientific innovation and ensuring public safety. Proponents of the moratorium assert that current oversight mechanisms are inadequate to address the risks associated with gain-of-function research. However, opponents warn that halting such research could leave scientists unprepared for future outbreaks by limiting their understanding of how viruses evolve and could possibly lead to increased vulnerability to infectious diseases.
Prohibiting institutions of higher education from conducting gain of function research on potentially pandemic pathogens, requiring reporting of the intention to conduct research on potentially pandemic pathogens, and providing a penalty. (FE)
Prohibiting institutions of higher education from conducting gain of function research on potentially pandemic pathogens, requiring reporting of the intention to conduct research on potentially pandemic pathogens, and providing a penalty. (FE)
To require the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a consistent set of policy guidelines for Federal research agencies to address mental health and mentoring of graduate researchers and postdoctoral researchers, and for other purposes.
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Government should immediately place a moratorium on all federally funded gain-of-function research given the increased safety concerns.