Biodefense: Research, Resources, and Responsibility

The War on Terrorism has stimulated interest in and increased support for research to enhance the ability to detect and counter bioterrorism. Accelerated efforts in the many facets of homeland security present new opportunities and challenges to researchers, institutions, and research administrators. This Webcast features national leaders addressing issues related to establishing appropriate research programs, obtaining funding, administering awards,and implementation issues as affected by security and biosafety. Segments feature individual speakers, panel presentations, funding strategies and opportunities; a multi-institutional, cross disciplinary project focusing on emergency response; interactions with the community concerning biodefense research and facilities; scientific freedom and national security; an introduction to the academic consortium for homeland security; and strategies for nonproliferation of biological weapons.

(PRWEB) March 18, 2004 --
The Webcast is be divided into segments including:

• Funding for Biodefense Research -- John J. McGowan from the National Institutes of Health talks about the current U.S. federal budget for biodefense.

• Regional Centers of Excellence -- A panel of experts from Texas A&M University discuss their thoughts on the Integrative Center for Homeland Security.

• International -- This segment discusses the issue of nonproliferation of biological agents.

• Scientific Freedom and National Security -- A panel of scientists from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the University of Alabama and The Johns Hopkins University discuss how their research interests have expanded with the emphasis on biodefense and how that research impacts on the right to publish versus concern for U.S. national security.

• Midwest Research Institute -- Staff from MRI provide insight on safety, security and employee training.

• CHORI (Childrens Hospital Oakland Research Institute) -- CHORI is constructing a biosafety level 3 laboratory. Neighbors of the surrounding community question scientists regarding the research that is being conducted there.

• Ohio State Academic Consortium for Homeland Security -- Todd Stewart, Director of the program for International and Homeland Security discusses the Academic Consortium for Homeland Security that has been established at The Ohio State University.