The connections between science and biosafety

Abstract

Science and scientific thinking have provided the scientific framework and the evidence that supported and advanced the regulation and risk assessment of genetically engineered (GE) organisms in the environment since the 1980s. This framework for risk assessment has been generally accepted around the world. Scientific societies comprised of bodies of experts continue to provide important input to regulatory processes for the biosafety of GE organisms, enhancing the weight of the input provided as a society over that of individual scientists, although the input of thoughtful, individual scientists with credible, supported arguments should not be underestimated. Such efforts provide confidence by policy-makers and regulators that policies and decisions are based upon credible and substantial reports and research endorsed by the experts in the field. The alignment of research needs of regulators with biosafety research agendas for the products of biotechnology is an iterative process that includes opportunities to improve the communication between regulators and the research community. Government policy-makers, responsible for the stewardship of public funds, have dedicated millions of dollars for biosafety research and have worked to prioritize that research to accommodate what regulators identify as important and to enhance the use of the research accomplished. The integrity of scientists and the resulting science is of major importance when policies and regulatory decisions rely on that science (e.g. data quality) and the associated scientific conclusions. In recognition of this, government processes are being advanced to maintain and enhance that integrity.