Dual Use Research of Concern
Manuscripts may contain information that could be misapplied to pose a significant threat to public health, safety, or security, as well as to agricultural crops, wildlife, or the environment. The publication of such research must be justified by its benefits to the research community, society, or public health.
If concerns about potential misuse arise, our journal may seek expert advice and may require specific peer review to assess the risks associated with dual-use content. Manuscripts for which the likelihood of misuse outweighs the benefits will be rejected, and if already published, may be retracted, revised, or withdrawn.
Researchers are expected to comply with the requirements of their institutions, funders, and applicable national regulations. Any dual-use concerns related to a study must be disclosed, including issues related to biosecurity, nuclear, or chemical threats, where regulations exist. If applicable, the manuscript should provide approval authority and reference numbers, and describe appropriate containment procedures (e.g., biosafety measures) for material that could be harmful outside the laboratory context.
While acknowledging that openness in science helps society identify threats and defend itself, our journal maintains that the risks of publishing a paper deemed suitable for publication rarely outweigh its potential benefits.