The Medical Research Council (MRC) aims to support research of the highest scientific and ethical quality that will advance knowledge and its application to deliver benefits to the public.
We recognise, however, that there is a risk that the results of some types of research could potentially be misused to cause great harm. For example MRC funds basic and clinical research in infection and immunity, pathogens and host genetics which is essential to improve understanding of infectious diseases, and to enable scientists to improve diagnostics, vaccines, treatments and other control strategies, but which might be misused to develop biological weapons.
We have developed a joint statement with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Wellcome Trust on Managing Risks of Research Misuse (available as a document download under related content) which updates and replaces the MRC position statement on bioterrorism and biomedical research published in 2005.
Last updated: 17 August 2023