Scientific communication, collaboration and progress are enhanced through the exchange of data, materials, and ideas. Recent advances in technology, commercial proprietary discovery, and current and urgent local and global... [ view full abstract ]
Scientific communication, collaboration and progress are enhanced through the exchange of data, materials, and ideas. Recent advances in technology, commercial proprietary discovery, and current and urgent local and global events (e.g. emerging human, animal and plant disease outbreaks) have increased the demand, and shortened optimal timelines, for material and data transfer. With respect to international scientific cooperation, the financial status of a country (high, middle, or low income according to World Bank gross national income levels) also may complicate cooperation. Furthermore, an element of effective human engagement reinforces and sustains the process. Thus, a reasonable and accepted framework of guidance for open sharing of data and material is needed. On a research collaboration level, such as one between scientific institutions, a material transfer agreement (MTA) is one option that typically grants permission, and defines acceptable uses, under which parties can exchange, with confidence, items such as biological strains, clinical specimens, and environmental samples. Electronic sequencing data, whose exchange often has fewer restrictions due to a lower risk of unintended consequences, has also, historically, been regulated through MTAs. However, initial data exchange may or may not ultimately result in exchange of biological material. Specific circumstances in each case, such as the type of material being transferred (i.e. Select Agent; disease-causing agent, assessed risk level, etc.) and current events, dictate whether a higher national level agreement is required. At an international and diplomatic level, requirements may include a formal umbrella agreement to establish intent between countries, followed by an implementation agreement by the specific government agencies that will engage. Although numerous agreement variations already exist for the exchange of materials and data, regulations to guide the development of both the language and implementation of such agreements are limited. The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing, an international treaty that encourages the sharing and use of genetic resources, provides guidance but no standard procedures on scientific exchanges, specifying that material transfer is subject to local and national jurisdiction. As well, the Global Health Security Agenda, initiated in 2014, while partnering together over 50 nations to increase the capacity to prevent, detect and respond to global health threats, only encourages increased levels of biosecurity and biosafety regulation, but does not suggest specific legislature. Our presentation will provide examples of material transfer issues and possible risks to scientific transparency as related to emerging technologies, dual-use research concerns, and unintended outcomes, and address the need for new strategies to facilitate the exchange and sharing of scientific resources including data, materials, and ideas.
