Gain of Function: experimental applications relating to potentially pandemic pathogens#

EASAC - European Academies' Science Advisory Council #

Palace of the Academies, Brussels#

21 October, 2015 12:00-14:30#

A discussion on modification of the influenza virus and recent related research, including risk-benefit analysis, considerations of scientific responsibility, research review and management systems, biosafety and biosecurity advisory bodies, publication of sensitive information, and public engagement.

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Programme:#

• 12:00 Sandwich lunch available
• 12:30 Introduction to EASAC and the study (Professor Volker ter Meulen, Chair of the EASAC working group on Gain of Function and Past President of EASAC)
• 12:40 Key messages from the EASAC study (Professor Sir John Skehel, Francis Crick Institute, UK)
• 13:00 Response to the EASAC study from the European Commission (Dr Ruxandra Draghia-Akli, Health Directorate, DG Research and Innovation)
• 13:20 Commentary from a US perspective (Professor Ronald Atlas, University of Louisville)

• 13:40 Panel Discussion:
  (moderated by Professor Volker ter Meulen)

• Professor Simon Wain-Hobson (Institut Pasteur)
• Professor André Knotternus (WRR - Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy)
• Dr. Mike Skinner (Imperial College London)
• Professor Mike Catchpole (ECDC - European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control)

• 14:00 Open discussion with audience
• 14:30 Close of event and coffee

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