Notice: A recent Executive Order issued on 5/5/2025 has paused the policy changes related to Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and research involving enhanced pandemic potential pathogens that were expected to go into effect in May 2025. We are currently awaiting updated federal guidance.
In the meantime, the IRE will continue to review any related research on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions, please contact the IRE Program Office at comply@ksu.edu or call 785-532-3224.
The information below is on hold due to this Executive Order.
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About Dual Use Research of Concern
The U.S. Government mandates that federally funded intramural or extramural research falling within the scope of Category 1 or Category 2 of this policy is subject to federal and institutional oversight. The purpose of this oversight is to preserve the benefits of such research while minimizing biosafety and biosecurity risks, including the potential misuse of knowledge, information, products, or technologies in a manner that could harm public health and safety, agricultural crops and other plants, animals, the environment, materiel, or national security.
Categories of Research
The new policy classifies research into two categories:
Category 1: Includes a list of biological agents or toxins and is reasonably anticipated to result in high-risk outcomes, such as increased transmissibility, virulence, or resistance to medical countermeasures. Examples include Botulinum neurotoxins, Chikungunya virus, and Francisella tularensis.
Category 2: Involves research that is expected to result in a Potential Pandemic Pathogen (PPP), the development, use, or transfer of a Pathogen of Enhanced Pandemic Potential (PEPP), or work with an eradicated or extinct PPP that could pose a significant public health threat.