Research Policy Analysis and Coordination
Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (PEPP)
Dual use research refers to scientific activities conducted for legitimate purposes that generate knowledge, information, technologies, and/or products that can be utilized for both benevolent and harmful purposes. Effective oversight of dual use research is based on identifying and mitigating risks associated with certain biological agents or toxins (Category 1 or Category 2).
***Important Notice***
On May 5, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order, Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research, that directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to revise or replace within 120 days the 2024 U.S. Government DURC-PEPP Policy to increase oversight into research, "clearly define the scope of covered research," and increase enforcement mechanisms.
Contact: Timothy Miller at Timothy.Miller@ucop.edu or (510) 987-0647, and Sean Mayuga at Sean.Mayuga@ucop.edu or (510) 987-0247
Executive Order on Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research
EO #14292; Issued May 5, 2025The Executive Order directs OSTP to establish guidance to end federal funding of dangerous gain-of-function research conducted by foreign entities in countries of concern and directs OSTP to revise or replace the 2024 USG DURC & PEPP Policy.
UC Policy on DURC and PEPP PDF
Effective May 1, 2025UC Policy on Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential. This policy addresses oversight of research on biological agents and toxins that, when enhanced, have the potential to pose risks to public health, agriculture, food security, economic security, or national security.
U.S. Government Policy for Oversight of DURC & PEPP PDF
Under Review as of May 5, 2025This new U.S. Government-wide policy, which combines the current dual use research of concern and enhanced potential pandemic pathogen oversight frameworks, expands the scope of research requiring additional scrutiny and strengthens our partnership with institutions to ensure robust review and oversight.
Implementation Guide for U.S. Government Policy for Oversight of DURC & PEPP PDF | Category 1 and Category 2 Research
Campus DURC Contacts
This is a list of contacts that can provide more information about conducting Dual Use Research of Concern at each campus.