As rapid advances in biotechnology, genomics, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence and related life sciences continue to reshape global health and innovation, countries face a growing need to manage emerging risks without slowing scientific progress.
Tools and knowledge developed for beneficial purposes can also pose risks if misused accidentally, inadvertently or deliberately. The World Health Organization (WHO) is responding by supporting Member States with practical, evidence-informed, adaptive, agile and forward-looking approaches that strengthen safety, security and responsible oversight while enabling innovation.
Through global guidance, foresight, capacity-building and implementation support, WHO is helping countries anticipate emerging challenges and develop governance systems that remain effective in a rapidly evolving scientific landscape.
From global guidance to practical action
WHO has developed a comprehensive package of resources to help Member States translate responsible life sciences principles into action.
At the core of this work is the WHO Global Guidance Framework for the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences: Mitigating Biorisks and Governing Dual-Use Research, released in 2022 to help mitigate biorisks while enabling scientific progress.
In 2025, WHO strengthened this package with a multilingual WHO Academy training course for policymakers, researchers, biosafety professionals and institutional leaders. The course aims to strengthen governance of dual-use research and promote responsible innovation. More than 1,000 learners have enrolled to date.
BRIET provides a new implementation pathway
The Biorisk Implementation and Evaluation Tool (BRIET) marks an important shift from guidance to implementation.
The web-based self-assessment tool helps countries and institutions map stakeholders, identify strengths and gaps, assess risks, prioritize actions and generate tailored recommendations to strengthen biorisk management and governance of dual-use research and dual-use research of concern.
BRIET also supports progress on biosafety and biosecurity capacities under the International Health Regulations (2005) and can inform national health security planning.
By helping users measure progress and track improvements over time, the tool addresses an important implementation gap and supports evidence-based decision-making.
Foresight and evidence to inform governance
WHO is strengthening the evidence base for responsible governance through foresight and strategic analysis of emerging developments in the life sciences.
Recent and forthcoming publications examine topics including neurotechnology, mirror biology and mirror life, practical guidance for stakeholders, AI-biology convergence and its dual-use implications, as well as the future of dual-use research across One Health.
These resources aim to help policymakers and stakeholders anticipate change, identify governance needs early and support informed decision-making.
Country pilots show how implementation works
WHO resources are being tested and adapted through country implementation, generating lessons for wider application.
Uganda was among the first countries to apply the WHO Framework in 2024, followed by Malaysia and India. Piloting in Malaysia and India is expected to conclude by the end of 2026.
Uganda's pilot highlighted the importance of designating a national lead authority with the power to convene stakeholders, build cross-sector ownership and drive adoption of priority actions.
In Malaysia, a whole-of-government pilot launched in April 2026 is assessing national capacities for biorisk management and governance of dual-use research. The work comes as ASEAN advances its Biosafety and Biosecurity Strategy and Plan of Action 2026-2030.
In India, WHO is supporting institutional-level pilots in which research institutions and laboratory networks are applying the WHO Framework, WHO Academy course and BRIET to strengthen governance systems, improve risk-based decision-making and document lessons for future scale-up.
Global partnerships are essential
WHO emphasizes that sustaining progress requires strong global partnerships.
Collaboration with governments, international organizations, scientific and academic communities, research funders, publishers, industry, the security sector, educators, technical networks and youth representatives is helping expand awareness, skills and national and institutional capacities.
Global dialogues, regional workshops, online learning, fellowship programmes and technical cooperation are supporting these efforts.
Looking ahead
WHO's message is clear: effective governance does not hinder innovation; it enables responsible innovation.
By combining global guidance, strategic foresight, practical tools, country implementation and partnerships, WHO is supporting Member States and partners in building collaborative, proportionate and fit-for-purpose governance systems.
These systems are intended to support scientific progress while ensuring that risks are identified, assessed and managed responsibly.
WHO plans to expand implementation support, refine its tools based on country experience and strengthen partnerships to help countries, institutions and other stakeholders develop sustainable governance systems that maximize the benefits of innovation while responsibly managing risks.
The WHO Framework, WHO Academy course and BRIET offer a practical pathway from awareness to action. Early pilot experience suggests that when global guidance is matched with national and institutional leadership, multisectoral collaboration and practical tools, meaningful progress on responsible life sciences and dual-use research governance is achievable.
These activities were implemented with the support of Global Affairs Canada's Weapons Threat Reduction Program, the United Kingdom International Biosecurity Programme (IBSP), and Coefficient Giving.
Kaynak: World Health Organization (WHO)
