New WHO Online Course on Dual-Use Research and the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences

An online training course on dual-use research (DUR) and the responsible use of the life sciences (RULS) is now available on the WHO Academy platform in multiple languages, expanding global access to guidance on biorisk mitigation and responsible research practices.

Aligned with the WHO Global guidance framework for the responsible use of the life sciences, the course addresses how biological research, knowledge and emerging technologies can be misused—intentionally or unintentionally—and how such risks can be identified, assessed and mitigated through coordinated action across the One Health spectrum.

Course overview

The course introduces key concepts, including:

• What dual-use research (DUR) and dual-use research of concern (DURC) are, and why they matter
• How the WHO framework supports governance of DUR and DURC and promotes a culture of responsible research
• How stakeholders across the life sciences ecosystem can anticipate, prevent and manage biorisks affecting humans, animals, plants, agriculture and the environment
• How to apply learning through practical case studies and guided questions

There is no prerequisite knowledge required. With an approximate duration of three hours, the course is designed for a broad audience, including researchers, policy-makers, funders, publishers, educators, private sector actors and others involved in research oversight and implementation.

Available language versions

The course is currently available in the following languages, with all versions cross-referenced on the WHO Academy platform:

• English: here 
• French: here
• Spanish: here
• Arabic: here
• Chinese: here
• Russian: here

A Portuguese version will be made available soon.

By strengthening awareness of dual-use risks and promoting shared responsibility across sectors and regions, this course contributes to safer, more secure and more ethical life sciences research worldwide. IAP encourages its members and networks to explore the course and share it widely within their communities.