Covid-19, the virus that has wreaked havoc across the globe, may have been the result of a “research-related incident,” according to a UN report. The report, released by the Independent Task Force on Research with Pandemic Risks, calls for better regulation of experiments that could potentially lead to pandemics. Dr. Filippa Lentzos, an associate professor of science and international security at King’s College London and a member of the task force, emphasized the need to acknowledge the possibility that the pandemic may have been started by scientists.
Speaking at the United Nations in New York, Dr. Lentzos stated, “We have to acknowledge the fact that the pandemic could have started from some research-related incident.” She further added, “There will be an outbreak, and we won’t know if it’s natural, deliberate, or accidental, and as an international community, we need to find ways in which we can investigate that.”
The Covid-19 virus first emerged just eight miles away from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in Wuhan, China. The WIV has a history of conducting gain-of-function experiments, which involve increasing the potency of viruses. Additionally, lax security measures at the institute have been a cause for concern. However, the Chinese authorities have refused to allow a proper investigation into the origins of the virus and have blocked attempts to access laboratories, research notebooks, and sample databases.
The report by the task force argues that modern virology research has significantly increased scientists’ ability to create and work with viruses that could unintentionally or intentionally cause harm. The authors warn that if a virus with true pandemic potential escapes, it could have devastating global consequences. David Relman, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford University and one of the authors of the report, stated that while the origins of Covid-19 were not explicitly addressed, they do underlie the premises, assumptions, and purpose of the report.
The task force recommends that research with the potential to spark a pandemic should undergo international scrutiny beyond normal health and safety protocols. It should only be conducted when no other alternative is available and has a high probability of near-term benefit to the global public. The team also calls for new protocols for sample collection and laboratory work to prevent the spread of viruses.
Ravi Gupta, a professor of clinical microbiology at the University of Cambridge and co-chairman of the task force, stressed the importance of regulating activities involving tissues from bats, which are often carriers of viruses. The task force, convened by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, took a year to produce its recommendations and intends to collaborate with the World Health Organization to implement the proposed changes.
The UN report sheds light on the need for better regulation and oversight of research experiments that have the potential to unleash pandemics. As the world grapples with the devastating consequences of Covid-19, it is crucial to learn from this experience and take proactive measures to prevent future outbreaks. By implementing stricter regulations, improving laboratory safety measures, and conducting thorough investigations into the origins of viruses, we can strive towards a safer and more secure future.
