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Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC)

Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC)

Shelf of laboratory tools

Dual Use of Research of Concern (DURC) is defined by the US Government (USG) as research that has legitimate purposes for improving various aspects of life, but may also be utilized to cause harm. In order to minimize harm caused by the unintended use of such legitimate research the USG has adopted a set of regulations regarding agents and research outcomes that are perceived to be high-risk.

Institutions receiving funding from any Federal source must comply with these regulations, regardless of the funding source of covered research. Institutional DURC policy and the appointment of an institutional contact (ICDUR) and institutional review entity (IRE committee) must be in place prior to identification of a potential DURC agent. These regulations were adopted by the USG on September 24, 2014 and are effective September 24, 2015.

Program Components

The Process

Agents and Toxins

Categories of Experiments

UC DURC Policy

US Government Regulations

UC Irvine BSL3 Training Center

For more information please contact Danielle Dai'Re via email at ddaire@ucmerced.edu or by phone at (209) 228-4805.