Dual use research of concern (DURC) is defined as life sciences research that, based on current understanding, can be reasonably anticipated to provide knowledge, information, products, or technologies that could be directly misapplied to pose a significant threat with broad potential consequences to public health and safety, agricultural crops and other plants, animals, the environment, materiel, or national security. Despite its value and benefits, some products of this research may be misused for harmful purposes. The fundamental aim of this oversight policy is to preserve the benefits of life sciences research while minimizing the risk of misuse of the knowledge, information, products, or technologies provided by such research.

• EPA Order 1000.19 Policy and Procedures for Managing Dual Use Research of Concern (PDF)(8 pp, 408 K, 09/14/2016)
  This Order establishes a systematic approach for EPA researchers to identify and mitigate when and how the risks that knowledge, information, products, or technologies produced by certain life sciences research may be misapplied in ways that pose significant threats with broad, potential consequences to public health and safety, agricultural crops and other plants, animals, the environment, materiel, or national security.