Gain of Function (GoF) Q&A

Dangerous GoF Research is a subset of GoF research that raises significant biosafety or biosecurity concerns. It involves the potential creation of enhanced pathogens that:
Are highly transmissible in humans, and
Cause severe disease (high virulence)
Such research could potentially result in pathogens with pandemic potential if accidentally or deliberately released

Experiments in biological agents or toxins that may:

• Increase pathogenicity (ability to cause disease)
• Enhance transmissibility between hosts
• Broaden host range (infect new species)
• Improve resistance to existing vaccines or treatments
• Promote immune system evasion
• Increase environmental stability of the organism
• Reconstruct or resurrect previously eradicated pathogens

No. Most GoF studies are not considered dangerous and are vital for scientific progress. Only a small subset of experiments—those meeting the criteria for GoF Research of Concern—require additional review or restriction. Many GoF experiments (e.g., in non-pathogenic strains or for cancer research) are low-risk and proceed under standard biosafety practices.

No. In March, 2023 the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity recommended that in silico research—such as bioinformatics, modeling, and computational studies involving pathogen genes or toxins—would not be subject to oversight under these policies. However, researchers and institutions should remain vigilant as policies and technologies evolve.