Table.

Criteria for guiding HHS funding decisions for certain H5N1 gain-of-function research proposals

• Such a virus could be produced through a natural evolutionary process.

• The research addresses a scientific question with high significance to public health.

• There are no feasible alternative methods to address the same scientific question in a manner that poses less risk than does the proposed approach.

• Biosafety risks to laboratory workers and the public can be sufficiently mitigated and managed.

• Biosecurity risks can be sufficiently mitigated and managed.

• The research information is anticipated to be broadly shared in order to realize its potential benefits to global health.

• The research will be supported through funding mechanisms that facilitate appropriate oversight of the conduct and communication of the research.