WHO launches the Biorisk Implementation and Evaluation Tool for biorisk management

World Health Organization (WHO) launches the Biorisk Implementation and Evaluation Tool (BRIET), a new practical resource designed to help countries and institutions assess, strengthen and monitor biorisk mitigation and the governance of dual-use research.

Developed by WHO's Department of Science for Health, BRIET is the first WHO tool specifically designed to help users assess and strengthen capacities for biorisk management and dual-use research governance through a structured self-assessment approach.

Biorisk and dual-use research (DUR) are important concepts in the responsible conduct of the life sciences. Biorisk refers to the probability or chance that accidents, inadvertent actions, or deliberate misuse of the life sciences and related technologies could adversely affect the health of humans, animals, plants, agriculture, or the environment. Dual-use research (DUR) refers to research conducted for peaceful and beneficial purposes that may also generate knowledge, information, methods, products, or technologies that could be intentionally misused to cause harm. A subset of this, known as dual-use research of concern (DURC), refers to research that could be easily misapplied to cause harm with little or no modification.

BRIET is a voluntary, structured self-assessment and capacity strengthening tool that helps countries, ministries and other interested parties identify gaps, prioritize actions and monitor progress over time.

"Strengthening country level biorisk management requires not only identifying gaps in awareness, governance and preparedness, but also tracking progress to address gaps over time," said Meg Doherty, Director of the Department of Science for Health at WHO. "BRIET is designed to support users by combining self-assessment, leading to outputs and recommendations that inform local priorities and action."

From global guidance to practical action

BRIET supports the implementation of the WHO Global guidance framework for the responsible use of the life sciences by translating its recommendations into a practical, step-by-step approach.

Working through the tool, users can:

• assess their current biorisk capacities
• identify strengths and priority gaps
• receive tailored recommendations
• develop action plans to strengthen systems over time.

Designed for countries and institutions

BRIET is intended for a wide range of users, including government authorities, research institutions and laboratories. It is designed to be flexible and adaptable across contexts, supporting coordination among stakeholders involved in laboratory biosafety, laboratory biosecurity and dual-use research oversight. All data generated through the tool remain locally stored on users' systems.

Developed through international collaboration

BRIET was developed through a multi-stage process, including literature review, country case studies and consultations with international experts and advisory groups. This process helped ensure that the tool is relevant across different settings and levels of capacity. BRIET also builds on and complements existing tools, including the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005), the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) and the States Parties Self-Assessment Annual Reporting (SPAR).

Supporting uptake and next steps

WHO will support the rollout of BRIET through webinars, regional engagement and pilot activities, while collecting feedback to inform further refinement of the tool.