WHO - Laboratory biosecurity guidance
The safe and secure management of biological materials in laboratory settings is essential to prevent misuse, accidental release and broader public health risks in an evolving global threat landscape. This updated guidance, revising the 2006 framework, presents WHO recommendations on laboratory biosecurity based on a risk- and evidence-based approach to biological risk management across laboratory, institutional and national levels.
It examines the principles and practices required to identify, assess and mitigate biosecurity risks associated with high-consequence research and biosecurity-relevant materials. The guidance describes key components of biosecurity programmes, including institutional policies, risk assessment frameworks, personnel reliability, physical and information security, and incident preparedness. It also addresses emerging technologies such as synthetic biology and artificial intelligence, as well as challenges related to misinformation and the dissemination of sensitive research. The document outlines roles and responsibilities across governance levels, emphasizing coordination between institutional biosafety committees and regulatory authorities. Intended for laboratory managers, researchers, biosafety professionals and policymakers, it supports the development of comprehensive systems to strengthen oversight, enhance compliance and promote a culture of responsibility in the handling of biological materials.