A “Bloody Good” Gain-of-Function Policy (In Defense of Virology - Episode 12)

In the twelfth episode of In Defense of Virology, Bryce Nickels and Simon Wain-Hobson discuss the newly released U.S. Government Policy for Stopping High-Risk Life Sciences Research and what it means for the future of dangerous gain-of-function (dGOF) research.Simon gives the new policy high marks, highlighting its clear definition of dGOF and two provisions he did not expect: restrictions involving the creation of mirror life and the use of AI-designed genomes to create novel biological agents. They also examine the seven categories of experiments covered by the policy, their connection to the 2004 Fink Report, and the prohibition on reconstructing eradicated or extinct biological agents.The conversation then turns to how the policy will work in practice. Bryce and Simon discuss international research, remaining gaps involving private and philanthropic funding, and whether researchers or institutions will be able to exploit loopholes. They both agree that the policy establishes a meaningful chain of accountability—from investigators to their institutions to federal oversight—with potential sanctions for noncompliance.Bryce also identifies areas where the policy could be strengthened, including language stating that violations “may” rather than “will” result in penalties. They emphasize an important distinction: restricting dangerous gain-of-function research does not mean scientists should stop studying dangerous pathogens. As Simon puts it, scientists need to study dangerous microbes that already exist—they don’t need to create new ones.Finally, Bryce and Simon discuss what comes next, including the requirement to establish an independent third-party review body, the challenge of coordinating implementation across federal agencies, and the need for legislation that would make the new restrictions more durable. They conclude by discussing how politics can distort reactions to science policy and why the new framework should be judged on its substance rather than which administration produced it.(recorded August 25, 2026) Get full access to Science From the Fringe at sciencefromthefringe.substack.com/subscribe