Moving forward: Trends in science and technology and the future of the Biological Weapons Convention

Developments in science and technology are potentially relevant to the scope of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), as well as to its operation and implementation. At the upcoming Seventh Review Conference in December this year, three basic trends are likely to play a part: the rapid pace of relevant advances in science and technology; the global diffusion of science and technology research and its applications; and the breadth of fields now engaged in the “life sciences.” Continued engagement of the scientific community, the authors write, will be important for monitoring ongoing developments in science and technology and for contributing to assessments on the implications of these developments for the BWC. Sustained engagement will enable the Convention to anticipate and respond more effectively to the challenges and opportunities offered by the continuing advances in science and technology.