Bill Overview
Title: SAFE Risky Research Act
Description: This bill prohibits federally funded research on pathogens of pandemic potential or other dangerous biological agents or toxins if the research is carried out by foreign institutions located in countries of concern.
Sponsors: Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS]
Target Audience
Population: People conducting or affected by research on pathogens of pandemic potential
Estimated Size: 12000
- The bill affects research specifically on pathogens of pandemic potential or other dangerous biological agents or toxins, which implies involvement of virologists, epidemiologists, and other biological researchers.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects researchers involved in studies with pathogens of pandemic potential, particularly those collaborating with foreign institutions in countries of concern, such as China or Russia. This means both academic and industry researchers could have their projects significantly altered or defunded.
- American researchers who collaborate internationally might experience disruptions, leading to changes in research focus or funding sources.
- The policy has budgetary constraints, limiting its scope to primarily symbolic impacts in some cases and more substantial adjustments in others.
- Some researchers may not be directly impacted if they have no ongoing collaborations with researchers from the specified countries of concern. This suggests that the impact will not be uniform across the sector.
Simulated Interviews
Virologist (Boston, MA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will disrupt ongoing research, requiring adjustments in how we approach potential pandemic threats.
- This could slow down research progress and strain international collaborations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 10 |
Epidemiologist (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My work on vaccine development is largely independent of collaborations with countries of concern, so I expect minimal impact.
- However, the general research climate might become more cautious.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Postdoctoral Researcher (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could severely limit my current project scope, affecting future career opportunities.
- It's frustrating to see political decisions impacting scientific progress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Biological Research Policy Maker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the policy addresses necessary security considerations, it complicates research partnerships.
- Striking a balance between security and scientific advancement is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Biotech CEO (Seattle, WA)
Age: 36 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy has little effect on business since our work is domestic.
- It’s understandable but may limit future growth prospects in certain international markets.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
University Dean (Houston, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy requires restructuring grant applications and collaborations.
- Ensuring compliance will increase administrative workload.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Research Scientist (Miami, FL)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might hinder some international collaborative efforts, affecting the breadth of my work.
- Security is important, but open communication in research should be preserved.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Chief Security Officer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I view the policy positively as it aligns with national security interests.
- Research should prioritize safety, especially when dealing with pathogens.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired Epidemiologist (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the necessity for such policies, having worked in the sector for decades.
- However, unintended consequences on research progress remain a concern.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Graduate Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could shift the aims of my research program.
- There is uncertainty about future funding and opportunities for international collaboration.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $7000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $9000000)
Year 2: $7100000 (Low: $5100000, High: $9100000)
Year 3: $7200000 (Low: $5200000, High: $9200000)
Year 5: $7400000 (Low: $5400000, High: $9400000)
Year 10: $7800000 (Low: $5800000, High: $9800000)
Year 100: $8800000 (Low: $6800000, High: $10800000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring legal clarity and international compliance in identifying countries of concern, which could change dynamically based on diplomatic relationships and global politics.
- Balancing potential national security interests with scientific innovation and international collaboration benefits.
- Potential for research disruptions or delays in areas critical to public health and safety if collaborations need to be reconfigured.