Biosafety and Biosecurity: Comparing the U.S. and Selected G20 Members
Biosafety and Biosecurity: Comparing the U.S. and Selected G20 Members, Report no. GAO-26-107339, Feb. 2026
Research labs study and store bacteria, viruses, and other biological agents to prevent and treat infectious diseases. Incidents involving these agents could threaten the health of researchers, nearby communities, or the general public. Biosafety and biosecurity practices ensure lab staff work safely, communities are protected, and harmful agents aren't misused. Almost all countries we examined had public guidance with similarities to the U.S.'s. But documentation varied widely, including for high-risk biological agents (e.g., Ebola virus). Having national guidance in place is important for governments to ensure biosafety and biosecurity.
Publication type:
policy brief
Publication language:
English
Publication date:
2026
Publication URL:
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107338
Institute:
Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics team of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) (STAA)
Country:
United States of America
Project:
Biosafety and Biosecurity: Comparing the U.S. and Selected G20 Members (STAA)

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