Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) is life sciences research which, based on current understanding, can reasonably be anticipated to provide knowledge, information, products, or technologies that could be directly misapplied to pose a significant threat with broad potential consequences to public health and safety, agricultural crops and other plants, animals, the environment, material, or national security. 

The United States Government Policy for Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern (IODURC) outlines the criteria for what qualifies as Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC), listing specific agents and toxins and descriptions of types of experiments, which when combined, define the parameters for research considered as DURC and subject to oversight under the policy.

Currently, there are 15 non-attenuated agents and toxins listed under this policy and all are prohibited from use at the University of Houston. 

For a list of these agents and toxins please consult the Biosafety Manual or the U. S. Government Policy for Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern for the policy in its entirety.

For questions concerning Dual Use Research of Concern, contact EHS Biosafety Office.