Life Sciences Research

On July 20, 2026, the Office of Science and Technology Policy issued the U.S. Government Policy for Stopping High-Risk Life Sciences Research. It defined the following:

• "Life sciences research" means research pertaining to the study or use of living organisms, viruses, or their products, including all disciplines, methodologies, and applications of biology (including biotechnology, genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and pharmaceutical and biomedical research and techniques). 
• Dangerous gain-of-function (DGOF) research. DGOF research enhances a property or properties of a biological agent in ways that make it more dangerous.
• International research of concern (IROC). Research conducted in foreign countries of concern or by foreign entities of concern.