New U.S. Government Policy for Oversight of High-Risk Life Sciences Research
** UPDATE FEDERAL POLICY CHANGES **
The White House has now released the United States Government Policy for Stopping High-Risk Life Sciences Research as of July 20, 2026. The new policy replaces the former DURC and DURC/PEPP policies.
The policy focuses on two principal areas:
- Dangerous gain-of-function research (DGOF)
- International Research of Concern (IROC).
The policy will expand institutional review, certification, and monitoring responsibilities for life sciences research that is considered potential DGOF research - defined as research that could potentially result in one or more specified harmful outcomes, as written in the policy.
As issued, the new USG Policy applies to ALL biological agents used in life sciences research.
Implementation Timeline
- January 16, 2027 (180 days from Issue date) - Institutions receiving federal funds for life sciences research must establish appropriate policies and procedures.
- Relevant federal departments and funding agencies are expected to issue additional implementation guidance within the next 120 days.
What researchers need to know
No immediate action is required at this time. Researchers should continue to comply with all current IBC approvals, award conditions, biosafety requirements, and existing institutional policies.
PIs should be aware of whether future or ongoing work could:
- Increase the harmful effects, transmissibility, stability, host range, or therapeutic resistance of a biological agent;
- Interfere with immunity, vaccination, treatment, or detection;
- Increase the susceptibility of human, animal, or plant populations;
- Reconstitute an eradicated or extinct biological agent; or
- Involve potentially sensitive international research collaborations, foreign performance sites, institutions, or personnel.
NDSU is working with colleagues across campus to understand the new policy in preparation for campus implementation. We will issue additional guidance as it becomes available.
If you have questions, please contact the IBC at ndsu.ibc@ndsu.edu.