Goal 5: Address Emerging Health Security Threats
The nation confronts an increasingly complex threat landscape. The need to advance gold standard science in support of national health security has never been greater. Despite significant scientific progress, challenges persist in ensuring that biomedical research is transparent, reproducible, and aligned with national preparedness goals. Outdated methodologies, limited integration of digital health and AI, and inconsistent adherence to integrity standards complicate efforts to safeguard public health. High-quality science ensures that MCM and emergency response strategies are based on sound evidence, thereby reducing risks posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, including emerging infectious diseases, and ensuring the U.S. MCM portfolio is optimally positioned to safeguard Americans. To address emerging health security threats through gold standard science, ASPR will meet the following objectives through targeted actions.
- OBJECTIVE 5.1: Assess new and emerging threats regularly to ensure MCM investments are risk-informed and protect the nation's health from future public health emergencies.
- OBJECTIVE 5.2: Prioritize biomedical research & development (R&D) for CBRN threats and pandemics by investing in reproducible, transparent science and research models that reduce reliance on animal testing and leverage flexible technologies that can adapt more easily to novel threats.
- OBJECTIVE 5.3: Foster partnerships with organizations committed to the highest standards of integrity and conflict-of-interest management.
- OBJECTIVE 5.4: Integrate digital health and AI where proven effective to improve threat assessment and enhance patient care.
- OBJECTIVE 5.5: Improve the safety, security, and transparency of the life science research enterprise to safeguard public health and restore public trust.