Dual-Use Research - UAVs, Encryption and more

Dual-use research refers to scientific work that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. This type of research has legitimate applications but can also be potentially misused for harmful purposes, such as creating biological weapons or enhancing cybersecurity threats.

Here are some examples of dual-use research that, because if this dual character, often requires a license for the technology transfer:

1. Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

- CRISPR-Cas9: A powerful tool for gene editing that can be used to treat genetic disorders and improve agricultural crops. However, it can also be misused to create harmful pathogens or genetically modified organisms with dangerous properties.

- Synthetic Biology: The design and construction of new biological parts and systems. While it can lead to medical breakthroughs and biofuels, it also poses the risk of creating synthetic pathogens or bioterrorism agents.

2. Cybersecurity and Information Technology

- Encryption Technology: Used to secure communications and protect data privacy. However, strong encryption can also be used by terrorists and criminals to conceal their activities from law enforcement.

- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI can improve medical diagnostics, automate industrial processes, and enhance cybersecurity. Conversely, it can be used to develop autonomous weapons systems or sophisticated cyber-attacks.

3. Nanotechnology

- Nanomaterials: These can be used in medicine for targeted drug delivery or in electronics for advanced computing. However, they could also be used to create novel chemical or biological weapons that are difficult to detect and counteract.

- Nanorobots: Tiny robots that can perform tasks at the molecular level, such as repairing tissues or cleaning up environmental contaminants. They could also be weaponized to damage biological tissues or disrupt systems.

4. Nuclear Research

- Nuclear Power: Research in nuclear energy can provide a sustainable energy source. However, the same technology and materials (like enriched uranium or plutonium) can be diverted to produce nuclear weapons.

- Radiation Technology: Used for medical imaging and cancer treatment, but could be misused to create dirty bombs.

5. Aerospace and Missile Technology

- Satellite Technology: Essential for global communications, weather forecasting, and navigation. However, satellites can also be used for espionage or to guide missile systems.

- Rocket Propulsion: Used in space exploration and satellite launches, but the technology is also crucial for developing ballistic missiles.

6. Chemical Engineering

- Chemical Synthesis: Techniques to produce pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals. These can also be used to create chemical warfare agents.

- Pesticide Research: Pesticides protect crops from pests, but the same chemicals can be modified to create chemical weapons.

7. Materials Science

- High-Performance Materials: Used to develop stronger, lighter materials for construction, transportation, and consumer products. These materials can also be used in military applications, such as armor or advanced weaponry.

8. Robotics and Drones

- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Drones can be used for agricultural monitoring, search and rescue operations, and delivery services. They can also be employed for surveillance, targeted military strikes, and as delivery platforms for weapons.

9. Neuroscience

- Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs): Used to help individuals with disabilities control prosthetic limbs or communicate. However, BCIs could be misused for military applications or to manipulate cognitive functions.

10. Environmental Science

- Climate Engineering: Techniques like carbon capture and geoengineering to combat climate change. These technologies could also be manipulated to alter weather patterns as a form of environmental warfare.

Specific Real-World Examples

H5N1 Avian Influenza Research

- Details: Researchers genetically modified the H5N1 virus to make it transmissible between mammals (ferrets), which could potentially apply to humans.

- Dual-Use Concern: While the research aimed to understand how the virus might mutate to cause a pandemic, it raised fears that the modified virus could be used as a bioweapon if it fell into the wrong hands.

Anthrax Research

- Details: Studies involving Bacillus anthracis (the bacteria that causes anthrax) to develop better vaccines and treatments.

- Dual-Use Concern: The techniques and knowledge gained from this research could be used to enhance the virulence or resistance of anthrax, posing a bioterrorism threat.

Stuxnet Cyberweapon

- Details: A computer worm developed to target and disrupt Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities.

- Dual-Use Concern: While it was used to impede nuclear proliferation, the underlying technology and methods could be adapted to create cyberweapons targeting critical infrastructure in other contexts.

By recognizing and managing the dual-use nature of certain research activities, institutions can help ensure that scientific advancements contribute to societal benefits while minimizing the risks of misuse. This often involves robust oversight, compliance with export control regulations, and fostering a culture of responsibility among researchers.

Patrick Goergen - 10 July 2024