Microbiologists Respond to Bioterrorism

In the wake of terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001, a group of microbiologists worked with the FBI to identify the individual or group who mailed letters filled with anthrax to American government officials and media personalities. Others struggled with the issues of whether and how to publish research results of potential use to terrorists. A part of the Research, Ethics, and Society project, this case can be used to address the social responsibilities of researchers, particularly those concerning scientists and engineers and their involvement in or opposition to military projects.

Case Study / Scenario