Browsing by Author "Murray, Richard"

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    1.2 Risk-benefit analysis worksheet for biotechnology beyond conventional containment
    (Rice University, 2025) Abbott, Zack; Flores, Alonso; Murray, Richard
    This report presents a structured risk-benefit analysis framework developed through discussions at the Spirit of Asilomar summit under the Biotechnologies Beyond Conventional Containment (BBCC) theme. As biotechnologies increasingly move beyond traditional laboratory and industrial confinement into open environmental applications, novel risks, ethical considerations, and societal implications arise. Recognizing the limitations of defining universal "safe design guidelines”, this report focuses instead on creating a practical, context-sensitive worksheet to guide scientists in early-stage project development. The worksheet prompts users to evaluate potential benefits—environmental, health, economic, and societal—against biological, ecological, health, regulatory, and security risks, while acknowledging the inevitability of residual risks. It encourages interdisciplinary consultation, highlighting the importance of engaging with experts and stakeholders to ensure responsible innovation. Serving as a preliminary self-assessment tool, the worksheet is designed to complement, not replace, formal regulatory processes. It aims to foster more thoughtful and transparent biotechnology design decisions and to evolve over time through broader community input.
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    The 2014 NRG Astrodome Survey
    (James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy;University of Houston, 2014) Jones, Mark P.; Granato, Jim; Murray, Richard; Cross, Renée; Mainka, Chris; Wan, Kwok-Wai; Wang, Ching-Hsing; James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy