Visa Information and Resources
The National Academies International Visitors Office
Comprehensive resource for scientists traveling to or studying in the
United States, as well as information for foreign scientists wishing to
travel from the U.S. Information for organizations who are holding
international meetings, a questionnaire and resources for scientists or
students having visa problems, and recent statistics on visa problems or
delays are all accessible through this site.
Destination USA The official, U.S. government single source
website for visa information. Includes basic visa information,
frequently asked questions and links to downloadable forms related to
visas and immigration.
Bureau of Consular Affairs, Visa Wait Time Links to worldwide
U.S. consulates, providing updated information on how long it will take
to schedule an appointment for an interview to apply for a visa, as well
as processing times for various types of visas.
Department of Homeland Security US-VISIT Program Information on
the entry/exit system that requires all non-immigrant U.S. visa holders
to be fingerprinted and photographed. The site includes a fact sheet,
press releases, and frequently asked questions.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators Excellent resource
for those looking to study in the U.S., provides links to updated visa
information and opportunities to get involved in grassroots action on
visa and international education issues.
Information on Biosecurity and Bioterrorism
Biodefense Research This website, maintained by the National
Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases at the National
Institutes of Health, includes links to up to date information aimed at
biomedical researchers, the public and the media, including research
findings, fact sheets, and the latest on the federal biodefense effort.
American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Great resource for
information related to biosecurity, select agents, infectious disease
and other scientific issues. Includes policy statements and curriculum
recommendation on bioterrorism and preparedness.
National Science Advisory Board on Biosecurity Recently created
government advisory board set up to deal with ‘dual use’ issues related
to federally funded research. Site includes links to webcasts and
transcripts of meetings and information about the members of the NSABB.
Select Agents Registration The U.S. government
regulates the possession, use, and transfer of
select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat
to public health and safety trhough the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the
United States Department of Agriculture. Forms and information on
regulating select agents may be found at those sites.
Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism
A report by the National Research Council
examining biological research in the context of national security
concerns. Makes a series of policy recommendations to balance the need
for safety and security with protecting the medical research enterprise.
Center for Biosecurity Based at
the University of Pittsburg Medical Center, the center provides updated
scientific and policy information related to biosecurity issues,
including infectious diseases, bioweapons and biodefense.
Science and Security Policy Information
AAAS Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy Serves
as a clearinghouse of information to allow policymakers working on
security issues to have ready access to the best scientific facts. The
Center is guided by the over-arching goal of advancing the integration
of science and public policy for national and international security. It
approaches that goal by establishing communication links among
scientists, policy analysts and policymakers.
Science and National Security in the Post-9/11 Environment –
Gives an overview of five major security-related issues facing the
scientific community and links to related projects at other
organizations. Also provides a contact page for individuals to report
ways in which they or their colleagues have been affected by post-9/11
security policies.
National Academies of Sciences This white paper provides
information on the historical balance of science and security and the
policy issues involved in maintaining that balance.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies CSIS has a
series of ongoing projects related to science, technology and homeland
security. Their site includes links to useful
background papers on science and security as well as links to
upcoming and past events related to these issues, which include
transcripts.
Office of Science and Technology Advisor, Department of State
This office is in charge of the Science and Diplomacy Initiative
of the U.S. State Department and works as a liaison between the
scientific and international security and diplomatic communities.
Training Resources for Scientists
Biosecurity: Risks, Responses and Responsibilities This online
course by the Center for Arms Control & Non-Proliferation consists of
interactive, case-study based instruction units related to biosecurity
issues. Entertaining and informative, includes sound and might require a
higher speed internet connection.
The Dual Use Dilemma in Biological Research Developed by the
Southeast Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging
Infections, this online module is designed to assist those involved with
the biological sciences in better understanding the “dual-use” dilemma
inherent in such research. The module consists of a ~20 minute online
presentation followed by a brief assessment. Funded by the
National Institutes of Health.
Biosecurity Oversight and Codes Assembled by the international
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development,
this site provides an active resource of global
information on oversight mechanisms - particularly codes-of-conduct for
the biosciences research community – to help advance these efforts and
promote responsible oversight of the biosciences.
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories
Produced by the CDC, this book provides guidance for labs working with
potential pathenogenic or toxic research. Available in pdf or html
formats.
Federation of American Scientists FAS
is developing interactive teaching curricula to promote awareness of
biosecurity issues among biologists. They are currently seeking
biosecurity case examples.
Security Awareness for Every Researcher (SAFER)
Although this module is aimed at researchers
at Michigan State University, many of its awareness raising exercises
are applicable to all laboratory personnel.
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