Operationalizing Evidence-Based Research for Agricultural Biorisk Management: A Programmatic Approach
Alanna S. Fogarty, Madisen S. Neufeld, Alexander G. Linder, Anastasia Accoti, David Korcal, Dennis A. Bente, Kelsey A. Brakel, Kurt A. Zuelke, Maria D. King, Philippe Sessou, Christopher Good, Loni Taylor, Erin M. SorrellIntroduction:
Evidence-based research (EBR) is essential for strengthening agricultural biosafety, biosecurity, and biocontainment by ensuring that operational practices are informed by validated evidence. However, persistent research gaps limit the implementation of evidence-informed biological risk management across laboratory and agricultural settings.
Discussion:
This commentary examines a programmatic approach to operationalizing EBR to address priority gaps in agricultural biorisk management. An iterative funding strategy was developed to align research priorities with recommendations from the Research Alliance for Veterinary Science and Biodefense BSL-3 Network (RAV3N) Applied Biorisk and Biosafety Gap Assessment and the National Science and Technology Council’s Evidence-Based Laboratory Biorisk Management Science and Technology Roadmap. Funding priorities were further refined to reflect evolving needs identified by the biosafety and biosecurity community. By highlighting this programmatic approach and the resulting portfolio of funded projects, the commentary illustrates how targeted investment in applied biosafety research can generate evidence and strengthen agricultural biosafety, biosecurity, and biocontainment practices.
Conclusion:
Operationalizing EBR requires sustained mechanisms to support applied research, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination. This programmatic approach demonstrates one way of translating national recommendations into coordinated action and offers a framework that may inform future efforts to strengthen evidence-based agricultural biorisk management and support more resilient biosafety and biosecurity systems.