The United States Government Policy for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (USG Policy) requires institutions receiving federal funding for life sciences research to provide education and training for all personnel involved in research with Category 1 or Category 2 agents. The USG Policy emphasizes the importance of institutional awareness, risk mitigation, and responsible conduct of research that may present dual use or pandemic-related concerns.
Training for Principal Investigators and Laboratory Personnel
Principal Investigators (PIs) are responsible for completing relevant training and ensuring that all personnel under their supervision, including graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, research staff, technicians, and visiting researchers, receive appropriate education before engaging in any research involving Category 1 or Category 2 agents or pathogens.
- All PIs and research personnel working with Category 1 agents, regardless of whether their current work meets the USG Policy threshold for DURC or PEPP, are required to complete training every three years.
- For research determined to fall under Category 1 or Category 2, the PI and all listed research personnel performing relevant research must complete training, with the frequency of refresher training specified in the Risk Mitigation Plan (RMP) developed during the IRE review process.
This training ensures that all PIs and researchers involved in relevant research activities understand the risks, regulatory expectations, and oversight responsibilities associated with dual use and pandemic potential research.
UCLA Training Program
To fulfill these requirements, UCLA utilizes the nationally recognized Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) program. The CITI Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) training module provides foundational knowledge on DURC principles, the scope of Category 1 and 2 research, federal oversight expectations, and institutional compliance responsibilities.
CITI training must be completed prior to the start of any applicable research. For projects identified under Category 1 or Category 2, the IRE will include training requirements and renewal intervals in the approved Risk Mitigation Plan.
How to Access Training
- Visit the CITI Program website and log in using your UCLA credentials.
- Select the Dual Use Research of Concern training module.
- For help registering, accessing the course, or verifying completion, refer to the UCLA CITI Training FAQs