<unk>  (GoF<unk>  or GoFR) is medical<unk>  that genetically alters an organism in a way that may enhance the biological<unk> s of gene products. This may include an altered pathogenesis, transmissibility, or host range, i.e. the types of hosts that a microorganism can infect. This<unk>  is intended to reveal targets to better predict emerging infectious diseases and to develop vaccines and therapeutics. For example, influenza B can only infect humans and harbor seals. Introducing a mutation that would allow influenza B to infect rabbits in a controlled laboratory situation would be considered a<unk> -of-function experiment, as the virus did not previously have that<unk> . That type of experiment could then help reveal which parts of the virus are responsible for its host range, enabling the creation of antiviral medicines which block this<unk> . In virology,<unk>  is usually employed with the intention of better understanding current and future pandemics. In vaccine development,<unk>  is conducted in the hope of<unk> ing a head start on a virus and being able to develop a vaccine or therapeutic before it emerges. The term "gain of<unk> " is sometimes applied more narrowly to refer to<unk>  which could enable a pandemic-potential pathogen to replicate more quickly or cause more harm in humans or other closely-related mammals." Some forms of<unk>  (specifically work which involves certain select agent pathogens) carry inherent biosafety and biosecurity risks, and are thus also referred to as dual use<unk>  of concern (DURC). To mitigate these risks while allowing the benefits of such<unk> , various governments have mandated that DURC experiments be regulated under additional oversight by institutions (so-called institutional "DURC" committees) and government agencies (such as the NIH's recombinant DNA advisory committee). A mirrored approach can be seen in the European Union's Dual Use Coordination Group (DUCG). Importantly, the US and EU regulations both mandate that an unaffiliated member of the public (or several) be "active participants" in the oversight process. Significant debate has taken place in the scientific community on how to assess the risks and benefit of<unk> , how to publish such<unk>  responsibly, and how to engage the public in an open and honest review. In January 2020, the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity convened an expert panel to revisit the rules for<unk>  and provide more clarity in how such experiments are approved, and when they should be disclosed to the public.
Gain-of-function research
Therapeutic discovery project
Translational research
Validation therapy
Clinical research
Phenotypic disease network 
Solidarity trial
In silico clinical trials