Impacts on International Research Collaborations from DSI/ABS Uncertainty

Abstract

Digital sequence information (DSI) has no clear definition. Numerous countries define DSI as a nonphysical genetic resources, such as genetic sequence data. Restricting free sharing of DSI is at odds with fundamental science core principles in disciplines like microbiology and molecular genetics. It has the potential to adversely affect international research collaborations.

Keywords: Convention on Biological Diversity; International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture; World Intellectual Property Organization; genetic resources; synthetic biology; traditional knowledge.