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Show U, is,. . if f'Tlh Ul,HVeprSitry'0l? t0 they re"Ur- 0ale Parker- Rr" Paul Nfcholcs, Prof. Robert Wolbach, and Prof. William Lockhart. Panel discusses effects of biological research By Angelyn Nelson Staff Writer The danger of leakage of virulent, pathogenic agents from the University's Ecology and Epizoology (E. and E.) research program is one in a million or perhaps 10 million, said Dr. Paul Nicholes, the research program's academic committee chairman. He couldn't say if leakage at Dugway would be any greater. Dr. Nicholes spoke Wednesday at a faculty initiated colloquium probing the Department of Defense financed program at the University The discussion was a response to "First Tuesday," an NBC program! and the controversy it aroused. Dr. Dale Parker, executive director of the research, answered questions along with Dr. Nicholes. The questioning panel consisted of John Barnes, assistant professor of English; William J. Lockhart, professor of law; Robert Wolbach, assistant professor of physiology'; and Sylvia Kronstadt, Chronicle reporter and conference steering committee member. Dr. Thomas King, academic vice president, was moderator. Precautions Dr. Nicholes said every precaution is taken to confine organisms. The agents are endemic or natural to the region. He said no exotic organisms are introduced into the area. Dr. Nicholes said he doubts the Army at Dugway Proving Grounds has tested anything E. and E. hasn't. Answering a question on accidents resulting from fires, Dr. Parker said the agents are viable microorganisms that would be destroyed. The program was initiated, explained Dr. Parker, because the government wanted an agency to survey the rise, buildup and transmission of disease. All the diseases studied were transmittible to matL Army Contracts Although the previous E. and E. contracts with the Army were classified, the present contract, negotiated last October, is not classified. Prof. Lockhart questioned the two scientists regarding restraints on their research. "On the basis of our research, unequivocally no, we do not--on the basis of our research-have any information that we cannot disclose at this meeting," said Dr. Parker. However, Dr. Parker said that information researchers obtain at Dugway as users of its facilities is privileged. He said he considers himself "duty bound" to keep secret knowledge he obtains there. Editorial Approval Miss Kronstadt said the present contract requires editorial approval of material to be published. It must be sent to the assistant secretary of Defense for Public Information at the Pentagon. This, she said, is contrary to University policy that states an academic investigator should be the sole judge of suitability of the material for publication. Dr. Nicholes said editorial approval for E. and E. contract is not different from other contracts held by the University. He also said the only difference in the present contract and the previous classified contract has been in the wording. To his knowledge, he said, there has been no change in behavior of those involved in the program. Beneficial Prof. Barnes asked whether the University research could be of benefit to biological warfare weaponry. Dr. Parker said the research probably couldn't significantly aid biological warfare. Prof. Wolbach asked if the researchers knew before, during and after what test were conducted at Dugway. We are sometimes notified about the testing but not always, said Dr. Parker. He said he would like to be informed more often when the tests were going to occur. If a need to inform the public about any diseases did result, it would be done through the Public Health Service, he said. Further discussions on E. and E. research may be scheduled for a later date. mj SUU members (1 to r) Harris Vincent, Frank Overfelt, Randy Dryer o Meve Gunn await House vote on tuition hike. Bill was passed to rai tuition $90. |