AUSTRALIA 
The Australian Academy of Science, an independent body that receives 
government support but neither controls research activities nor disburses 
research funds, has formed a committee of which half the members are sci- 
entists. This committee, chaired by Dr. Gordon Ada, developed an abbre- 
viated set of guidelines in 1976 which are based on the U.S. and U.K. 
Guidelines. However, adherence to committee recommendations regarding 
appropriate safety procedures is voluntary. The committee has reviewed 
approximately 20 recombinant DNA research proposals, all of a low-risk 
nature, and negotiations are in progress for the creation of at least 
one facility appropriate for the conduct of moderate-risk experiments. 
AUSTRIA 
The Austrian Research Council has created a working group to advise 
it on matters pertaining to recombinant DNA research. The group is 
expected to recommend (1) that guidelines be promulgated which are 
similar to those of the NIH but with additional emphasis on training, 
(2) that responsibility for safety measures rest primarily upon the 
investigator and the institution, and (3) that a Standing Committee on 
Recombinant DNA Research be established in the Council to register 
laboratories, maintain records, advise investigators, and recommend 
revisions to the guidelines. 
No legislation is envisaged at this time. No recombinant DNA 
activities are currently in progress, although two or three projects 
are in the planning stages. 
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