the physical unity of physiology and genetics, and the ethics of research 
in genetics. In addition, UNESCO renders financial support for training 
courses in cell biology. 
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) 
In June 1975 the Advisory Committee on Medical Research (ACMR) 
issued a report concluding that recombinant DNA research should continue. 
In June 1977 a subcommittee to ACMR recommended that WHO should have a 
role in disseminating information and assisting other science organiza- 
tions in performing risk-assessment studies relating to recombinant DNA 
research. It was specifically recommended, however, that the formulation 
of guidelines and the performance of risk-assessment studies be conducted 
by the scientific organizations. 
The ACMR endorsed the broad outlines of these statements and, in a 
report to the Director-General, (1) reaffirmed the WHO global responsi- 
bility for safety measures in microbiology (of which recombinant DNA re- 
search is a part) and (2) stated that the public health aspects of 
recombinant DNA research, rather than technical guidelines, should be 
WHO's chief concern. 
In Geneva, in September 1976, NIH and WHO jointly organized a con- 
ference entitled "Facilitation and Safety in the International Transfer 
of Research Materials." In addition to defining the responsibilities of 
the sender, carrier, and receiver of infectious substances, the partici- 
pants turned their attention to discussions on the safety of micro- 
biological practices. 
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