59 
to possible hazards of recombinant DNA research. The dis- 
cussions which started at that meeting resulted in the issuance 
in 1976 of the NIH guidelines for the conduct of this research. 
We, members of the 1977 Gordon Research Conference on 
Nucleic Acids, are now concerned that legislative measures 
now under consideration by congressional, State and local 
authorities will set up additional regulatory machinery so 
unwieldy and unpredictable as to inhibit severely the further 
development of this field of research. We feel that much of 
the stimulus for this legislative activity derives from exag- 
gerations of the hypothetical hazards of recombinant DNA 
research that go far beyond any reasoned assessment. 
This meeting made apparent the dramatic emergence of new 
fundamental knowledge as a result of application of recom- 
binant DNA methods. On the other hand, the experience of 
the last 4 years has not given any indication of actual hazard. 
Under these circumstances, an unprecedented introduction of 
prior restraints on scientific inquiry seems unwarranted. 
We urge that Congress consider these views. Should legis- 
lation nevertheless be deemed necessary, it ought to prescribe 
uniform standards throughout the country and be carefully 
framed so as not to impede scientific progress. 
The 137 undersigned are members of the 1977 Nucleic Acids 
Gordon Conference. 
In addition, a number of other scientists and scientific organiza- 
tions have expressed similar concerns, including the Inter-Society 
Council for Biology and Medicine, comprising officers of seven pro- 
fessional organizations: the American Institute of Biological Scien- 
ces, the American Society for Medical Technology, the American 
Society for Microbiology, the American Society of Allied Health 
Professions, the Association of American Medical Colleges, the Fed- 
eration of American Societies for Experimental Biology, and the Na- 
tional Society for Medical Research. 
Thirteen members of the National Academy of Sciences signed a 
resolution as follows : 
Resolution of the National Academy of Sciences 
April 26, 1977 
Three years ago the National Academv of Sciences played 
an important role in initiating responsible and informed dis- 
cussion on the need for controls on recombinant DNA re- 
search. The subsequent debate, both inside and outside the 
scientific community, resulted in a set of guidelines for- 
mulated under the sponsorship of the National Institutes 
of Health. Now the Congress is considering several drafts of 
detailed and far reaching legislation dealing with the regul- 
ation of recombinant DNA research. 
The NIH guidelines are the result of careful deliberation 
and we favor their simple conversion into a uniform national 
set of regulations. However, much of the proposed legisla- 
tion now before Congress would allow local communities 
[7991 
