1401 WILSON BOULEVARD • ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22209 
Dr. Donald S. Fredrickson 
Director 
15 April 1976 
703/527-6776 
AIB5 
National Institutes of Health ^ 
9000 Rockville Pike 
Bethesda, Maryland 20014 
Dear Dr. Fredrickson: 
As we make our slow progress on the matter of DNA 
research, I wonder if the American Institute of Biological 
Sciences might not be of some assistance. There still are 
parameters to be considered along with the physical and 
biological controls or barriers. We should be thinking now 
of courses of action if something is allowed to get into the 
environment whether initiated through a disregard of guide- 
lines or some oversight in other controls. What are the 
potential ecosystem impacts that pertain both to persons and 
other life forms? This takes us into a broader field than 
the traditional concerns. Maybe a study group or at least 
a symposium for an open discussion is indicated. 
Secondly, where do we stand in the development of an 
International registry on all experiments? Every effort 
should be made to establish cooperation in reporting at an 
early date. It probably would be better to have a mechanism 
for approval prior to the undertaking of research to assure 
consideration of the greatest number of variables and options. 
The AIBS wishes to offer its services as you look ahead in the 
organization of mechanisms and procedures for the future of 
DNA research. 
Richard Trumbull 
Executive Director 
RT/ab 
