Advances in the life sciences especially in synthetic biology, microbiology, etc. have created opportunities for innovation while at the same time raising complex ethical and security-related concerns. This course (block seminar) focuses on the concept of dual use research, where scientific findings and technologies can be used for beneficial and also potentially harmful purposes. Based on this, the seminar course explores questions of responsible conduct in science and engineering, risk assessment, and the governance of emerging technologies in an international context. Topics: • Dual-Use Research of Concern (DURC) • Gain-of-function research: risks and controversies • Biosafety versus biosecurity • International governance frameworks (e.g., Biological Weapons Convention) • Case studies: pandemics, emerging pathogens, and synthetic biology • Responsibility and accountability in global research collaborations