Databases, Networks and Clearing Houses

The importance of the exchange of scientific and technological information is recognised in the first paragraph of Article X of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)1 which states that: (1) The States Parties to this Convention undertake to facilitate, and have the right to participate in, thefullest possible exchange ofequipment, materials andscientific and technological informationfor the use of bacteriological (biological) agents and toxins for peaceful purposes. Parties to the Convention in a position to do so shall also cooperate in contributing individually or together with other States or international organizations to the further development and application of scientific discoveries in the field of bacteriology (biology) for prevention of disease, or for other peaceful purposes. [Emphasis added]