At the beginning of the twenty-first century, natural, deliberate, and research-related infectious disease threats are increasingly serious concerns. To inform urgent debate and decision-making, the National Centre for Biosecurity seeks to provide a stronger basis of understanding regarding the nature of these problems, why and how they threaten security, and the connections between them.

The Centre harnesses research strengths at the ANU and directs these towards awareness-raising and advice to government, academia, industry and the general community.

Information and advice provided by the Centre addresses three Australian national imperatives:

• Public health
• Regulation of pathogen research
• National and international security