(Braunschweig/Germany – 21 May 2026): Research takes place within a complex legal framework. The Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, together with an international consortium, has now published two timely articles on this topic in the renowned journal “Sustainable Microbiology”. DSMZ researchers Davide Faggionato and Melania Muñoz-García are the lead authors of the articles, with Amber H. Scholz, Head of the DSMZ Department of Science Policy & Internationalisation, serving as corresponding author. The first article, “Policy in practice: How to do the Nagoya Protocol”, cleans up common misconceptions and offers researchers from around the world practical guidance/help on the ethical and legally compliant use of biological resources.
Microorganisms are the driving force behind biotechnological innovations
Microorganisms are central to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and biotechnological innovation. Research into microbial genetic resources is, however, increasingly shaped by a complex web of international and national legal frameworks. The two articles tackle this challenge from complementary perspectives: one publication offers a step-by-step guide to compliance with the Nagoya Protocol, the other provides an overview of the broader regulatory environment governing microbial resources, including rules on access and benefit-sharing, intellectual property, biological safety, ethics, and sector-specific agreements.
No more “Take what you want!”
The days of colonial research expeditions are long gone. Since the Nagoya Protocol came into force, access to genetic resources is bound by clear rules: the sovereign rights of the countries of origin must be respected and profits are to be shared fairly. “Many scientists still confuse the Nagoya Protocol with the Kyoto Climate Protocol,” explains Dr Amber H. Scholz. “The only thing they have in common is their Japanese origin. Life scientists need to be aware of the Nagoya Protocol.” Breaches of ABS (Access and Benefit-Sharing) rules can have drastic legal consequences.
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