Preliminary report of the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens

The 2022 preliminary report reopened the laboratory question, over a recorded dissent

what the source states

The preliminary report states that laboratory-related hypotheses remain appropriate to investigate and that further information is needed; a footnote records that three members dissented from evaluating the laboratory hypothesis.

what we infer

The document that formally reopened a question the 2021 joint study had rated extremely unlikely, which is the clearest demonstration in the case that these expert judgments move. The recorded dissent is included rather than smoothed over: disagreement within the body is part of what its conclusions are worth.

limitations

• A preliminary document superseded by the 2025 assessment.