IFBA, International Federation of Biosafety Associations

African Women’s Network for Biosafety/Biosecurity Identifies 4 Key Priorities.
In December 2023, more than 80 professionals gathered together from across the African continent for an in-person workshop to formally establish the Women’s Network for the Global Partnership’s Signature Initiative to Mitigate Biological Threats in Africa (https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SIMBA-Womens-Network-Project-Overview-Final.pdf). Hosted by the International Federation of Biosafety Associations’ Equity-Focused Coordinating Committee (https://internationalbiosafety.org/program-activities/ifba-equity-focused-coordinating-committee/) on the margins of the African Society for Laboratory Medicine’s biennial conference, the workshop’s objectives included establishing the Network’s priority activities, defining its key stakeholders, as well as its formal structure. Participants identified 4 priorities (https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GP-Womens-Network-Workshop-Outcomes.pdf) as essential for gender equity and robust engagement of local women champions towards sustainable health security in Africa:

Priority 1 – Robust Advocacy for Women’s Meaningful Participation in Regional and Global Health Security
Priority 2 – Targeted Support for Women and Girls Entering the Health Security Workforce
Priority 3 – Cultivation of African Women Leadership in Biosafety and Biosecurity
Priority 4 – Measuring Progress in Implementing Network Activities
Click here to read the “Workshop Outcomes – Establishment of the Global Partnership’s Women’s Network to Mitigate Biological Threats in Africa“
Click to read the workshop outcomes in Arabic (https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GP-Womens-Network-Workshop-Outcomes-Arabic-Translation.pdf), French (https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GP-Womens-Network-Workshop-Outcomes-French-Translation.pdf), Kiswahili (https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GP-Womens-Network-Workshop-Outcomes-Kiswahili-Translation.pdf), and Spanish (https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GP-Womens-Network-Workshop-Outcomes-Spanish-Translation.pdf) languages.

The IFBA is grateful to the Weapons Threat Reduction Program, Global Affairs Canada, for their funding support towards this project.

https://internationalbiosafety.org/african-womens-network-for-biosafety-biosecurity-identifies-4-key-priorities/

MMUST Welcomes Inaugural BSc. Biosafety & Biosecurity Student Cohort.
In January 2024, the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s (MMUST - https://www.mmust.ac.ke/) launched it’s inaugural Bachelor of Science in Biosafety & Biosecurity (https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MMUST-BSc.-Biosafety-Biosecurity_6-2023.pdf)and welcomed the first cohort of 21 students. This unique degree program, available to youth from around the world interested in pursing a career in biosafety and biosecurity, represents a major milestone towards global health security. The program delivers theoretical with practical learning covering diverse topics including biological risk assessment & mitigation, laboratory design & biocontainment, biological non-proliferation, diversity/equity/inclusion, one health, outbreak response, modern biothreats and cyberbiosecurity. Throughout their academic years, students will also have the opportunity to learn from a partnership of international experts who have committed their time and resources to assist MMUST’s leadership in developing biosafety & biosecurity professionals of the future.

The IFBA and MMUST are grateful for the funding support provided by the Weapons Threat Reduction Program of Global Affairs Canada, the technical expertise provided by the University of British Columbia’s Department of Safety & Risk Services, and the many other partners who supported and contributed their expertise to launching this program.

https://internationalbiosafety.org/mmust-welcomes-inaugural-bsc-biosafety-biosecurity-student-cohort/
https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MMUST-Inaugural-BSc.-Biosafety-Biosecurity-Student-Cohort.pdf

2023 IFBA Biosafety Hero Awardee
The IFBA’s Biosafety Heroes program, through recognition by an international panel of their peers, identifies and celebrates extraordinary individuals who make significant contributions to the field of biorisk management. Biosafety Heroes serve as role models in the global fight against infectious diseases.

Please join the IFBA in congratulating Gordon Mpamize, Public Health Specialist, Joint Clinical Research Centre, Uganda as the recipient of the 2023 Biosafety Hero award. Gordon is an IFBA Certified Professional in Biorisk Management, Biosecurity and Biowaste Management. Click here (https://internationalbiosafety.org/program-activities/biosafety-heroes/) to read more about his ongoing work, achievements and contributions to our global biosafety community.

With many thanks to Biosafety Heroes Selection Committee and well done Gordon!

Gordon Mpamize
Public Health Specialist
Joint Clinical Research Centre
IFBA Certified Professional in Biorisk Management, Biosecurity and Biowaste Management
Uganda

https://internationalbiosafety.org/2023-ifba-biosafety-hero-awardee/

IFBA Regional Program Coordinator for Latin America/Caribbean.
The IFBA is pleased to welcome Sacha Wallace-Sankarsingh (https://internationalbiosafety.org/who-we-are/governance-structure/sacha-wallace-sankarsingh/) as our Regional Program Coordinator for Latin America/Caribbean (LAC). Ms. Wallace-Sankarsingh, MSc, MPH (International Public Health), is an independent health security laboratory consultant with over fifteen years’ experience working with public health institutions focused on laboratory systems strengthening and addressing issues of biosafety and biosecurity in the Caribbean. At the international level, Sacha is a member of the current WHO Technical Advisory Group on Biosafety (WHO TAG-B) and has previously served as Chair of the Global Health Security Agenda APP3 on Biosafety and Biosecurity. Over the next two years, she will be collaborating with the IFBA’s core implementing partners to further develop and expand biosafety and biosecurity as a key aspect of national and regional health security in the LAC region. The IFBA is grateful to the funding provided by Global Affairs Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program (WTRP) for this important initiative.

https://internationalbiosafety.org/ifba-regional-program-coordinator-for-latin-america-caribbean/

IFBA and MMUST at the ASLM conference in Cape Town presenting the new BSc undergraduate degree program in Biosafety & Biosecurity, with Susan Tuvei, MMUST, Kenya and Stephanie Norlock. https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MMUST-IFBA-Poster-ASLM-Conference-2023.pdf

2023 IFBA Biosafety Heroes Nominations
The IFBA has created a Biosafety Heroes program to identify and celebrate extraordinary individuals who make significant contributions to help others in the field of biosafety and biosecurity. IFBA Biosafety Heroes are exceptional and inspiring individuals honored by the global biosafety community as having made a difference for the better. Biosafety Heroes serve as role models, showing others that each individual is important and can contribute to the global fight against infectious diseases.

Selection criteria:
-Nominees are selected based on their uniqueness, the specific accomplishments they have achieved that are truly remarkable, and the impact their work has had on others.
-Preference is given to individuals who:
operate in an environment where biosafety/biosecurity funds are limited, and/or where the importance of biosafety and biosecurity is not fully appreciated.
have not yet been recognized with other biosafety or biosecurity awards.
-Nominations are welcome for people at all stages in their careers.

Selection mechanism:
-Nominations can be made by anyone. They should be emailed to Vishnu Kandasamy, International Federation of Biosafety Associations at [email protected]
The deadline for nominations for the 2023 awards is 20 December 2023.
Nominations are welcome at any time. Once received they will be considered for at least one year.
-Winners are chosen by a selection committee based on the criteria outlined above.

Download the IFBA Biosafety Heroes Nomination form: https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IFBA-Biosafety-Heroes-Nomination-form-2023.doc

See the past recipients of the IFBA Biosafety Hero awards: https://internationalbiosafety.org/program-activities/biosafety-heroes/

Dear Colleagues, IFBA’s Biosafety Heroes are exceptional and inspiring individuals honored by the global biosafety community as having made a difference for the better. Biosafety Heroes serve as role models, showing others that each individual is important and can contribute to the global fight against infectious diseases.

Selection criteria:
Nominees are selected on their uniqueness, the specific accomplishments they have achieved that are truly remarkable, and the impact their work has had on others.
Preference is given to individuals who operate in an environment where biosafety/biosecurity funds are limited, and/or where the importance of biosafety and biosecurity is not fully appreciated.
have not yet been recognized with other biosafety or biosecurity awards.
Nominations are welcome for people at all stages in their careers.

Learn more about the program: https://internationalbiosafety.org/program-activities/biosafety-heroes/ and download the nomination form here: https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IFBA-Biosafety-Heroes-Nomination-form-2023.doc
Email your nomination to Vishnu Kandasamy, International Federation of Biosafety Associations at [email protected] before the December 20, 2023 deadline.

With kind regards
Maureen

MMUST BSc Biosafety Biosecurity - Student Recruitment
https://internationalbiosafety.org/mmust-launches-new-bsc-biosafety-biosecurity/

View the MMUST BSc degree program flyer:https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MMUST-BSc.-Biosafety-Biosecurity_6-2023.pdf

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Global Biosafety & Biosecurity
To assist our community, the IFBA, together with an international panel of experts, have compiled a set of policies, practices and cultural interventions which can be practically implemented and directly support DEI within a professional biosafety and biosecurity context. Each intervention is complemented by a set of performance measurement indicators that go beyond simple diversity representation quotas by considering equity and inclusion indicators specific to biosafety and biosecurity professionals.

View here Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Biosafety Biosecurity – An Introduction:https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IFBA-DEI-Biosafety-Biosecurity-Implementation-Introduction.pdf

View here Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Biosafety Biosecurity – The 7 Thematic Clusters:https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IFBA-DEI-Biosafety-Biosecurity-Implementation-Thematic-Clusters.pdf

Access here the Implementation Tool of Practical Interventions and Measuring Progress:https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IFBA-DEI-Biosafety-Biosecurity-Implementation-Tool.pdf

The IFBA is grateful for funding support provided by the Weapons Threat Reduction Program of Global Affairs Canada for this project.

https://internationalbiosafety.org/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-global-biosafety-biosecurity/

The IFBA is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chair, Vice-Chair and members to our Board of Directors. https://internationalbiosafety.org/ifba-welcomes-new-board-members/

Workshop to develop Women’s Network for the Global Partnership’s Signature Initiative to Mitigate Biological Threats in Africa. We’re delighted to announce an important initiative! In collaboration with Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada (https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-affairs-canada-affaires-mondiales-canada/) and Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, International Federation of Biosafety Associations is hosting an in-person workshop to develop Women’s Network for the Global Partnership’s Signature Initiative to Mitigate Biological Threats in Africa at . Gender equity and strong engagement of local women professionals are essential for sustainable health security.
Join us at for this workshop on 12 Dec from 9:30am to 1:30pm as we define our strategy, set objectives, and prioritize activities. Let’s make a difference together!

Learn more here! https://internationalbiosafety.org/womens-network-for-the-global-partnerships-signature-initiative-to-mitigate-biological-threats-in-africa/

https://internationalbiosafety.org/workshop-to-develop-womens-network-for-the-global-partnerships-signature-initiative-to-mitigate-biological-threats-in-africa/

The International Federation of Biosafety Associations is pleased to welcome official Member Biosafety Associations in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Togo.
https://internationalbiosafety.org/ifba-welcomes-member-biosafety-associations-in-ethiopia-togo-and-burkina-faso/

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cabsacsb_bintou-ahidjo-keynote-address-this-morning-activity-7109949743455223808-h4we/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&fbclid=IwAR1nBMAr3vy5NoFtbv0DfyvsbXqBkUxDeRBwS9x9BxwCQ3TLkja4QBqECzY

Canadian Association for Biological Safety on LinkedIn: Bintou Ahidjo keynote address this morning focused on the work by the ECC… Bintou Ahidjo keynote address this morning focused on the work by the ECC committee, as part of the IFBA, that highlights critical diversity, equity, and…

IFBA Appoints a new Certification Body Chair
The IFBA is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Cláudio Mafra (https://internationalbiosafety.org/who-we-are/ifba-certification-body/claudio-mafra/) as Chair of it’s Certification Body. The IFBA’s Certification Body (CB) acts as an administratively independent unit within the IFBA’s parent organization and maintains delegated authority for decisions on all matters relating to the IFBA’s Professional Certification program. With a strong interest in the management and governance of biosafety and biosecurity, Dr. Mafra’s work addresses international regulations, daily practices, and routines. He also focuses on understanding the unique challenges of Latin America and related countries, supporting several institutions in developing biosafety, biosecurity, and high biocontainment facility projects.

To date, 1775 individuals across 91 countries have been certified by the IFBA as having demonstrated competencies in the safe and secure handling of biological materials. A key strategic priority for the CB over the next two years is expanding the accessibility of the program to individuals across the Latin American and Caribbean regions. Click here to learn more about the IFBA’s Certification Program (https://internationalbiosafety.org/certification/certification/) and view the worldwide Directory of Certified Professionals (https://internationalbiosafety.org/certification/directory-of-certified-professionals/).

https://internationalbiosafety.org/ifba-appoints-a-new-certification-body-chair/rnationalbiosafety.org/who-we-are/ifba-certification-body/claudio-mafra/

Women’s Network for the Global Partnership’s Signature Initiative to Mitigate Biological Threats in Africa.
Dear Colleagues,
The IFBA is pleased to collaborate with the Global Partnership (GP) regarding the formation of a dedicated Women's Network of African health security professionals. The GP's Signature Initiative to Mitigate Biological Threats in Africa (https://www.gpwmd.com/africa-signature-intitiative)
supports coordinated action by GP and African partners to address emerging and ongoing biothreats on the African continent. Practical implementation of the Signature Initiative's threat reduction programs prioritizes gender equity and robust engagement of local women champions as a critical contributor to sustainable health security in Africa. This new Women’s Network will further define the unique contributions and perspectives of women professionals across African regions.

Learn more about the Women’s Network:https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SIMBA-Womens-Network-Project-Overview-Final.pdf

The IFBA is grateful to the Weapons Threat Reduction Program, Global Affairs Canada, for their funding support towards this project.

With kind regards
Maureen

https://internationalbiosafety.org/womens-network-for-the-global-partnerships-signature-initiative-to-mitigate-biological-threats-in-africa/

Air and Lab Products Africa (ALPA) Training, The Basics of Biosafety and Biosecurity, 6-10 November 2023.

https://internationalbiosafety.org/air-and-lab-products-africa-alpa-training-6-10-november-2023/

Call for Nominations – IFBA Board of Directors.
The International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA) is currently soliciting nominations from its national and regional Member Biosafety Associations to serve on the IFBA Board of Directors. The IFBA needs a skillful and diverse Board to continue our strategic direction and increase our impact in support of our mission. Achieving gender balance and equitable geographical representation on the IFBA Board is a key consideration in the election process. The new Board positions will become available in September 2023 and will continue for a term of 3 years. Additionally, the IFBA’s Board may also include Observers who will act as ex-officio members from health or security organizations, institutions, governments, or other interested groups. Candidates for observers to the Board are also being solicited currently.

Nominations should be submitted no later than July 28, 2023, to the IFBA Secretariat at [email protected] using the nomination form which can be downloaded here: https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-Call-for-Nominations-IFBA-Board-of-Directors.doc

https://internationalbiosafety.org/call-for-nominations-ifba-board-of-directors/

View the MMUST BSc degree program flyer:https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MMUST-BSc.-Biosafety-Biosecurity_6-2023.pdf

IFBA Professional Certification Challenges & Opportunities - We want to hear from YOU!
With the number of International Federation of Biosafety Association (IFBA) professional certifications (https://internationalbiosafety.org/certification/directory-of-certified-professionals/) growing around the world, the IFBA Certification Body is now seeking your feedback on how we can maximize the program's delivery and address any challenges experienced during and/or after certification. Your input will help to improve service delivery, ensure a seamless process and maximize benefit to our community of candidates and certified professionals.

To provide your feedback, click here (https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/XUCzQF) no later than June 30, 2023. We also welcome you to send us more details on your experiences and ideas directly to Alfred Alinda, IFBA Fellow, at the following email address: [email protected].

As a token of appreciation, you will be entered into the draw for a voucher to cover the costs of an IFBA professional certification exam fee. Your name and contact email will remain confidential and will only be used for the draw.

The IFBA is grateful to the US Biological Threat Reduction Program and Sandia National Laboratories for their funding support towards the IFBA’s Certification Program.

https://internationalbiosafety.org/ifba-professional-certification-challenges-opportunities-we-want-to-hear-from-you/

MMUST launches new BSc. Biosafety & Biosecurity.
The International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA) is pleased to announce the launch of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s (MMUST - https://www.mmust.ac.ke/) new undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Biosafety & Biosecurity program (https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IFBA-MMUST-Doc-v4.pdf). Developed in collaboration with the IFBA, and with technical expertise from the University of British Columbia’s Department of Safety & Risk Services, this unique degree program represents a milestone towards a future sustainable workforce by formalizing the biosafety & biosecurity career path within the higher education system. Strategically placed in Kenya, MMUST’s BSc. in Biosafety & Biosecurity not only serves youth interested in a pursuing a professional biosafety career across the African region but globally as well.

Click here (http://application.mmust.ac.ke/) for further details on applying for the September 2023 intake of students for this exciting new program!

Click here (https://internationalbiosafety.org/biosafety-education-a-call-to-action/) to read IFBA's white paper "Biosafety Education - A Call to Action" and find out more about the BSc. program's partners.

The IFBA and MMUST are grateful for the funding support provided by the Weapons Threat Reduction Program of Global Affairs Canada and the many other partners who supported and contributed their expertise to this project.

Invitación al XV Simposio de Bioseguridad y Biocustodia
La Asociación Mexicana de Bioseguridad AC, es un grupo multidisciplinario de profesionistas interesados en promover el desarrollo de la bioseguridad y la biocustodia en México, así como el manejo seguro de materiales biológicos y microorganismos patógenos.

AMEXBIO organiza anualmente el Simposio Internacional de Bioseguridad y Biocustodia (SIBB) desde el 2009, y promueve actividades de enseñanza científica y técnica, capacitación y educación continua de estudiantes y profesionales en la materia y disciplinas afines.

Este año, AMEXBIO organiza su XV simposio anual del 22 al 25 de agosto de 2023 en la Cd. de Monterrey, Nuevo León, México, con el tema:

"Bioseguridad para tod@s"

Este evento se desarrollará de forma presencial con dos días de cursos presimposio (22 y 23 de septiembre) y dos días de simposio (24 y 25 de septiembre de 2023). La única transmisión en línea serán cursos presimposio el día 19 de agosto. El resto del evento será exclusivamente presencial.

PROGRAMA PRELIMINAR (consulte aquí):https://amexbio.org/docs/SIBB23_programa.pdf

Fechas importantes:
Fin de tarifas anticipadas (descuento): 15/jun/2023
Cierre convocatoria patrocinadores: 30/jun/2023
Cierre de convocatoria trabajos libres: 30/jun/2023
Cierre de registros ONLINE: 15/ago/2023
Ya está cercano el cierre de registros con cuotas reducidas! Tómelo en cuenta.

La sede será el Centro de Internacionalización de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León en Monterrey, NL, México.

Como siempre toda la información se encuentra en https://amexbio.org/sibb

Agradecemos su atención y apoyo, para compartir este evento con sus colegas, y esperamos contar con su participación actual y futura.

Atentamente,

COMITÉ ORGANIZADOR


PROGRAMA:https://amexbio.org/docs/SIBB23_programa.pdf
REGISTRO: https://amexbio.org/

Toda la información sobre ingreso a nuevos miembros en la página:
http://amexbio.org/membresia

IFBA Professional Certification – Short Term Youth Fellowship
The IFBA is pleased to announce a short-term fellowship which will award an IFBA certified professional youth the opportunity to engage with the IFBA’s international community of certified professionals and potential exam candidates for enhanced delivery of the IFBA’s professional certification program. The IFBA’s member biosafety associations, partners and stakeholders will also be surveyed through a needs analysis of the certification program. Information gathered will be brought forward during a virtual presentation to the IFBA Certification Body strategic planning meeting to be held in August 2023.

Click here (https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IFBA-Certification-Youth-Fellowship-Announcement.pdf) more about the Fellowship Opportunity and application instructions. All applications are to be submitted no later than May 19, 2023 through the online application form accessed at the following link: IFBA Youth Fellowship Application Form (https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/q9Csle).

The IFBA is grateful to the US Biological Threat Reduction Program and Sandia National Laboratories for their funding support towards this fellowship opportunity.

Preliminary Program, XV International Symposium of Biosafety and Biosecurity, August 22-25, Monterrey, Mexico

The International Biosafety and Biosecurity Symposium (SIBB) is a specialized meeting for training, analysis, discussion, and proposal development around biological safety and infectious biological materials in Mexico and the region. Health professionals, those in the agricultural and industrial sectors involved in biosafety, biosecurity, biocontainment, biological and biotechnological risk management, and the handling of infectious biological materials, all participate in the SIBB. The SIBB has been organized every year by the Mexican Association of Biosafety AC since 2009. To view the Preliminary Program click here:https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SIBB23-Programa-Preeliminar-V13mar23_eng.pdf

Luis Ochoa Carrera talks about the professional certification of the International Federation of Biosafety Associations IFBA, in advance of the planned paper-based certification session at the XV International Symposium of Biosafety and Biosecurity: https://youtu.be/U1ovBVpygpc

Preliminary Program, XV International Symposium of Biosafety and Biosecurity, August 22-25, Monterrey, Mexico
The International Biosafety and Biosecurity Symposium (SIBB) is a specialized meeting for training, analysis, discussion, and proposal development around biological safety and infectious biological materials in Mexico and the region. Health professionals, those in the agricultural and industrial sectors involved in biosafety, biosecurity, biocontainment, biological and biotechnological risk management, and the handling of infectious biological materials, all participate in the SIBB. The SIBB has been organized every year by the Mexican Association of Biosafety AC since 2009. To view the Preliminary Program click here:https://internationalbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SIBB23-Programa-Preeliminar-V13mar23_eng.pdf

Luis Ochoa Carrera talks about the professional certification of the International Federation of Biosafety Associations IFBA, in advance of the planned paper-based certification session at the XV International Symposium of Biosafety and Biosecurity:
https://youtu.be/U1ovBVpygpc

FLOW Lab (https://flow.berkeley.edu/) investigating mechanisms of aerosol generation from various laboratory accidents. Access here the videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?app=desktop&list=PLdhFKyUY83RYvxLTyxnH_89OFEU6eShpm

Announcing the 11th ABSANZ Conference: Biosafety and Biosecurity in turbulent times

Announcing the 11th ABSANZ Conference: Biosafety and Biosecurity in turbulent times Dear Colleagues, We are looking forward to seeing you at the 11th ABSANZ Conference: Biosafety and Biosecurity in Turbulent Times in Queenstown NZ, 30th October to 3rd November 2023. Join us for the 11th Annual ABSANZ Conference, where leading experts will gather to discuss and advance the crucial t...

Dear Colleagues,

The International Federation of Biosafety Associations is pleased to welcome the ASSOCIATION BURUNDAISE DE BIOSECURITE ET DE BIOSURETE “ABUBB” as an official Member organization. The ABUBB is an independent, national organization founded by 35 professionals aiming to be a reference on biosafety and biosecurity. ABUBB’s goal is to contribute to better protection of personnel health in general and in particular biomedical laboratory personnel, infrastructures, and the environment against biological risks through preventive measures, appropriate mitigation and management after an appropriate analysis of the risks associated with each laboratory.

Please click here (https://internationalbiosafety.org/ifba-welcomes-association-burundais-de-biosecurite-et-de-biosurete-abubb/) for contact details and further information on the ABUBB.

With kind regards
Maureen

Submit Your Expressions of Interest – Sustainable Diagnostic Containment Laboratories.
Do you have a bold idea that could in low- and middle-income countries? Respond to Grand Challenges Canada’s Request for Expressions of Interest by April 19, describing your innovation in diagnostic containment laboratory sustainability. Your Expression of Interest will help shape a potential new Grand Challenge program, and will yield feedback to strengthen your application for funding at a later date.

As we have seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, diagnostic containment laboratories around the globe are essential to ensuring our collective health, safety and security. They are expensive to operate and maintain, however, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. How can we for improved sustainability, to ensure prevention and control of infectious diseases in years to come?

Grand Challenges Canada is exploring a potential new Grand Challenge for Sustainable Diagnostic Containment Laboratories, in partnership with the World Organisation for Animal Health, Global Affairs Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program, The Pirbright Institute and implementation partners at Science for Africa Foundation. We seek innovation that will reinvent the diagnostic containment laboratory, reducing ongoing operational and maintenance costs while maintaining biosafety and biosecurity to make it fit-for-purpose in resource-limited contexts globally.

Submit an Expression of Interest via the Fluxx portal by April 19 describing your innovation in diagnostic containment laboratory sustainability to help Grand Challenges Canada and our partners shape a new program, and receive feedback to strengthen your application for future funding.

Grand Challenges Canada encourages Expressions of Interest from innovators at locally-led organizations based in low- and middle-income countries, as well as innovators with lived experience of the context in which they seek to implement and those with meaningful partnerships with local partners. We welcome Expressions of Interest detailing innovative ideas from innovators / industries outside of the laboratory sector.

Deadlines
Fluxx applicant registration deadline: April 12, 2023 at 2:00 pm EDT (7:00 pm UTC).
Expression of Interest submission deadline: April 19, 2023 at 11:59 pm EDT (April 20, 2023 4:59am UTC).

Learn more: https://www.grandchallenges.ca/funding-opportunities/

https://internationalbiosafety.org/submit-your-expressions-of-interest-sustainable-diagnostic-containment-laboratories/