Alliance with Sandia National Laboratories'
International Biological Threat Reduction Program

		U.S. Department of State Biosecurity Engagement Program sponsored Biosafety and Biosecurity Workshop in Indonesia with ABSA and Sandia instructors, June 2006 Sandia – ABSA TTT Biosafety Workshop for Iraqi Scientists in Jordan, February 2006

Bioscience is a rapidly growing field in the United States and around the world, yet the biosafety profession is in its infancy in many regions of the globe. Recent laboratory-acquired infections of SARS, Ebola, and tularemia among others have underscored the importance of laboratory biosafety, just as the anthrax letters have highlighted the need for prudent laboratory biosecurity measures. ABSA and SNL IBTR have developed an alliance to leverage expertise and resources to foster the advancement of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity internationally through awareness-raising, training and technical assistance.

The primary goal of the ABSA alliance with SNL IBTR is to promote the development of the biosafety profession globally and to ensure the safe and secure use of pathogens and toxins through:

• Training activities
• Technical consultations at institutions which are national and/or regional leaders in infectious disease diagnostics and research
• Efforts to increase ABSA's international membership and international participation at the annual conference
• Encouraging the development of local biosafety associations and possible ABSA affiliates

Efforts under this alliance will be closely coordinated as appropriate with the relevant ABSA committees, including Philanthropic Activities, Affiliate Relations, Membership, and the Professional Development Team.

If you are interested in becoming involved in activities under this alliance, please contact Jennifer Gaudioso at: jmgaudi@sandia.gov.