Who We Are

ABSA International, The Association for Biosafety and Biosecurity, is a non-profit professional membership organization that is dedicated to serving the needs of biosafety and biosecurity professionals throughout the world.

ABSA International accomplishes these goals by:

  • Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Conference
  • Discounted fees for all ABSA International Events and products; Including the Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Conference, professional development courses, the Biosecurity Symposium and online courses.
  • Mentorship and networking opportunities
  • ABSA International Communities platform that includes online discussion groups and networking opportunities.
  • Opportunities to comment on, and impact proposed regulations and/or guidelines
  • Credentials for biosafety professionals; Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP – ABSA) and Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP ABSA)
  • In Person and virtual professional development opportunities
  • Quarterly issues of the Applied Biosafety journal
  • Interaction with regional and international affiliate biosafety organizations

Core Purpose

ABSA International is dedicated to promoting and expanding biosafety and biosecurity expertise.

Core Organizational Values

  • Leadership for the profession
  • Collaboration and community
  • Promotion of biosafety as a scientific discipline
  • Absolute integrity
  • High standards of excellence

Inclusion Statement

In alignment with our core organizational values, ABSA International (ABSA) encourages positive connections between biosafety professionals, scientists, governmental/nongovernmental organizations, and the public. It is our organization’s policy to administer all activities without discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital/familial status, and veteran status. These practices extend to all aspects of ABSA’s activities and to all roles within the association (e.g., member, ambassador, employee, mentor, sponsor, and vendor).

Ethics Statement

Members of ABSA International (ABSA) are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical manner as they practice their profession. ABSA members should:

  • Maintain personal integrity and act responsibly to uphold the integrity of the profession.
  • Avoid situations, and actively work to prevent occurrences presenting a conflict of interest or that will compromise professional judgement.
  • Provide biological safety services only in areas of competence.
  • Follow recognized biological safety guidelines and standards as set forth by established professional groups or local, state and federal governmental agencies, centers, or institutes, in performing work in biological safety.
  • Provide information regarding potential risks to employee or environmental health and precautions needed to avoid adverse effects.
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding services provided.

ABSA International offers a registration (Registered Biosafety Professional) and certification (Certified Biological Safety Professional) program to recognize biological safety professionals. Registration is by application and approval by an examining Board. Certification is by application, approval by an examining Board and passing a written exam. Credentialing candidates must meet experience and educational criteria set by ABSA.

Affiliates of ABSA International have been formed in various locations throughout the world, including Canada, Switzerland, and Asia. These affiliate organizations help to stimulate ongoing training and networking opportunities on a local or regional level. ABSA is affiliated with over 20 biosafety associations across the globe.

Membership

  • Individual
  • Student
  • Corporate
  • Government Agency
  • University Group

By being an ABSA member, I don’t feel “alone” in biosafety.  Whether it’s through my ties to the PPB instructor group or through the connection to the broader biosafety community that ABSA encompasses, I know that I can always get help on just about any biosafety issue with just a call, email, or text message. -ABSA member

Being an ABSA member has enabled me to have collaborative input into initiatives (such as the ANSI standard on BSL-3 ventilation performance verification) that have significant impacts on biorisk management. -ABSA member