Who We Are

ABSA International (ABSA) was founded in 1984 to promote biosafety as a scientific discipline and serve the growing needs of biosafety professionals throughout the world. Its goals are to provide a professional association that represents the interests and needs of practitioners of biological safety, and to provide a forum for the continued and timely exchange of biosafety information.

ABSA International accomplishes these goals by:

• publishing and distributing a quarterly journal, Applied Biosafety and a number of other biosafety publications,
• conducting an Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Conference to keep members informed of current biosafety issues and regulatory initiatives. The conference is preceded by a selection of biosafety professional development courses geared at the beginner and advanced levels.

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

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

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).

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.