What is Biosafety & Biosecurity?

A biosafety/biosecurity professional:

Ensures the safe handling of biological materials to protect people, laboratories, and the environment
Implements practices, equipment, and facility designs to prevent exposure and accidental release
Oversees research involving microbes, DNA, animals, and biotechnology to ensure it is conducted safely
Protects hazardous biological materials from theft, misuse, or intentional harm
Focuses on security measures, access control, and accountability for pathogens
Promotes the responsible and safe use of science in society

Biosafety

The concept of biological safety (biosafety) has developed alongside the field of Microbiology and its expansion into related areas such as tissue culture, recombinant DNA, animal studies, molecular biology, synthetic biology, and biotechnology. Biosafety refers to the set of principles, technologies, and practices designed to prevent unintentional exposure to or accidental release of hazardous biological materials, including pathogens, toxins, and genetically modified organisms.

As scientists gained the knowledge and skills needed to isolate, manipulate, and grow harmful microorganisms, there was a parallel need to establish strong safety systems. These include risk assessment, containment strategies, specialized equipment, facility design, and standardized practices and procedures. Together, these measures protect laboratory personnel, the broader community, and the environment by preventing workplace infections and reducing the risk of accidental release.

Biosecurity

The concept of biological security (biosecurity) has developed alongside advances in Microbiology and related fields such as biotechnology, synthetic biology, and genetic engineering. As the ability to handle, store, and manipulate hazardous biological materials has grown, so has the need to protect them from intentional misuse. Biosecurity refers to the set of policies, practices, and technologies designed to prevent the loss, theft, misuse, or deliberate release of dangerous biological agents, including pathogens, toxins, and sensitive biological information.

As scientific capabilities expanded, it became increasingly important to establish systems that ensure accountability and control over these materials. Biosecurity measures include access restrictions, personnel reliability programs, inventory tracking, secure storage, and regulatory oversight. Together, these approaches help safeguard laboratories and research institutions, protect public health, and ensure that scientific advancements are used responsibly and do not pose a threat to society or the environment.

New to the Biosafety/Biosecurity Profession?

Recommended Resources

The Member Resources Committee (MRC) has compiled this list of resources to benefit biosafety and biosecurity professionals seeking to expand their expertise.

In-person Training

Principles & Practices of Biosafety^®(in-person 40-hour course)
This course is designed for persons who are entering the profession and those with up to three years’ experience in biosafety. It is also suitable for persons who supervise biosafety professionals and for those who will benefit from additional knowledge of biosafety as a complement to their primary responsibilities. Presented twice a year. Designed for those with 0 to three years in the profession.

Preceding the Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Conference, ABSA offers a variety of preconference courses for all ranges of experience from beginner to advanced. (updated each June).

Basic Risk Assessment (in-person 8-hour course)
This introductory course will provide an opportunity to incorporate the basic knowledge and skills necessary to perform risk assessments for working safely with pathogens (human and animal) and rDNA (genetically modified organisms or viral vectors). Presented annually as a preconference course in conjunction with the annual conference.

Online On-Demand (Work at your own pace)

Basic Biosafety on Demand (Work at your own pace)
Basic Biosafety will provide basic direction to laboratorians on how to work more safely with biological hazards. This module will include available resources, additional training opportunities, and contacts relevant to the field of biosafety for those located in laboratories and facilities around the globe.

Basic Disinfection on Demand (Work at your own pace)
This course is designed for people entering the profession and those with up to three years of experience in biosafety or infection control. It is also suitable for people who will benefit from additional knowledge regarding the types of disinfectants/decontamination systems and how to choose appropriate products/methods for their workplace or who may need refresher training.

FREE | Introduction to Biosafety: Biosafety Curriculum for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
This course is also appropriate for graduate, medical, nursing, public health, and medical technology students. The course is designed as a 12-week semester course, either 1 or 5 credits. The course content is designed to be flexible to allow instructors to select what is appropriate for their specific program needs and schedules.

Biosafety Cabinet Basics
Introduces the essential elements of use and how to select the correct cabinet. This course will first go over the typical applications that use biosafety cabinets (BSC), as well as each class and type of cabinet and their basic function and airflow patterns. With the knowledge of how these BSC’s operate, the course will then cover work practices such as: ergonomics, emergency procedures, cleaning, and maintenance. At the end, the course will cover a few tips, tricks, and resources for users to reference.

Animal Biosafety Videos

Working Safety in Animal Biosafety level 1, 2, or 3
BRI Working with Livestock in Biocontainment

Webinars

The webinar offerings are continually updated and posted on the Professional Development page. Listed here are a few examples of courses suitable for a new biosafety professional.

Fundamentals of Microbiology and Infectious Disease
Concepts of Virology
Molecular Biology 101
From Expertise to Influence: Public Relations, AI and Your Personal Brand (free to members)
Virus-based Gene Transfer Vectors

*Many of ABSA International webinar recordings are available for purchase after the offering dates for a limited time.

Other Offerings

ABSA Biosafety Calendar

ABSA Tools & Resources

Risk Group Database

Laboratory-Acquired Infection (LAI) Database

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Biosafety Trainings

Fundamentals of Working Safely in a Biological Safety Cabinet
Introduction to Laboratory Risk Management (LRM)
Fundamentals of Centrifuge Safety

CDC: Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 6th Edition

WHO: Laboratory biosafety manual, 4th edition

Canada: Pathogen Safety Data Sheets (PSDSs)

Credentialing and Next Steps

Professional Credentials in Biosafety

Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP)

Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP)

Credentialing Maintenance Program

Find your local ABSA affiliate

Careers Flyer

ABSA International member say:

say they’re excited by working in the field

Captured in an unidentified location in China, this image depicts a group of Chinese epidemiologists, who were in the process of collecting data in the form of specimens, during an epidemiologic rickettsial investigation. These field workers were dressed in personal protective equipment (PPE), which covered their heads and bodies, in order to protect them from the possibility of tick bites, and an ensuing rickettsial disease.

feel a sense of satisfaction in their careers

recommend working in the biosafety field

From government agencies and biotech labs to universities, non-profits, corporate settings and hospitals, biosafety careers span a multitude of industries.

Biosafety professional careers can include:

Engineers

Veterinarians

Clinical Health Care

Molecular Biology

Microbiologists, Industrial Hygienists, Biologists, Engineers, Molecular Biologists, Veterinarians, Occupational Health Professionals, Environmental Health Professionals, Clinical Health Care Professionals, Biosecurity Professionals

How do I Prepare for a Career in Biosafety/Biosecurity?

Bachelor's degree in a biological or physical science

Take microbiology courses such as virology, medical or pathogenic microbiology, plant microbiology, and mycology. Also take courses in other areas such as molecular biology, biotechnology, regulatory law.