ABSA International Blog
The “New and Improved” Select Agent Program
The Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) has recently gone through major changes in their processes and interactions with registered entities. One major change of note, is the new relationship emerging between the FSAP and ABSA.
Zika virus; What is the Risk Assesment
Zika virus is a new and emerging pathogen that is impacting many people across the Americas. With the increased drive for an effective treatment, Zika virus research will be increasing in many laboratories. The biosafety risk assessment will be important to guide safe work practices when tackling this new agent.
Biosafety and Infectious Disease Training Intitative at UTHealth
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public health received a $100,000 grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to create a Biosafety and Infectious Disease Training Initiative.
Ebola, one year later
One year ago the largest Ebola outbreak began in March of 2014 the public Health authorities of Guinea reported an outbreak of Ebola. Now, in April 2015, more than 25,000 suspected cases of Ebola have occurred. This outbreak, while centered in Western Africa, has touched the lives of many around the world. Unfortunately, case counts are still rising and people are still dying from the disease.
Earn CM points!
If you are seeking a resourceful and rewarding way to earn credentialing maintenance (CM) points, how about posting to the ABSA International Blog.
The blog post must provide a summary (up to 300 words) of a current topic in biosafety, biosecurity, or relative topic that would be of interest to the ABSA membership. The website link for the source information must be included at the end of the blog post. Preparation for a blog post may take 30-60 minutes.
An ABSA member or a person sponsored by an ABSA Member, can earn up to .25* CM points for authoring each blog post. In addition to the benefit of earning CM points, this is a great way to share current, important information and educate others through the ABSA International Blog.
*final point determination made by the Credentialing Maintenance Board
Q: How do I submit a post to the blog?
A: Click on the “Submit a post” button on the main page of the blog.
Q: Do I need to be a member of ABSA to submit a post?
A: No, you do not need to be a member of ABSA, but an ABSA member must “sponsor” your post.
Q: Do I need to register to submit a blog post?
A: No. Anyone can submit a post, but you must be sponsored by an ABSA member if you are not a current member.
Q: Can I submit a picture for my post?
A: At this time we are not accepting user-submitted images. Our editorial team will find an appropriate picture to associate with the post from a free source or from a stock image provider.
ABSA International 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).
