01. Listening to the Narrative: Behavioral Threat Assessment in Laboratory Environments

Identifying concern early in environments where trust and risk coexist.

A distance learning opportunity
January 21 and 28, 2027
11:00 – 12:15 PM (CST)

Registration for the live webinar must be completed 1 business day prior to the start of the training.
Registrations received after will receive access to the recording only.

Overview

High‑consequence biosecurity laboratory environments present unique challenges where human behavior, safety culture, and operational risk intersect. This webinar introduces Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) concepts tailored specifically to BSL‑3 and BSL‑4 laboratory settings, with a focus on early identification of concerning behaviors and proportionate, preventive intervention. Participants will explore how targeted violence and insider risk rarely occur without warning. Drawing from contemporary threat assessment research and real‑world laboratory scenarios, the session emphasizes listening to behavioral narratives, recognizing warning behaviors (such as fixation, leakage, and pathway behaviors), and understanding how stressors, grievances, and changing life circumstances can influence risk in high‑trust scientific environments. The webinar bridges macro‑level BTAM frameworks with micro‑level personnel suitability and reliability considerations, highlighting how multidisciplinary teams can responsibly assess, manage, and support individuals before concerns escalate into safety incidents. Importantly, this approach is not punitive, but prevention‑oriented; designed to protect people, research missions, and public trust. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how BTAM principles integrate with biosafety, occupational health, and laboratory leadership practices, and how proactive behavioral intervention serves as a critical layer of defense in biosecurity risk management.

Objectives

• Differentiate behavioral threat assessment and management from other criminal and disciplinary processes
• Identify proximal warning behaviors and pathways to intended violence/harmful conduct
• Strengthen early intervention and reporting practices by emphasizing supportive listening and proportionate management strategies that prioritize individual well-being, laboratory safety, and mission continuity.

Audience Level:

All levels

Suggested Background:

None

Who Should Attend:

Biosafety professionals in government, industry, academic and other institutions/organizations
Anyone who regularly communicates about biosafety with the public or non-biosafety professionals

This course has been approved for 0.125 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. *ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.^® Program. This course is approved for 1.0 P.A.C.E.^® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.