Events

Virus-based Gene Transfer Vectors is an intermediate course that will examine the molecules, processes, and techniques involved in recombinant gene expression. Participants will explore the technology of how viruses are converted into vector systems for the transfer of gene expression constructs. Common viral vector systems, including retroviruses, lentiviruses, adenoviruses, poxviruses, herpesviruses, alphaviruses, and baculoviruses will be discussed with an emphasis on the biosafety characteristics of the vectors derived from these viruses. This course is targeted for the biosafety professional who is not actively conducting laboratory research yet requires a basic understanding of recombinant DNA methodology.

This course is tailored for individuals responsible for establishing and overseeing infectious substance shipping programs within their facilities. This webinar series aims to assist institutions in developing robust shipping programs tailored to their needs. Course elements include: training; written policies; written descriptions of program plans; transport and shipping specific SOPs; safety and security plans; emergency response plans; logistics and supplies; carrier selection and support; MOUs and authorizations; access control and personnel assurance. The instructor will provide a detailed and comprehensive shipping program assessment and implementation guidance document. Attendees will receive an introduction to this document and step-by-step guidance on its completion. By completing the assessment document, attendees will conduct a thorough review to identify areas for improving existing shipping programs. This interactive, instructor led, web-based training will invite attendees to share examples of how these elements are addressed at their own institution.

Part I Foundations and Frameworks – Plant and plant pest research is the backbone of both genetically modified, disease resistance and breeding of both academic and biotechnology research so it is important that research is conducted legally and ethically. The first webinar will cover the importance of having the Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) in place before research begins and a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA) to protect confidential business information (CBI) and Intellectual Property (IP) rights. We will discuss the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which is an international agreement on biosafety and a supplement to the Convention on Biological Diversity to understand requirements for access and benefit sharing between countries. The class will walk you through setting up an eFile account which is used for applying for permits. This will be the first session of 2 and it will be conducted over a 2-hour period with time for questions and answers. Part II: Federal Compliance – PPQ, BRS, VS, PHYTO, EPA, Biopesticides, Wildlife & Fisheries – The second part of the series will provide participants with an overview of the federal regulations that allow you to import, export and move biological material inside and outside the U.S. legally. The class will expand on the first session by walking you through the ins and outs of applying for different permits. This course will cover the foundations of whether a permit is needed, how to apply for a permit, what type of permit you need, permit conditions, and the result of non-compliance.

Intro to Flow Cytometry Biosafety will provide safety professionals and anyone working in a laboratory setting a foundation on flow cytometry and cell sorting and strategies for mitigating the risks associated with typical flow cytometry instrumentation and procedures. This course will include a detailed overview of how flow cytometers work, common sample types that are handled in flow cytometry laboratories, a typical flow cytometry workflow, and considerations for core facilities/shared resource laboratories. The risks associated with flow cytometry and cell sorting will be discussed as well as mitigation strategies that can be implemented to reduce these risks. The course will be presented by experts from the International Society for Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC) Biosafety Committee and will include an overview of the ISAC Biosafety Standards. This course will include lecture material, breakout sessions where attendees will evaluate risks and develop plans for risk mitigation using real-world examples, and ample time for questions.

From Expertise to Influence is a practical course designed for biosafety professionals seeking to amplify their voice in an increasingly digital landscape. In this course, attendees will discover how artificial intelligence (AI) tools can help create compelling content, streamline personal communications, and establish oneself as a thought leader in biosafety. Examples will be shared of how to better communicate at work and beyond while avoiding common AI pitfalls like generic messaging, factual errors, and loss of your authentic voice. Presenters will explore the latest LinkedIn features and algorithm changes that impact how biosafety professionals can reach colleagues, organizations, and industry partners. Finally, strategies will be shared for optimizing your profile and content for maximum engagement and visibility. At the end of this course, attendees will be able to apply these insights—understanding public relations role in personal branding and the items needed for their personal checklist, to elevate their digital professional presence. This course will be led by communications experts with over 25 years’ experience developing and sharing messages with a wide variety of target audiences in brand-building and crisis situations.

The clinical setting poses a different environment than research laboratories. This course provides foundations for applying biosafety concepts in the clinical setting. Course topics include common issues and lessons learned pertaining to clinical facilities including pharmacies, laboratories, clinics, infusion areas, ORs, and waste disposal facilities; PPE, disinfection, risk assessments, and safety practices in the clinical setting; speaking biosafety to doctors, nursing staff, pharmacy staff, infection prevention and control, diagnostic microbiology lab personnel, and hospital EHS staff; applying NIH Guidelines and the BMBL to the clinical setting; gaps in oversight of research safety for clinical trials, and risk assessments for unconventional or highly specialized delivery mechanisms for biologics. The course will conclude with a focus on clinical trials including the role of an IRB and how it can overlap with an IBC; the process for investigational products to obtain FDA approval to be deemed as safe and effective therapeutics; and the evolving regulatory environment in the U.S. for biologics such as vaccines, regenerative medicines, and gene therapy. The course is designed to be highly interactive with discussions, surveys, and group exercises.

This webinar will first summarize the content of the ANSI/ASSP Z16.2-2022 Safety and Health Metrics and Performance Measures report and then provide tangible examples of how actual biosafety program data can be collected, displayed, communicated, and used as the basis for programmatic decision-making while meeting the criteria described in the report. The webinar will include group discussions focused on discovering what data is currently being collected and what data is expected by organizational leadership, so participants are asked to come prepared to describe their respective measures and metrics that are currently being used and which parameters other stakeholders are seeking. The importance of capturing and communicating this information to “sell” your biosafety program to organizational stakeholders will be featured. The ability to effectively “sell” your program can help garner necessary program support and resources for success. Ample time will be allotted for participants’ questions and discussion.

Did you know that temporary workers can be found in many academic, healthcare, and industry workplaces that have laboratories? Do you have temporary workers from a staffing agency working in your institution's laboratories alongside employees? Do you know what the legal definition of a temporary worker is, and how this impacts health and safety in your workplace when a temporary worker works in your institution's laboratories? Have you ever wondered who is responsible for the health and safety of a temporary worker who works in your laboratories? These are just some of the questions that will be reviewed and answered during this one-hour webinar. This webinar is for anyone who is involved in EHS/Biosafety Programs at institutions that hire temporary workers who work alongside employees in the laboratory setting. This webinar will be led by representatives from the US Department of Labor - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Temporary Worker Initiative. They will provide an overview of the temporary worker health and safety requirements as well as share best practices and resources that are available to assist you. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are emerging as practical tools to support biosafety and biosecurity programs in communication, hazard analysis, and risk assessment. This interactive two-hour webinar introduces biosafety professionals to responsible and effective use of text-based AI tools to enhance safety documentation and experimental risk evaluations. Participants will learn how to apply AI to break laboratory workflows into task-level hazards, exposure pathways, and control measures aligned with regulatory frameworks and the hierarchy of controls. The session will demonstrate how chatbots can streamline SOP development, risk narratives, incident summaries, and plain-language training materials while maintaining compliance. Emphasis is placed on prompt design strategies for producing structured, reliable outputs. Hands-on exercises guide participants in refining prompts, validating AI-generated content, and addressing biosecurity and data governance considerations. Attendees will leave with practical workflows and reusable prompt templates to integrate AI into biosafety and security operations.

Often seen as common place today are teams of engineers, chemists, biologists and bioinformaticians working together in the same space, using shared equipment or shared areas. Biosafety in the Open Lab is a dynamic, collaborative webinar designed for biosafety and general safety professionals, lab managers, and researchers navigating the complexities of shared, multi-user environments. Moving beyond the traditional lecture format, this session serves as a conversational forum for peer-to-peer exchange and real-time problem-solving. Rooted in proven safe work practices, our four panelists will draw on diverse institutional backgrounds and experience to facilitate a candid discussion on managing mixed-hazard spaces and overcoming the "Tragedy of the Commons." Together, we will explore hazard mitigation with a focus on administrative controls that foster shared accountability and shift laboratory mindsets toward collective responsibility. Attendees will walk away not only with a suite of practical tools and templates but with the collective wisdom of a community dedicated to shoring up institutional safety through inspiration, commiseration, and action.