ABSA Update – June 2026

Dear ABSA International Members,

As we move toward the close of the 2025-2026 Association year, I have been reflecting on what we have accomplished together and the opportunities ahead. This has been a year of significant change for biosafety and biosecurity. New technologies, evolving research practices, emerging biological risks, and changing regulatory expectations continue to challenge our profession. Through these changes, ABSA International remains committed to supporting our members, strengthening our profession, and advancing biosafety and biosecurity worldwide.

This year, we have continued to expand professional development opportunities through the Advanced Biosafety Training Series, on-demand learning, webinars, and specialized courses addressing emerging topics such as cyberbiosecurity, artificial intelligence, agricultural biosecurity, infectious substance shipping, laboratory-acquired infections, and animal research. Programs such as BRM Connect have further strengthened our professional community by connecting members through mentorship, collaboration, and shared learning.

Our credentialing programs are also evolving to meet the needs of today’s workforce. The RBP and CBSP programs continue to provide important recognition of professional competence, while our credentialing committees are evaluating examination content, maintenance requirements, and opportunities to better recognize emerging areas of practice, including biosecurity. A dedicated task force is exploring how a more progressive credentialing pathway could provide members with opportunities to advance their professional development and credentials throughout their careers.

ABSA International has remained actively engaged in national biosafety and biosecurity policy discussions, including the NIH Biosafety Modernization Initiative and new federal policies addressing high-risk life sciences research. Through our relationships with organizations such as COGR, ASM, and OSTP, ABSA has helped bring the expertise and practical experience of biosafety professionals into these important conversations. We remain committed to promoting science-based, risk-informed approaches that protect people and communities while enabling responsible scientific research.

Our international relationships continue to grow as well. Through international conferences, partnerships, scholarships, and the work of our International Engagement Committee, ABSA is strengthening connections across the global biosafety community. Collaboration with EBSA, ABSANZ, AMEXBIO, and CABS/ABSC are creating new opportunities for regional cooperation, professional exchange, and shared learning. These relationships are essential to building a stronger and more connected global biosafety and biosecurity profession.

We have also continued to strengthen the scientific resources available to our members. Applied Biosafety provides an important platform for evidence-based practice, while resources such as the Risk Group Database and Emerging Infectious Disease Toolboxes support professionals in their daily work. A dedicated task force is developing a plan to ensure that the Risk Group Database remains current, regularly updated, and responsive to the evolving needs of our profession.

An important priority this year has been listening to our members and identifying ways ABSA can improve the value and quality of the services we provide. Several task forces are addressing questions and opportunities identified by the membership. One is evaluating whether October remains the best time of year for our Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Conference or whether moving the conference to another month would better serve our members. Another one is reviewing committee membership composition and identifying ways to increase member participation. These efforts reflect our commitment to continually evaluate what we do and, most importantly, ensure that ABSA evolves with the needs of its members.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without our members. Every committee and task force meeting, policy response, educational program, publication, mentorship relationship, research project, and international collaboration reflects the dedication and expertise of our volunteers and members. You are the strength of ABSA International and the reason our profession continues to move forward.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the opportunities to come. Our 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference in Mobile, Alabama, this October will provide an important opportunity to reconnect, share knowledge, explore emerging technologies, and strengthen our professional community. This year’s Biosafety and Biosecurity Month theme, “Enhancing Biosafety and Biosecurity Through Technology,” is especially timely as artificial intelligence and other technologies increasingly influence how we conduct research, manage information, communicate risk, and protect our communities.

As our profession continues to evolve, our purpose remains clear: learn, adapt, collaborate, and advocate for sound biosafety and biosecurity practices. I am honored to serve as your President and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated community of professionals.

Together, we will continue to strengthen our profession, expand our global community, and advance biosafety and biosecurity for a safer world.

With appreciation,

Anne-Sophie Brocard, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM)
President, ABSA International

It is with great sadness that ABSA announces the passing of Paul Langevin, a true industry asset whose contributions profoundly impacted the global laboratory and biosafety community.

Paul made an enduring mark on the industry through his innovative engineering solutions, expertise, and commitment to advancing laboratory design and safety. Yet his impact extended far beyond his technical accomplishments. He cultivated genuine personal relationships with colleagues and professionals spanning every continent, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The ABSA community extends our heartfelt condolences to Paul’s family and our deepest gratitude for sharing him with us throughout the years. Paul generously shared his wisdom, experience, knowledge, and insight through presentations, training, and countless conversations at ABSA events and with organizations around the world. He was never hesitant to share his perspective, challenge conventional thinking, or respectfully question others—qualities that made his contributions both meaningful and memorable.

As a contributor to numerous guidelines, standards, and facility designs implemented around the world, Paul’s influence can be seen throughout our field. In one way or another, each of us has been touched by his work, his knowledge, or his mentorship.

We are grateful for Paul’s many contributions, encouraged by the lasting impact of his work, and humbled to know that his legacy will continue to be woven into the fabric of biosafety and laboratory design for generations to come.

Paul will be deeply missed, but his influence will endure through the people, practices, and facilities he helped shape.

Chair: Sean Fitzgerald
Vice Chair: Kerstin Haskel

The ABSA Affiliate Listening Session held on August 21 was a productive session that brought together affiliate leaders from across the country to discuss common challenges, share best practices, and identify new opportunities to strengthen membership engagement and value. Participants provided valuable insights into affiliate needs, shared pain points, and offered creative ideas for growing and strengthening membership. The discussion generated several actionable ideas, and we are pleased to report that two additional Affiliate Listening Sessions have already been scheduled to continue these conversations and support collaboration across the ABSA affiliate network.

If you are part of an ABSA affiliate and would like to participate in a future Affiliate Forum, please contact info@absa.org with “Affiliate Forum” in the subject line.

Chair: Robin Tobias
Vice Chair: Daniela Didier

Biosafety & Biosecurity Month 2026: New Resources + Award Submissions Open!

Get ready to celebrate Biosafety and Biosecurity Month 2026! The Biosafety Biosecurity Engagement and Promotion (BBEP) committee has designed a fresh new graphic to help you spread the word and bring this year’s celebration to life.
Even better, the new graphic and supporting materials—including a banner, PowerPoint slide, and Zoom background—are now available on the ABSA International website. Download the resources and start sharing.

Show Off Your Work—Award Submissions Are Open!

Have a creative or impactful Biosafety and Biosecurity Month project to share? Now is your chance to showcase it! Award submissions are open through September 10, 2026.

Selected submissions will have the opportunity to display their work at the Annual Conference in Mobile, Alabama, with winners announced during the Awards Luncheon.

Don’t miss your chance to get your work in the spotlight—submit your entry by September 10!

Lead: Maya Nair
Vice Lead: Noman Siddiqi

The BRM Connect Coaching Program continued to demonstrate strong engagement and collaborative success during the 2025-2026 cohort cycle. A total of 14 applicants enrolled in the program and were paired with experienced coaches based on shared areas of project interest.

To date, 11 project submissions (78.6%) were completed on schedule, reflecting continued commitment and participation from both coaches and trainees. In addition, six participants (54.5%) successfully submitted abstracts for consideration at the ABSA International Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Conference.

Several additional projects remain in progress and are expected to contribute to future presentations, collaborations, and professional development opportunities within the biosafety community.

The BRM Connect program continues to support mentorship, networking, and the advancement of biosafety professionals through collaborative learning and project-based engagement.

Chair: Leo Njongmeta
Vice Chair: Melissa James

Expanding membership and visibility: The committee is focused on recruiting new members through word of mouth and by maintaining a strong, welcoming presence at the ABSA conference by providing information on eligibility and committee member benefits.

Chair: David Cavallaro
Vice Chair: Michelle Frondelli

The Bylaws Committee continues to edit and review the Policies & Procedures of various teams and committees. The committee asks that all teams and committees perform an annual review and submit any changes to the ABSA International Office. The office will forward the changes to the committee for review and approval.

Chair: John Henneman
Vice Chair: Michele Howard

RBP application activity slowed over the summer, providing the Credentialing Evaluation Board (CEB) with an opportunity to review and update its Policies and Procedures. The Board is currently focused on clarifying the transcript evaluation process and ensuring its procedures reflect current practices. Applications continue to be reviewed as they are received, with strong participation from Board members.

The CEB is also pleased to welcome Shannon Benjamin to the Board. As Brandon Hatcher prepares to step off the Board this fall, the CEB extends its sincere appreciation for his service and the expertise, thoughtful perspective, and insight he has contributed to the Board’s work and application review process.

Chair: Heidi Page
Vice Chair: Kim DiGiandomenico

The ABSA International Credentialing Maintenance Board completed its review of 73 Credentialing Maintenance Worksheets this quarter, resulting in 67 approvals, five denials, and one approved extension. The Board also audited five renewal applications, representing 10% of submissions, to support consistent application of program requirements and documentation standards. Additionally, five submitted activities required full Board review for Credentialing Maintenance point consideration.

These efforts help uphold the quality and credibility of the RBP and CBSP credentials by verifying continued professional development and ongoing qualification among credential holders.

Chair: Eric Lewis
Vice Chairs: Ericka Pearce, Endah Sulistijo, and Nicole Drumhiller

The Distance Learning Committee continues to expand ABSA’s virtual education portfolio in 2026, with 17 webinars planned for the year. By the end of July, 10 webinars had been completed, with 12 scheduled for completion by the end of August. The committee also provided three complimentary offerings for ABSA members, including collaborative webinars with OSHA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, helping increase access to professional development opportunities.

Member engagement remains strong, with participation growing from 356 attendees at the end of May to 732 attendees at the end of July, a 106% increase in just two months. Participation has already surpassed the total achieved during all 2025 (593 participants), demonstrating continued interest in and demand for ABSA’s distance learning programs.

The committee also expanded its educational portfolio with timely new topics, including Introduction to Animal Research for Biosafety Professionals and Enhancing Biosafety Training with Generative AI, reflecting its commitment to delivering relevant, high-quality content that meets the evolving needs of biosafety professionals.

Chair: James Pharr
Vice Chair: Amanda Haley

The E-Communications Committee is working to improve the blog submission process in several key areas:

• More Credit: CMB approved an additional 0.125 CM points for in-depth, user-submitted blog posts, for up to 0.25 points per post. A maximum of eight blog posts may be claimed per CM cycle. The additional credit for in-depth posts is subject to CMB review and approval through the CM application process.
• Simpler submissions: Streamlining the process to make it more intuitive and user-friendly.
• Clearer procedures: Developing a process map/flow chart to clarify how user- and Committee/Council-submitted blogs are handled.

Through these efforts, the E-Communications Committee hopes to make sharing content easier and more rewarding for members, while strengthening the value and visibility of member contributions.

Chair: Susan Harper
Vice Chair: Kenneth Shenge

The EIDC welcomed two new members, Thomas Rowe and Sharmi Thor, and continues to update the ABSA Toolboxes each month. Members also submitted a proposal to the ABSA Executive Committee to create a task force that would implement a phased strategy for modernizing the ABSA Risk Group database, improving content quality, and establishing a sustainable long-term maintenance model.

August 2026 Update:

The EIDC continued its efforts to strengthen and expand ABSA’s educational resources this quarter. The committee published a new Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) Resource and continued updating references within the ABSA Toolboxes to ensure members have access to current, reliable information. A comprehensive review of Toolbox reference links is also underway to improve accuracy and usability. In addition, the 2027 EIDC budget proposal was submitted to the ABSA Executive Committee, supporting continued investment in these resources and future educational initiatives.

Chair: Heather Blair
Vice Chair: Cara Leitch

The Exam Development Board continues its work to update and refresh the CBSP examination question pool to ensure continued alignment with current references, policies, standards, and professional practices. The Board is also reviewing the current CBSP examination domains and tasks to identify opportunities to more clearly incorporate biosecurity concepts and competencies where they are already inherent in professional practice. This work will help ensure the examination continues to reflect the evolving scope of biosafety and biosecurity responsibilities.

Chair: Steve Sebastian

The 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference will be October 10-14, 2026, in Mobile, Alabama. E-blast solicitations were sent every 1.5 weeks to promote exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities at the conference. To date, we have 43 exhibitors and 7 sponsors—SciSure (Gold); BioSAFE Engineering (Silver); Labconco Corporation (Silver); Camfil Clean Air Solutions (Bronze); Eagleson Institute (Bronze); PRI Bio (Progressive Recovery) (Bronze); and Triumvirate Environmental (Bronze).

To increase traffic in the exhibit hall, we will have the Raffle Card Program with the exhibitors during the conference. Raffle cards will be included in the attendees’ bags. Companies listed on the raffle card will provide a prize. ABSA will be offering prizes too.

We encourage you to participate by exhibiting/sponsoring your company’s products and services and/or sponsoring an event. Onsite exhibit booths will be open at the conference for participants to access and interact with booth personnel. If you have any questions about exhibiting and/or sponsoring, please contact Karen Savage (karen@absaoffice.org) for additional information.

Treasurer: James Henry, Jr.
Vice Chairs: Heather Blair and Andrea Vogel

The Finance Committee continues to advance ABSA International’s financial planning and stewardship priorities. Recent work has centered on the Strategic Growth Initiative for the Reserve Account, including progressing the related RFP process and developing the 2027 budget. The Committee also continues to provide oversight of the Association’s day-to-day financial activities, ensuring resources are managed responsibly and in alignment with ABSA’s strategic priorities. Together, these efforts support sound financial decision-making, strengthen long-term planning, and position ABSA for continued financial stability and growth.

Chair: Natasha Griffith
Vice Chair: Shamsul Arfin Qasmi

The International Engagement Committee advanced several initiatives aligned with ABSA’s international priorities, including updates to the Virtual Conference Scholarship program, refreshed promotional materials, and enhanced support for international partners in abstract development. Targeted presentations and publication support also helped expand global membership outreach.

Ongoing priorities include a robust scholarship application review process for the ABSA conference and increasing international affiliate participation. Proposed changes to membership fees, including more accessible rates for future middle-income country affiliates, aim to reduce barriers, promote inclusivity, and strengthen ABSA’s global presence. Through these continued efforts, the Committee remains committed to building meaningful international partnerships and expanding ABSA’s global impact. The Committee’s ongoing work includes the ABSA conference scholarship review process, with applications now closed, as well as efforts to increase international affiliate participation. The Committee has also discussed membership fees and opportunities to make participation more accessible for affiliates in middle-income countries, with the goal of reducing barriers and encouraging greater international engagement. Through these efforts, the Committee remains committed to building meaningful international partnerships and expanding ABSA’s global presence.

Coeditors-in-Chief: Karen B. Byers and Barbara Johnson
Associate Editors: Scott Patlovich and Sumit Ghosh

Very excitingly, Applied Biosafety received a 1.9 Impact Factor for 2025, which represents a significant increase from the prior year, as the ABSA International Journal continues to excel in Public Health / Occupational Medicine journal category. The Impact Factor reflects the number of citations for the ABSA International journal, divided by the total number of publications within the journal over the prior two years.

Two special issues are planned for 2027, which we are currently accepting contributions to: 1) Safety Oversight for Novel Immunotherapies from Benchtop to Bedside, and 2) Biorisk Management: Global Approaches and Practices—A Special Issue with the European Biosafety Association. Details on submitting manuscripts are available on the ABSA website, and we encourage high-quality submissions from those who wish to share new insights into biosafety and biosecurity practices.

Also, Sumit Ghosh, our new Associate Editor for the journal as of January 2026, has done an excellent job transitioning into this role and providing an immediate impact with his expertise in the field and as well his keen writing and editing skills.

Chair: James Baugh
Vice Chair: Kerri Kwist

The Laurels and Legacy, or L&L, just finished their busiest quarter of the year. The members of this committee finished reading ALL original articles in Applied Biosafety and chose a recipient for the Knudsen Award. L&L also used the newly updated criteria to review nominations for the Honor Awards and chose winners, including reviewing 18 nominations for the Early Career Biosafety Professional. This shows that there was a real need for this award, and the ABSA community has so many wonderful new biosafety officers that are making a difference in their areas. We have clarified our awards criteria across the board, created a new award, and worked towards combining two separate committees.

Chair: Niki Drazenovich
Vice Chair: Dana Buckley

ABSA members currently have 19 quizzes available online for CM points and an additional quiz in development covering volume 30 of the Applied Biosafety Journal. These quizzes are low cost and can be located on the website at https://absa.org/absa-lvo/.

Chair: Anthony Walters

A Taste of What’s to Come!

The 2026 Local Arrangements Committee is happy to share that we’re well on our way to making this conference a truly memorable experience in the birthplace of America’s original Mardi Gras! This conference is expected to be one filled with valuable information, engaging training, many opportunities to network and connect with colleagues, and plenty of chances to enjoy the very best of the local flavor and unique and historic culture of Mobile!

And the excitement doesn’t stop when the sessions wrap up. Our upcoming banquet will be a highlight of the conference, giving everyone the opportunity to relax, celebrate, build connections, and enjoy the very best of Southern Hospitality and Gulf Coast cuisine. From the atmosphere to the food and everything in between, we’re bringing together an evening designed to showcase what makes Mobile and the South so special.

But that’s not all! We have a special surprise planned for the Opening Reception that you won’t want to miss. We can’t reveal too much just yet but trust us—it’s going to be a memorable way to kick off the conference!

Throughout the conference, you’ll have many opportunities to network, exchange ideas, reconnect with colleagues, and build new professional relationships. Whether you’re in a training session, enjoying the banquet, attending the Opening Reception, or simply catching up over a conversation, there will be plenty of opportunities to connect.

Want a sneak peek? Take a look at our promo video and get a taste of what’s in store!
Watch the 2026 Conference Promo Video

With great training, valuable networking opportunities, unforgettable experiences, local flavor, and a few surprises along the way, this is definitely not a conference to miss!

The 2026 Local Arrangements Committee can’t wait to welcome you and share an incredible experience with you!

Chair: Kalpana Patel
Vice Chair: Katherine Kasper

The Member Resources Committee (MRC) continues to focus on welcoming, engaging, and supporting new members as they become more involved in the organization. Through ongoing outreach efforts, the committee is helping new members connect with resources and opportunities that support a successful start to their membership.

MRC has also been making updates to the “New to Biosafety” webpage, which is nearing completion and will soon be published. The refreshed resource is designed to provide helpful information and guidance for those who are new to the field of biosafety.

Looking ahead, MRC is planning the New Member Reception for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference. The reception will welcome new members and first-time conference attendees, providing a fun opportunity to network, build professional relationships, and become more familiar with the organization. Attendees can enjoy bingo, exciting prizes, and opportunities to meet fellow members and make new connections.

MRC looks forward to continuing these efforts and creating meaningful opportunities for new members to connect, engage, and feel at home within the organization. We look forward to welcoming newcomers to the 2026 New Member Reception!

Chair: Sherry Bohn

The ABSA Nominating Committee successfully completed its annual leadership recruitment process, engaging highly qualified candidates for President-Elect, Secretary, Councilor, and Nominating Committee positions. The committee produced a strong and diverse slate of candidates, and the election ballot was released on schedule, supporting ABSA’s ongoing commitment to effective leadership and organizational sustainability.

Chair: Geoff Phillips
Vice Chair: Ray Scheetz

The Preconference Course Committee facilitators are busy reviewing course materials and making sure all items are ready for courses. The committee has chosen an exciting line-up of courses to be held in Mobile, Alabama and virtual courses to enhance and inspire our biosafety and biosecurity professionals. Topics range from risk assessment to AI to high containment to emergency response. There are unique learning opportunities for everyone! Visit absaconference.org for more information.

Lead: Crystal Fortune
Vice Lead: Michael Marsico

The Public Health Outreach Shared Interest Group (SIG) continues to expand its contributions to laboratory biosafety and public health outreach through education, collaboration, and professional engagement. The SIG is also pursuing the opportunity to become an ABSA committee. Members have discussed how the group’s role may evolve within the ABSA organization, and we look forward to a final decision later this year. In preparation, the SIG has developed a group description that will be posted on the committee page of the ABSA website.

SIG members Eric Lundquist and David Hill are serving as course developers for a new Biosafety Micro-credentialing Program, which will be hosted in collaboration with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Eric and SIG member Crystal Fortune were honored with the 2026 APHL Leadership in Biosafety and Biosecurity Award.

SIG members developed a poster based on the ABSA/APHL November 2025 webinar, “How to Mitigate and Respond to Threats in the Laboratory,” for presentation at the 2026 APHL Annual Conference. This poster, along with an additional poster highlighting the Public Health SIG and its accomplishments, will be presented at the ABSA International 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference.

SIG member Shoolah Escott, along with three other biosafety subject matter experts, presented a course at both the 2026 APHL Annual Conference and 2026 ASM Microbe, promoting the use of the ABSA LAI Database when developing training, exercises, and risk assessments. A similar course is planned for the ABSA conference in October. The presentations highlighted tools that support exposure investigations and demonstrated how the database can be used to develop case studies and exercise scenarios. This information will be made available to diagnostic laboratories via a two-part webinar series hosted by APHL in October and November.

The Public Health Outreach SIG is excited about the opportunities ahead and looks forward to continuing to strengthen collaboration, advance biosafety education, and support the public health laboratory community through these ongoing efforts.

Chair: Colleen Kovacsics
Vice Chairs: Susan Vleck and Mike McCarthy

The Scientific Program Committee is officially in high gear! We’ve reviewed an impressive lineup of platform and poster abstracts and are finalizing this year’s keynote speakers. We can’t wait to welcome you to an engaging, insight-packed annual conference in October. Visit absaconference.org for more details.

Chair: Will Pinard
Vice Chair: Kim Kelly

The Tools and Resources Committee (TRC) continues to expand its collection of practical, high-quality resources to support the biosafety and biosecurity community. This quarter, the Committee reviewed and posted several new resources to the Tools and Resources page and worked with the ABSA webmaster to develop a plan for refreshing and improving the page.

Have a resource that has benefited you or your program? We encourage you to share it with others in the profession. Visit the Tools and Resources page at https://absa.org/topic/ttr/ or submit a resource at https://absa.org/share-resource/.

2026 Webinars:

• 11 AI: Enhancing Biosafety Training with Generative AI: Multimedia Tools, Workflows, and Best Practices – September 2
• 14 Toxin Science and Safety – September 24
• 26PDC2V Host Pathogen Interactions for Biosafety Professionals – September 1 & 3
• 26PDC3V IATA Infectious Substance Shipping Certification – September 9, 11, 14, 16, & 18
• 26PDC4V Refresher IATA Shipping Certification – September 30 & October 2
• 26PDC5V Keep it Going: Maintaining & Improving a Select Agent Program Over the Long Term – October 22 & 29
• 26PDC6V Institutional Infectious Substance Shipping Program Assessment and Development – November 9-13
• 26PDC7V We Built the BSL-3…Now What? Operational Management, Sustainability, and Risk-based Decision Making for High-Containment Laboratories – November 19

For the full list of ABSA Professional Development Virtual Courses, visit absa.org/professional-development. There are 7 virtual courses associated with the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Conference. Virtual courses began in August!

Recordings Available for Limited Time:

• USDA ARS 8th International Biosafety & Biocontainment Symposium: Addressing Agricultural Biorisk
• 4th Biosecurity Virtual Symposium
• ISO35001: A Stepwise Process to Assess an Improve Biorisk Management Program
• Introduction to Animal Research for Biosafety Professionals Virus-based Gene Transfer Vectors
• Biosafety in the Open Lab: Strategies for Shared Accountability
• AI-Enabled Lab Safety: A Hands-On Workshop for Researchers and Biosafety Professionals
• The Import Equation: Solving Regulatory Challenges for Biological Materials
• Molecular Biology 101
• Temporary Workers in Laboratories: OSHA Requirements and Best Practices
• Large-scale Biosafety
• Beat the Bite: Tick Safety for Research Teams

On-demand Modules:

• Advanced Biosafety Training Series
• Biosafety Cabinet Basics
• Basic Disinfection
• Basic Biosafety
• ABSA Learning Verification Opportunities

For questions related to courses, please email education@absa.org.
For additional courses and events, please visit ABSA International’s calendar.

Thanks to the Public Relations/Marketing Committee, ABSA has promotional videos for ABSA and our ABSA Conference. The videos can be found on the ABSA website and on ABSA International’s YouTube channel at. Also, ABSA’s YouTube channel has video interviews of conference presenters and keynotes. Feel free to share the video, use it in presentations, or link to it from your websites.

Through Member Clicks, not only can you access the Members’ Directory; you can update your contact information under the “My Information” link; view events you have registered for under “My Events”; access your educational credits under the “My Professional Development” link; and print a copy of past invoices under “My Transactions.” You can also purchase ABSA International publications, shirts, and other products.

The Job Board allows employers to connect with biosafety and biosecurity professionals and has opportunities available to continue to advance their career. Employers who post a position will gain access to some of the top professionals in the biosafety and biosecurity field. If you would like to post to the Job Board or find out more about the opportunities, visit the ABSA Job Board page.

The Anthology of Biosafety series is now available at no cost to ABSA members!
The 14-book series published between 1999 and 2015 addresses biosafety in different settings:

I: Perspectives on Laboratory Design
II: Facility Design Considerations
III: Application of Principles
IV: Issues in Public Health
V: BSL-4 Laboratories
VI: Arthropod Borne Diseases
VII: Biosafety Level 3
VIII: Evolving Issues in Containment
IX: Exploring the Performance Envelope for BSL-3 and BSL-4 Laboratories
X: Animal Biosafety
XI: Worker Health and Safety Issues
XII: Managing Challenges for Safe Operations of BSL-3/ABSL-3 Facilities
XIII: Animal Production and Protection – Challenges, Risks, and Best Practices
XIV: Sustainability

ABSA Members must be signed in to download individual chapters of interest. Click here for more information.

In alignment with our core organizational values, ABSA International (ABSA) encourages positive connections between biosafety professionals, scientists, governmental and 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).

ABSA International is committed to providing an environment that encourages the free expression and the exchange of scientific ideas and promotes respectful treatment for all participants. All members are expected to treat others with respect and consideration and follow ABSA International policies. ABSA International prohibits and will not tolerate any form of harassment or bullying. Harassment is unwanted and unwelcome attention or other conduct that creates an environment where a reasonable person would feel unwelcome, intimidated, excluded, or abused. Harassment based on gender, race, religion, national origin, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, political affiliation, or any other personal characteristic is strictly prohibited. Bullying is repeated behavior that intentionally harms, intimidates, or humiliates an individual. This policy applies to all ABSA International members and guests at ABSA International sponsored activities, events, and on all ABSA International platforms. If a member experiences or witnesses’ harassment or bullying, the individual should contact ABSA International staff as soon as possible. All complaints are taken seriously, will be responded to promptly, and handled confidentially to the extent possible. Upon receipt of a complaint, ABSA International will investigate through appropriate channels. If the complaint is found valid, resolution may include restricting the individual from participating in ABSA International sponsored activities or events and on all ABSA International platforms or revoking membership. Providing false information about a harassment or bullying situation can lead to disciplinary action by ABSA International, similar to the consequences for the actual offense. ABSA International expressly forbids any retaliation against individuals for reporting harassment or bullying.