Romania Strengthening Research Security Practices in the Biosciences

On behalf of the Biosecurity Engagement Program (BEP), Sandia National Laboratories Global Chemical and Biological Security Group (SNL/GCBS) is hosting a 3-day workshop in Bucharest, Romania to raise awareness of biosecurity threats to biological research institutions and enhance research security measures for international research collaborations in the biosciences. The workshop will provide an overview of security considerations for biological research activity, including an overview of dual-use research areas and exploitation risk associated with international research collaborations. Participants will learn fundamentals of risk assessment and identify mitigation strategies which can be implemented to improve research security practices at their institutions.

Objectives

By the end of the workshop, participants will

1. Demonstrate increased awareness of security threats and considerations relevant to research activities in the biosciences. Participants will demonstrate awareness of dual-use research areas and exploitation risk associated with foreign interference in research.
2. Demonstrate comprehension in risk assessment fundamentals; the assessment, mitigation and performance model for biorisk management. Participants will critically evaluate how risk assessment frameworks can be applied to evaluate risk associated with research activities.
3. Identify strategies to mitigate risk associated with research activity. Participants will identify mitigations for potential integration at their institutions and develop an implementation plan.

Participation

This workshop is intended for laboratory technicians, researchers and associate researchers, research compliance staff, and biorisk management advisors / biosafety officers at organizations conducting biological research activity in Romania and Georgia. Participants from all One Health sectors including public health, veterinary, and environmental sectors are encouraged to register.  Interested individuals may register for the workshop at the Plone website linked below. Sandia National Laboratories will select participants for the workshop based on appropriateness of role, responsibility and location.

Selected participants will be provided,

1. A copy of training materials in printed and digital form, translated into a primary language as requested. Participants requesting translation and interpretation are encouraged to indicate their needs in the registration survey.
2. Hospitalities including lunch, tea breaks, and per diem to cover the duration of the workshop.
3. Transportation to and from the workshop venue (for non-local participants only). Logistics for participants will be identified, selected and procured by SNL ahead of the engagement.
4. Lodging for the duration of the workshop (for non-local participants only). Logistics for participants will be identified, selected and procured by SNL ahead of the engagement.

Interested individuals must submit their contact information, a curriculum vitae or resume, and passport or national identification information to be considered for the workshop. Provided information will be protected as Personally Identifiable Information and distributed only to individuals with a Need to Know for workshop planning and logistics coordination.

Please use the “Registration” Tab on the top, righthand side of this webpage to register.