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Description
The Laboratory Biosecurity Practices and Plan course equips learners, including academic students, faculty, and support staff in biotechnology, medical, and related fields, with essential knowledge to manage risks associated with high risk biological materials, amid the rapid expansion of biotechnology over recent decades. It trains participants in personnel security, ensuring only thoroughly vetted and qualified individuals access hazardous biological materials to prevent intentional or unintentional release. By clarifying the distinction between biosafety and biosecurity, the course enables learners to implement practices that safeguard against theft, misuse, or diversion of high-risk biological materials.
The course also covers information security to protect sensitive research data and protocols from unauthorized access, reducing the risk of misuse that could harm communities outside the laboratory. Additionally, it emphasizes physical security measures, such as access controls, surveillance, and secure storage, to protect facilities and equipment handling biological materials. Designed for both academic and non-academic learners, including those in IT, campus police, and risk management, this course fosters a comprehensive understanding of biosecurity to support safe biotechnology advancements.
Audience
Biosafety/Biosecurity Professionals, Compliance Officers, Environmental Health and Safety Professionals, Faculty, Human Resources Professionals, IRB Members, IT Professionals, Physical Plant Personnel, Public Safety Professionals, Staff, Students
Meet the Authors
Melissa James, MPS, RBP – Yale University
Melissa is the Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Facility Manager for Yale University, where she oversees compliance, administers biosafety and biosecurity training, and manages documentation. She has supervised high-containment facilities for several years, focusing on safe laboratory operations and maintenance and compliance with the Select Agent Program.
