2019 Biosafety and Biosecurity Month–Beyond the Lab: Increasing the Visibility of Biosafety and Biosecurity

In October 2019, ABSA International invites you to reflect on both biosafety and biosecurity as part of the 6th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Month. This year’s theme, “Beyond the Lab: Increasing the Visibility of Biosafety and Biosecurity,” is an opportunity for safety professionals to consider the roles that we serve in shaping the overall perceptions and understanding of the profession.

The 2019 Biosafety and Biosecurity Month encompasses advocacy for the education, training, and support of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to include biosafety as a scientific discipline. The event also highlights the multidimensional nature of the biosafety and biosecurity profession and promotes visibility in our workplace and community. This awareness, complemented with outreach, fosters dialogue, transparency, and education in work involving biological materials with all stakeholders.

In 2014, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) introduced Biosafety Month as an initiative to promote stewardship of the life sciences and biosafety awareness. ¹ In a collaborative decision in late 2017, the NIH transitioned the management of Biosafety Month to ABSA International. With the guidance and approval of the ABSA International Council, the ABSA Public Relations and Marketing Committee manages the development, promotion, and execution of Biosafety Month. ² For 2019 and in future years, the role of Biosafety Month has been expanded to include the evolving field of biosecurity. Biosafety and Biosecurity Month will continue to be dedicated to serving the emerging needs of all stakeholders in work with biological materials.

In October 2019, safety professionals are encouraged to use the ABSA International thematic elements and support materials provided on the event webpage as part of fostering an open dialogue about the importance of biosafety and biosecurity at your institution. Promotional efforts should be focused on increasing the visibility of the biosafety and biosecurity personnel that support your organization. Communicate with stakeholders regarding the vital role these concepts play in the research, education, and production environments. Strive to build positive, enduring professional relationships with those peers whose responsibilities are related to biosafety and biosecurity. Reach out to stakeholders to let them know that there is an entire collection of experienced professionals dedicated to guiding them toward safe and secure science. Share and collaborate with them by providing and supporting tools and knowledge to conduct work on a sound foundation of safety and security principles. Participants in this event have an opportunity to promote biosafety and biosecurity as a fundamental strategy for the protection of personnel and the public trust of biological science.

The visuals for the 2019 Biosafety and Biosecurity Month reflect the dual nature of the roles we play as biosafety and biosecurity professionals (Figure 1). On the left, the individual stands in a laboratory in their personal protective equipment actively guiding the conduct of safe science. On the right, the individual performs outreach and education vital to the continuation of safe and accepted biological work. Event logos, print-ready and customizable poster options, implementation guidance, and a diverse selection of supporting materials will be made available to the entire biosafety and biosecurity community on the 2019 event webpage at https://absa.org/event/2019-biosafety-month/. Please also consider using the hashtag “#biosafety_biosecuritymonth” on social media to share your efforts and activity with peers.

Figure 1.

2019 Biosafety and Biosecurity Month Handbill.

ABSA International is excited “to see you and all that you do” during the October 2019 Biosafety and Biosecurity Month, “Beyond the Lab: Increasing the Visibility of Biosafety and Biosecurity.”