Past events & courses

InstructorsKarin Darpel (DE) and Sophie Duraffour (DE) When outbreaks of high-consequence viral pathogens emerge, rapid diagnostic and research activities are often pushed to the front lines - directly into the field, at the heart of the epidemic. But what biosafety precautions are essential in these high-stakes environments, and how can they be effectively applied under demanding, real-world conditions? 

InstructorsAdam Stevenson (UK) and Heidi Auerswald (IT) This highly interactive one-day course equips biosafety professionals, laboratory supervisors, and institutional trainers with practical tools to evaluate, strengthen, and embed biosafety competence beyond traditional tick-box training models. Participants will unpack the distinctions between, training, compliance, and competence, and work through hands-on methods to translate those insights into practice. Using a step-by-step improvement plan, each participant will identify key challenges in their home institution and design a 3-month roadmap for upgrading how competence is assessed, reinforced, and sustained. The course draws from ISO 35001, CWA 16335, ISO/TS 5441, and WHO LBM4, and links theoretical frameworks to actionable strategies: job safety analysis, SOP analysis, job specification evaluation, behavioural reinforcement, observation checklists, and building psychological safety. The course is especially valuable for institutions looking to strengthen internal competency frameworks, onboarding, or coaching programs. 

InstructorsWendy Shell (AUT) and Chris Pirson (UK) This one-day classroom based, interactive course will give participants an insight into the key technical skills for a successful career in biosafety or biosecurity. For those starting out in the role or considering a career as a Biosafety professional it is necessary to demonstrate competency in several key areas, as defined in Technical Standards such as CWA 16335 and ISO/TS 5441. Through case studies, interactive group exercises and taught learning this course will ensure attendees are able to develop their own training pathway to becoming a Biosafety professional. It will enable individuals to identify gaps in current knowledge, skills or experience and the development opportunities to address these, along with accreditation schemes to demonstrate competency.

2 days of EBSA pre conference courses on Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 June 2026 2 days of EBSA conference on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 June 2026.

InstructorsFelix Gmünder (CH) and Timo Kehl (De) SOLD OUT The planning, design, construction and performance review of high containment facilities, including BSL-3, ABSL-3 and BSL-3Ag, requires a well thought out approach if the outcome is to meet the intentions of the owner or client and the users.  

How do you correctly report an incident involving biological agents? What does Belgian legislation require from your organization?

Members only event

ABSA is co-sponsoring the Workshop on Advancing Containment Practices in Animal Research, taking place March 18–19, 2026 in Atlanta, GA. This in-person workshop presented by the Eagleson Institute and AALAS brings together professionals from across animal research, biosafety, veterinary medicine, occupational health, and facility operations for case-based, cross-disciplinary discussion focused on real-world containment challenges. Registration is open on the Workshop website: www.eagleson.org/aalas

Webinar by Julianne L. Baron Increasing reliance on the internet and technology in research and biomedical laboratories has opened these organizations up to increased focus for cyberattacks.