Applied Dual-Use Biosecurity, Biosafety and Bioethics Education
September 19-30th; Ottawa, Ontario
Presented by: Public Health Agency of Canada & Bradford Disarmament Research Centre, University of Bradford
The intention of the course is to help participants develop an understanding of the concepts of biosafety and biosecurity in the laboratory setting, and highlight the ethical, legal and social relevance of dual-use biosecurity. The course will cover approaches to biosafety and biosecurity risk assessment; risk mitigation strategies; capacity building for biosafety, biosecurity, and bioethics training; and the range of issues surrounding the responsible use of dual-use biotechnology. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Participation from the Public Health Agency of Canada and be awarded 30 UK Higher Education Master’s-level credits and a Certificate of Continuing Education from the University of Bradford. These credits may be transferable. The deadline for submitting applications is August 26th, 2011.
Please take advantage of this unique opportunity by completing the attached application form as space is limited to a maximum of 40 participants. Applications will be considered and selected participants will be notified by September 2nd, 2011. Please note that the course will be offered in English only. We also encourage you to distribute this email to any of your colleagues who may be interested in applying. A registration form for the course is now available in both English and French.
Course Objective:
This course will build upon an exciting program available through the University of Bradford to raise dual-use biosecurity awareness and bridge it together with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s biosafety and biosecurity perspective.
This collaborative course is the first step in the development of a curriculum on biosafety and biosecurity for life scientists in Canadian institutions. The intention of the course is to bring the issues of dual-use biosecurity to a broader community and to enhance overall biosafety and biosecurity practices on a national level.
The University of Bradford established their dual-use biosecurity training in recognition of the potential that exists for producing research in life sciences for peaceful purposes that are well-intended for public benefit but which could be misused and directed for purposes such as biowarfare and bioterrorism. This has given rise to what is now widely known as the “dual-use dilemma” and the growing debate about the dual-use nature of life and associated science research with implications for biological weapons making.
Historically, this dual-use potential has been underappreciated by the life sciences and wider communities. However, recent terrorism events have heightened awareness and concern for this issue. Subsequently, there have been a range of international calls to promote education and awareness-raising among life scientists on the dual-use aspects of their research.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with the University of Bradford to bring this educational program to Canada and to raise awareness and understanding on the concepts of biosafety and it’s relevance to dual-use biosecurity.
Course Delivery:
This two-week (10 day) Biosafety and Dual-use Biosecurity course will take place in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada from September 19-30, 2011. The first part of the Curriculum will focus on biosafety, with the second focusing on the dual-use biosecurity and bioethics components.
The course will be offered in English only.
Who should take this Course:
Those responsible for activities involving human pathogens and toxins (e.g. researchers, head of research, the president or a vice-president of research).
The course aims to:
The course aims to:
- Develop awareness and understanding of the concepts of biosafety and biosecurity, and its relevance to biosecurity within the laboratory.
- Develop knowledge of approaches to the conduct of biosafety and biosecurity risk assessments, and be able to provide strategies to appropriately manage these risks.
- Develop awareness and understanding of a range of dual-use conundrums and dilemmas that arise due to the impact of science and technology on society;
- Develop awareness and understanding of the ethical, legal and social relevance of dual-use biosecurity;
- Develop knowledge of approaches to the responsible conduct of research and other work and be able to provide justification for decisions or recommendations regarding dual-use technologies;
- Facilitate further research into ‘dual-use' biosecurity issues and develop policies and practices that will enhance responsible conduct of research and other work to prevent the misuse of knowledge generated by life and associated sciences;
- Develop competency and capacity in training others in biosafety and biosecurity and responsible conduct of research and other work of relevance to dual-use biosecurity.
You will be introduced to real-world scenarios where the results of scientific research have given give rise to the “dual use dilemma”.
You are encouraged to bring your own ideas and experiences to the course. Sharing these with other participants will contextualise your knowledge and understanding and help you meet the challenges of biosafety program management and of conducting responsible research of relevance to dual-use biosecurity.
Course outline
The course will include topics such as:
- International Oversight, including Canadian Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity Regulatory Regime.
- Biosafety and Biosecurity Principles, Practices with an Emphasis on Biosafety Program Management;
- The Dual-Use Dilemma and the Responsibility of Scientists;
- Biowar, Bioterror and the International Prohibition Regime;
- National Implementation of the Biological Toxin and Weapons Convention (BTWC);
- The Web of Prevention; and
- Relevant expert-level scenarios that address a broad range of biosafety and biosecurity issues of concern including: publishing, funding, export controls and whistle blowing.
Awards and Accreditation
Accreditation for this collaborative course is as follows:
- On successful completion of the Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity component of this course participants will be awarded a Certification of Participation from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
- On successful completion of the Biosecurity component of this course, participants will be awarded 30 UK Higher Education Master’s-level credits and a Certificate of Continuing Education on completion of the module.
- On successful completion of the Biosecurity component of this course, participants will be awarded 30 UK Higher Education Master’s-level credits and a Certificate of Continuing Education on completion of the module.
Note: Credits may be transferable.
Application Information
Enrolment will be limited to a 40 participants. Applications must be received by August 26th, 2011. Applicants who have been selected will be notified by September 2nd, 2011. Once advised of acceptance, registration and payment must be received by September 12th, 2011.
To apply please submit the attached application form and required documentation by email or fax to:
Pathogen Regulation Directorate
Public Health Agency of Canada
Fax: (613) 941-0596
Course Fees
£2000 (approximately $3,150 CAN)
Course fees are listed in and must be paid in British Pounds (£). The course fees include the course manual and attendance at all sessions. The fees do not include accommodations, transportation and food costs.
For Further Information:
Renée Carrière
A/Manager, Biosafety Learning and Knowledge Management
Pathogen Regulation Directorate
Public Health Agency of Canada
Tel: (613) 957-1779
For additional details on the dual-use component, please refer to:
Descargue los formularios para las solicitudes:
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B_o5HNqFTnWJMmZhNDQxNjEtOTc3Ny00YTQwLTg5ZDItYmU4NmYwOWQyZWQy&hl=eshttps://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B_o5HNqFTnWJYTQ4ZDcyZDYtN2U4OS00ZDE2LTgyMmUtZmQ1OWZkNTJiOWE4&hl=es
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