The Biosecurity Office regularly attends meetings and conferences in the Netherlands and abroad with the aim of sharing knowledge, gaining insights, and networking. Soon you can meet us at the annual meeting of the European Biosafety Association. Earlier this year, we were present at a meeting of the Dutch Society for Biomedical Laboratory Professionals and at the European Biosecurity Regulators Forum.
European Biosafety Association Annual Meeting (EBSA)
On 4 and 5 June, the annual meeting of the European Biosafety Association (EBSA) will take place in Bruges, Belgium. On 3 June, Rik Bleijs, together with Jane Shallcross (CEPI, UK), will deliver a pre-conference course entitled “Practical Implementation of Biosecurity”. In addition, on Friday participants will once again be able to take part in the biosecurity escape room during the break-out session.
Dutch Society for Biomedical Laboratory Professionals (NVML)
Earlier this year, the NVML organised the “Preanalysis Congress: Blood, Sweat and Tears in the Pre-analytical Phase”. On behalf of the Biosecurity Office, Mirjam Schaap gave a presentation on suspicious materials and increasing biosecurity awareness. The audience responded positively and asked insightful questions, showing that the key messages were clearly understood.
European Biosecurity Regulators Forum (EBRF)
From 14 to 16 April, the annual meeting of the European Biosecurity Regulators Forum (EBRF) took place in Berlin. This group consists of eight European countries, including the Netherlands, and aims to strengthen biosecurity in Europe and to facilitate the exchange of relevant information between countries (www.ebrf.eu). During the meeting, the Biosecurity Office presented the latest developments regarding biosecurity and dual‑use in the Netherlands. The next meeting, in 2027, will be hosted by the Netherlands.
If you are attending a conference or meeting yourself and would like to share biosecurity knowledge and information there, please do not hesitate to contact us. We may be able to support you with materials or by sharing the experiences we have gained.