http://www.molecularbiotechnology.ugent.be/PBM-2015/index.php

The Principles of Biosafety
An international course, organised by Ghent University, University of Antwerp, University of Leuven and Perseus BVBA.

14-18 September 2015, Ghent, Belgium
People responsible for biosafety and biorisk management in an organization have to cope with an increasing complexity and diversity of topics. The course aims at providing a comprehensive overview of all essential elements involved in biosafety and biorisk management, and at strengthening the biosafety practitioners to build their own systematic approach.

Objectives
Over the past years, the approach for biorisk management has markedly evolved. Rather than checking compliance with prescribed requirement lists, the focus has shifted to performance-based management systems that tailor protection measures to the kind of risks identified in a thorough assessment.

Against this background, people responsible for biorisk management in an organization are challenged to cope with an increasing complexity and diversity of questions. The vast majority has to learn their role ‘on the job’ and can build a curriculum through attending meetings and international courses. This Summer Course will provide a comprehensive overview of all the essential elements of biorisk management, strengthening the biosafety practitioners to build their own systematic approach.

At the end of the course each participant will be able to:
Identify potentially hazardous biological materials and the risks associated with their use
Select appropriate means to minimize risk and to protect against or prevent release or exposure
Foresee legal requirements and prepare the necessary documents to obtain authorization
Understand how to run a biorisk management programme
The course will be based on examples with micro-organisms in laboratories, but also aspects of genetically modified plants and animals, as well as large scale activities will be covered.

Who should attend?
The course is targeted to people with a responsibility in biorisk management, such as biosafety officers, members of biosafety committees and laboratory directors. As the course provides a comprehensive overview of all the essential elements of biorisk management, also experienced biosafety professionals may find it a useful refreshment and an opportunity to share personal experience and knowledge. To be effective, the trainee should have a bachelor in a life science discipline and should be familiar with basic biological concepts. In order to guarantee adequate personal interaction, the course is limited to 25 participants.

Course Details

Course Language
The course and all the documentation will be presented in English

Course Fee
The course fee is €750. It includes access to the lectures, a hardcopy of the syllabus, refreshments during the coffee break and a light lunch on the course days.
Employees of the organising institutes pay the reduced price of €500.
Students of Doctoral Schools pay €150.
Course Evaluation
A personal evaluation and a certificate of attendance are foreseen at the end of the course
Course Venue
The course will take place at the campus of the Faculty of Sciences, Complex Ledeganck, Ghent. 

K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35
9000 Gent

Steering Committee
Prof. Daisy Vanrompay (UGent)
Dr. Koen Houthoofd (UGent)
Ir. M Clerinx (UAntwerpen)
Ir. M Schoukens (KULeuven)
Prof. Patrick Rüdelsheim (Perseus BVBA)
Dr. Karen van der Meulen (Perseus BVBA)

Contact information
You can contact the organising committee on the following correspondance address :
Principles of Biosafety
Vakgroep Moleculaire Biotechnologie 
Coupure Links 653 
B-9000 Gent 
Belgium 

Telephone : +32-9-264.99.23 
Fax. : +32-9-264.62.19
E-mail : PBM-2015@mobi.UGent.be