Virtual Professional Development Courses (webinars)
All times listed are in CENTRAL TIME ZONE
September 6 – October 25
These courses are part of the Professional Development Program for the 67th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference. It is not necessary to be a conference participant to register for these courses.
Tuesday, October 15 and Thursday, October 17, 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM CDT
1V. Plant and Arthropod Biosafety Basics
Plant research is the backbone of both genetically modified, disease resistance, and breeding of both academic and biotechnology research. Attendees will discover what is needed to design a greenhouse and lab that will contain genetically modified material and insects as well as an overview of Arthropod Containment Levels. This course will feature a diverse array of advanced scenarios and interactive exercises showcasing the spectrum of biological, genetically modified, arthropod, and other risks and hazards commonly encountered in greenhouses, fields, and laboratories supporting plant research. Attendees will be guided through strategies for identifying potential hazards, assessing the magnitude and extent of induced risks and cost, and developing effective control measures to protect the safety of workers, plants, and the environment. The course employs “real world” examples to improve understanding of greenhouse and field operations.
Objectives:
- Review risk assessment techniques as they apply to research involving genetically modified (GM) plants
- Identify and apply effective hazard and exposure control strategies into GM, arthropod lab, greenhouse design, and research facility management procedures
- Summarize strategies for safety professionals to collaborate with plant program personnel in addressing common research safety and environmental issues
Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, All Biosafety Professionals
Audience Level: Basic
Course Length: 8 hours (two 4-hour live sessions with a 30-minute break each session)
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 1 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 8.50 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links are for single, individual use only. If more than one occurrence of an individual’s name is on the Zoom attendee list or a name not of the roster, all instances will be removed from the webinar with no refund. The webinar and its associated links are for single, individual use only.
Although these courses are part of the Professional Development Program for the 67th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, it is not necessary to be a conference participant to register for these courses.
Registration for each virtual course is separate from your conference registration.
This webinar will be two 4-hour sessions on Tuesday, October 15, and Thursday October 17, 2024, at 10:00 AM CDT. For the webinar, you should plan on logging in 15 minutes ahead of the start of each session. You are required to attend the webinar sessions, complete the pre- and post-course assessments, and complete the evaluation in order to receive the completion certificate through the ABSA International Training Site. The link in the invitation will be unique to the user and cannot be shared.
COURSE FACULTY
Deborah Howard, MPH, CBSP(ABSA)
Global Environment, Health, and Safety Biological Materials Manager
BASF
Durham, NC
Deborah Howard is the Expert, Global Environment, Health & Safety Biological Materials Manager for BASF where she has oversight of greenhouses, laboratories, inoculant, & fermentation sites. She has been the Biosafety Manager at BASF since May 2014. Deborah has extensive experience with IBC’s, IACUC, Select Agent regulations, exporting, greenhouse, arthropods, genetically modified plants, & animals. She has over 30 years of experience in health and safety & knowledge of regulations including NIH, OSHA, EPA, APHIS, & USDA. Previously, she was the Biosafety Manager at UNC Chapel Hill where she was the IBC Administrator for 6 years.
Anita Harrell, BS
North America Biosafety Manager
BASF
Durham, NC
Anita Harrell has 10 years of experience in the fields of Occupational Safety, Biological Safety and Laboratory Safety. She has worked at BASF for 35 years and is currently the North America Biosafety Manager. Prior to joining BASF, Anita worked at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. She received a degree in Botany from NCSU in 1983. Anita currently oversees the North American Biological Safety Programs. She works with site biosafety representatives to oversee these areas. She participates and several global biosafety teams at BASF.
Janet Griffiths, BS
Lab Manager – Insect and Plant Propagation Team
BASF
Durham, NC
Janet Griffiths is the lab manager for the Insect and Plant Propagation Team at BASF. She has worked in this role for the last 10 years. Janet has 17 years’ experience in insect and plant rearing, with 15 of those years in lab management, mostly in multi species labs. Janet has worked with over 40 species of arthropods through the years. Prior to working at BASF, Janet spent 4 years managing insect rearing, plant propagation, and research involving plant/insect interaction at the Soil Arthropod Ecology Lab in the entomology department at North Carolina State University (NCSU). Before NCSU, Janet worked for North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA) in Plant Protection where she supervised the lab that massed reared a predator beetle for release as a management tool for an invasive species. She also worked for NCDA Agronomic Division, working within a chemistry lab processing soil samples for farmers and local residents of North Carolina.
COURSE FEES
ABSA Members: $670 USD ($720 post 9/4)
Nonmembers: $770 USD ($820 post 9/4)
To obtain the ABSA member rate, the participant will need to be an ABSA member in the year in which the training is offered. Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 9/17/2024. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations by 9/24/2024. Cancellations between 9/24/2024 and 10/01/2024 will be refunded at 50% of the course fee. No refunds after 10/01/2024.
Monday – Friday, October 21-25, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:35 AM CDT
2V. Infectious Substance Shipping Program Management
This course is tailored for individuals responsible for establishing and overseeing infectious substance shipping programs within their facilities. This webinar series aims to assist institutions in developing robust shipping programs tailored to their needs. Course elements include: training; written policies; written descriptions of program plans; transport and shipping specific SOPs; safety and security plans; emergency response plans; logistics and supplies; carrier selection and support; MOUs and authorizations; access control and personnel assurance. The instructor will provide a detailed and comprehensive shipping program assessment and implementation guidance document. Attendees will receive an introduction to this document and step-by-step guidance on its completion. By completing the assessment document, attendees will conduct a thorough review to identify areas for improving existing shipping programs. This interactive, instructor led, web-based training will invite attendees to share examples of how these elements are addressed at their own institution.
Objectives:
- Evaluate external and internal requirements or conditions that impact shipping policies and program components at a facility, emphasizing the relevance of international regulations (ICAO TI), international standards (IATA DGR), and other guidance (CDC, WHO, CWA) for developing a robust shipping program
- Recognize the components of a shipping program and utilize provided tools and templates to assess current shipping program elements, identifying opportunities for improvement
- Compare and contrast various approaches to setting up a shipping program (centralized, decentralized, hybrid), and gain an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages associated with each
Suggested Background: IATA Infectious Substance Shipping Certification
Target Audience: Experienced Biosafety Professionals, Infectious Substance Shipping Managers & Trainers
Audience Level: Advanced
Course Length: 8 hours (five 95-minute live sessions)
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 1 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 8.50 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links are for single, individual use only. If more than one occurrence of an individual’s name is on the Zoom attendee list or a name not of the roster, all instances will be removed from the webinar with no refund. The webinar and its associated links are for single, individual use only.
Although these courses are part of the Professional Development Program for the 67th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, it is not necessary to be a conference participant to register for these courses.
Registration for each virtual course is separate from your conference registration.
This webinar will be five 95-minute sessions on Monday – Friday, October 21-25, 2024, at 10:00 AM CDT. For the webinar, you should plan on logging in 15 minutes ahead of the start of each session. You are required to attend the webinar sessions, complete the pre- and post-course assessments, and complete the evaluation in order to receive the completion certificate through the ABSA International Training Site. The link in the invitation will be unique to the user and cannot be shared.
COURSE FACULTY
Eric Cook, MPH
Senior Member – Technical Staff
Sandia National Laboratories
Albuquerque, NM
Eric Cook is a Senior Member of the Technical Staff in the International Biological and Chemical Threat Reduction Program at Sandia National Laboratories where his work focuses on promoting global laboratory biorisk management. He serves as one of the program’s lead trainers. Eric served as the Biosafety Officer for Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH for five years where he managed the Biosafety Program and Institutional Biosafety Committee. Prior to working at Dartmouth, Eric was an Assistant Biosafety Officer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for six years. While at MIT, Eric completed his Master’s Degree in Public Health at Boston University with a focus on Environmental Health. Eric has a B.S.in Molecular Biology from Brigham Young University where he worked in a recombinant DNA lab for two years assisting with work in phylogenetics. He is certified by the National Registry of Certified Microbiologists as a Specialist Microbiologist in Biological Safety Microbiology and previously by ABSA International as a Certified Biological Safety Professional. Eric has particular expertise in dangerous goods and infectious substance shipping. He worked for three years at Saf-T-Pak, Inc. developing training programs and packaging for shipping infectious substances.
COURSE FEES
ABSA Members: $670 USD ($720 post 9/4)
Nonmembers: $770 USD ($820 post 9/4)
To obtain the ABSA member rate, the participant will need to be an ABSA member in the year in which the training is offered. Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 9/23/2024. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations by 9/30/2024. Cancellations between 9/30/2024 and 10/07/2024 will be refunded at 50% of the course fee. No refunds after 10/07/2024.
Friday, September 13, 2024, 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM CDT
3V. Introduction to Biosafety in the Clinical Setting
The clinical setting poses a different environment than research laboratories. This course provides foundations for applying biosafety concepts in the clinical setting. Course topics include common issues and lessons learned pertaining to clinical facilities including pharmacies, laboratories, clinics, infusion areas, ORs, and waste disposal facilities; PPE, disinfection, risk assessments, and safety practices in the clinical setting; speaking biosafety to doctors, nursing staff, pharmacy staff, infection prevention and control, diagnostic microbiology lab personnel, and hospital EHS staff; applying NIH Guidelines and the BMBL to the clinical setting; gaps in oversight of research safety for clinical trials, and risk assessments for unconventional or highly specialized delivery mechanisms for biologics. The course will conclude with a focus on clinical trials including the role of an IRB and how it can overlap with an IBC; the process for investigational products to obtain FDA approval to be deemed as safe and effective therapeutics; and the evolving regulatory environment in the U.S. for biologics such as vaccines, regenerative medicines, and gene therapy. The course is designed to be highly interactive with discussions, surveys, and group exercises.
Objectives:
- Apply biosafety principles in the clinical setting
- Perform risk assessments and identify gaps in occupational safety in the clinical setting
- Discuss the regulatory oversight structure for clinical trials and the developmental process for investigational products
Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, New Biosafety Professionals, Laboratory Workers, Research Administrators, Clinical Professionals
Audience Level: Basic
Course Length: 4 hours (one 4-hour live session with a 30-minute break)
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 4.50 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links are for single, individual use only. If more than one occurrence of an individual’s name is on the Zoom attendee list or a name not of the roster, all instances will be removed from the webinar with no refund. The webinar and its associated links are for single, individual use only.
Although these courses are part of the Professional Development Program for the 67th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, it is not necessary to be a conference participant to register for these courses.
Registration for each virtual course is separate from your conference registration.
This webinar will be one 4-hour session on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM CDT. For the webinar, you should plan on logging in 15 minutes ahead of the start of the session. You are required to attend the webinar session, complete the pre- and post-course assessments, and complete the evaluation in order to receive the completion certificate through the ABSA International Training Site. The link in the invitation will be unique to the user and cannot be shared.
COURSE FACULTY
Daniel Eisenman, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM)
Executive Director of Biosafety Services
Advarra
Research Triangle Park, NC
Dan Eisenman is Executive Director of Biosafety Services at Advarra, a large clinical research compliance company. Dan heads a commercial IBC with over 1,000 clinical and basic science research sites across North America. Prior to joining Advarra Dan was the Biosafety Officer at the Medical University of South Carolina and UNC Chapel Hill. Dan holds a PhD in molecular biology and immunology, various biosafety certifications (RBP, SM(NRCM), CBSP) and a Regulatory Affairs Pharmaceuticals certificate from the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society.
COURSE FEES
ABSA Members: $450 USD ($500 post 9/4)
Nonmembers: $550 USD ($600 post 9/4)
To obtain the ABSA member rate, the participant will need to be an ABSA member in the year in which the training is offered. Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 8/16/2024. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations by 8/23/2024. Cancellations between 8/23/2024 and 8/30/2024 will be refunded at 50% of the course fee. No refunds after 8/30/2024.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM CDT
4V. Bio-Hazardous Drugs
The anticipated implementation of United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 800 in healthcare created a new resolve to conduct thorough risk assessments of healthcare formularies. The role of this assessment was to identify the hazards posed by these drugs, to evaluate the exposure risks associated with these hazards, and to determine the potential health consequences of both acute and chronic exposure. Most healthcare facilities that conducted these risk assessments utilized a risk matrix that incorporated criteria commonly used in toxicology to evaluate exposure to chemicals. As the pharmaceutical industry quickly turns to novel biologics to treat and/or correct disease, a risk assessment of the biological hazards associated with these novel biologics is warranted. This course will provide information on these biologics; explore the known and anticipated biological properties of each; discuss the potential these biologics have to cause infections, to be shed, to contaminate the environment, and to be transmitted to others; and will cover the pertinent controls needed to contain these biologics, to prevent inadvertent exposure to these materials, to remove them from the environment, and to ensure staff and patients are appropriately educated.
Objectives:
- Define a hazardous drug and a hazardous biologic
- Recognize the hazards, exposure risks, and health consequences posed by these hazardous drugs and hazardous biologics
- Describe pertinent healthcare and pharmacy standards concerning hazardous drugs and hazardous biologics
Suggested Background: Risk Assessment, Virology/Viral Vectors
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, All Biosafety Professionals
Audience Level: Basic
Course Length: 4 hours (one 4-hour live session with a 30-minute break)
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 4.50 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links are for single, individual use only. If more than one occurrence of an individual’s name is on the Zoom attendee list or a name not of the roster, all instances will be removed from the webinar with no refund. The webinar and its associated links are for single, individual use only.
Although these courses are part of the Professional Development Program for the 67th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, it is not necessary to be a conference participant to register for these courses.
Registration for each virtual course is separate from your conference registration.
This webinar will be one 4-hour session on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM CDT. For the webinar, you should plan on logging in 15 minutes ahead of the start of the session. You are required to attend the webinar session, complete the pre- and post-course assessments, and complete the evaluation in order to receive the completion certificate through the ABSA International Training Site. The link in the invitation will be unique to the user and cannot be shared.
COURSE FACULTY
COURSE FEES
ABSA Members: $450 USD ($500 post 9/4)
Nonmembers: $550 USD ($600 post 9/4)
To obtain the ABSA member rate, the participant will need to be an ABSA member in the year in which the training is offered. Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 8/20/2024. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations by 8/27/2024. Cancellations between 8/27/2024 and 9/03/2024 will be refunded at 50% of the course fee. No refunds after 9/03/2024.
Friday, September 6 and Monday, September 9, 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM CDT
5V. Animal Research for Biosafety Professionals – An Introduction
Animal Research has contributed to major scientific advances in biomedical, veterinary, and environmental sciences and in public health. However, these efforts often pose significant risks to the health and safety of research and facility staff due to the wide range of species, complex experimental procedures and equipment, and facility hazards that are involved. Balancing optimal worker safety and animal welfare with research objectives yields the best results but requires a solid understanding of how animal programs are managed and an ability to identify and mitigate inherent risks. This course provides a thorough introduction to routine hazards commonly encountered in animal programs that utilize rodents, small animals, nonhuman primates, aquatics, and agricultural species, with a primary focus on identifying and managing biological, chemical, radiological, and physical hazards. Topics include assessment and management of animal program hazards; universal regulations, guidelines, and quality standards that apply to animal research; duties and responsibilities of key program personnel; local oversight systems; best practices that enhance the quality of animal care; and strategies for biosafety professionals to develop and maintain effective partnerships with program staff and institutional animal care and use committee members. Opportunities will be provided to apply new knowledge and skills through interactive group activities and problem-solving sessions. The instructors are experienced laboratory animal veterinarians who are actively involved in the management, oversight, and evaluation of animal care and use programs. The primary target audience for this course are biosafety and general safety professionals with limited experience in the animal research environment.
Objectives:
- Review basic hazard identification and risk assessment techniques relevant to research involving live animals
- Develop an understanding of governing regulations and guidelines that pertain to the care and use of research animals
- Recognize the difference between “regulatory requirements” and “best practices” that relate to performance-based standards
- Identify successful strategies for working effectively with animal program personnel on common research safety issues
Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: New Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers
Audience Level: Basic
Course Length: 8 hours (two 4-hour live sessions with a 30-minute break each session)
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 1 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 8.50 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links are for single, individual use only. If more than one occurrence of an individual’s name is on the Zoom attendee list or a name not of the roster, all instances will be removed from the webinar with no refund. The webinar and its associated links are for single, individual use only.
Although these courses are part of the Professional Development Program for the 67th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, it is not necessary to be a conference participant to register for these courses.
Registration for each virtual course is separate from your conference registration.
This webinar will be two 4-hour sessions on Friday, September 6 and Monday, September 9, 20204, at 10:00 AM CDT. For the webinar, you should plan on logging in 15 minutes ahead of the start of each session. You are required to attend the webinar sessions, complete the pre- and post-course assessments, and complete the evaluation in order to receive the completion certificate through the ABSA International Training Site. The link in the invitation will be unique to the user and cannot be shared.
COURSE FACULTY
Susan Harper, DVM, DACLAM, DACVPM, RBP(ABSA)
Deputy Director
Office of Animal Care and Use
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD
Dr. Susan Harper received her DVM from Louisiana State University and worked in large animal practice for several years before enrolling in a post-doctoral residency in comparative medicine at the Penn State University College of Medicine. She served on the Penn State faculty for 2 years following graduation, before accepting a position with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She has worked at several different Departments and Agencies during her federal career and currently serves as the Deputy Director for the NIH Office of Animal Care and Use in Bethesda, MD. She is a diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) and the American College of Veterinary Preventative Medicine (ACVPM); a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) through ABSA International; and serves on the AAALAC International Council on Accreditation.
Lesley Colby, DVM, DACLAM
Professor
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
Dr. Lesley A. Colby is a Professor at the University of Washington (UW) in the Department of Comparative Medicine (DCM). In addition to her clinical, instructional, and research activities, her responsibilities include oversight of the daily operations of DCM-managed animal research facilities as well as coordination of the renovation, design, and construction of animal research facilities. Dr. Colby also serves as Director of the UW BSL3/ABSL3 Select Agent Facility and is a member of the UW Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). Dr. Colby earned her BS in Animal Science from Virginia Tech and both her DVM and MS from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (VMRCVM). After working as a small animal practitioner in Montana, she returned to VMRCVM to complete a postdoctoral training program in Laboratory Animal Medicine. She then joined the faculty at the University of Michigan’s Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine for 10 years during which time she served as Assistant Director as well as Director of their clinical laboratory animal medicine post-doctoral training program and Director of the University’s BSL3/ABSL3 Select Agent Facility. Dr. Colby is board certified by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine and is a member of the AAALAC International Council on Accreditation. She frequently collaborates with health and safety professionals in numerous aspects of her position and has special interest in facility design, biological containment, teaching, and occupational health and safety.
COURSE FEES
ABSA Members: $670 USD ($720 post 9/4)
Nonmembers: $770 USD ($820 post 9/4)
To obtain the ABSA member rate, the participant will need to be an ABSA member in the year in which the training is offered. Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 8/09/2024. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations by 8/09/2024. Cancellations between 8/16/2024 and 8/23/2024 will be refunded at 50% of the course fee. No refunds after 8/23/2024.
Tuesday, December 3 and Thursday, December 5, 2024, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM CST
6V. Disposal of Research Animal Carcasses
This course will focus on research-based, unique scenarios presented with animals in research and diagnostic environments. Course topics include: composting, incineration, rendering challenges, carcass movement, unique agent requirements, complex variety of animal species (large, small, wildlife, companion, research, diagnostic), mixed hazard waste issues. The attendees will see strategies to assess risk and apply best practices and regulatory requirements to common and diverse situations. Course will be interactive, with breakout sessions and real-world examples.
Objectives:
- Develop, evaluate, and document waste and carcass handling procedures for animals administered biohazardous agents and materials
- Develop procedures and practices to prevent release of infectious materials related to animal carcass disposal
- Identify the steps in the coordination of stakeholders for animal carcass disposal requirements
Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: Animal Caretakers, All Safety Professionals, Experienced Biosafety Professionals
Audience Level: Intermediate
Course Length: 4 hours (two 2-hour live sessions)
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 4.50 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links are for single, individual use only. If more than one occurrence of an individual’s name is on the Zoom attendee list or a name not of the roster, all instances will be removed from the webinar with no refund. The webinar and its associated links are for single, individual use only.
Although these courses are part of the Professional Development Program for the 67th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, it is not necessary to be a conference participant to register for these courses.
Registration for each virtual course is separate from your conference registration.
This webinar will be two 2-hour sessions on Tuesday, December 3, and Thursday, December 4, 2024, at 11:30 AM CST. For the webinar, you should plan on logging in 15 minutes ahead of the start of each session. You are required to attend the webinar sessions, complete the pre- and post-course assessments, and complete the evaluation in order to receive the completion certificate through the ABSA International Training Site. The link in the invitation will be unique to the user and cannot be shared.
COURSE FACULTY
COURSE FEES
ABSA Members: $450 USD ($500 post 9/4)
Nonmembers: $550 USD ($600 post 9/4)
To obtain the ABSA member rate, the participant will need to be an ABSA member in the year in which the training is offered. Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 11/05/2024. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations by 11/12/2024. Cancellations between 11/12/2024 and 11/19/2024 will be refunded at 50% of the course fee. No refunds after 11/19/2024.
Wednesday, October 9 and Friday, October 11, 2024, 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM CDT
7V. Introduction to the Science and Biosafety of Cell and Gene Therapy Clinical Trials
The use of recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules in clinical trials is growing at an explosive pace. This course is intended to introduce biosafety professionals to the science and biosafety of gene-based investigational products in clinical trials including gene-based vaccines, gene modified cellular products, gene therapy and gene editing. This course will provide an overview of molecular biology, virology and viral vectors. Participants will discuss risk assessments and best practices for dealing with risks associated with diverse types of biological hazards.
Objectives:
- Restate the basic molecular biology and microbiological principles behind gene-based vaccines, gene modified cellular therapies and gene therapies
- Summarize how to conduct a risk assessment for gene-based vaccines, gene modified cellular therapies and gene therapies
- Identify viral vectorology (properties, uses, and risks associated with commonly utilized viral vectors)
Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers, New Biosafety Professionals, Research Administrators, Clinical Professionals
Audience Level: Basic
Course Length: 8 hours (two 4-hour live sessions with a 30-minute break each session)
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 8.50 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links are for single, individual use only. If more than one occurrence of an individual’s name is on the Zoom attendee list or a name not of the roster, all instances will be removed from the webinar with no refund. The webinar and its associated links are for single, individual use only.
Although these courses are part of the Professional Development Program for the 67th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, it is not necessary to be a conference participant to register for these courses.
Registration for each virtual course is separate from your conference registration.
This webinar will be two 4-hour sessions on Wednesday, October 9 and Friday, October 11, 2024, at 11:00 AM CDT. For the webinar, you should plan on logging in 15 minutes ahead of the start of each session. You are required to attend the webinar sessions, complete the pre- and post-course assessments, and complete the evaluation in order to receive the completion certificate through the ABSA International Training Site. The link in the invitation will be unique to the user and cannot be shared.
COURSE FACULTY
Daniel Eisenman, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM)
Executive Director of Biosafety Services
Advarra
Research Triangle Park, NC
Dan Eisenman is Executive Director of Biosafety Services at Advarra, a large clinical research compliance company. Dan heads a commercial IBC with over 1,000 clinical and basic science research sites across North America. Prior to joining Advarra Dan was the Biosafety Officer at the Medical University of South Carolina and UNC Chapel Hill. Dan holds a PhD in molecular biology and immunology, various biosafety certifications (RBP, SM(NRCM), CBSP) and a Regulatory Affairs Pharmaceuticals certificate from the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society.
COURSE FEES
ABSA Members: $670 USD ($720 post 9/4)
Nonmembers: $770 USD ($820 post 9/4)
To obtain the ABSA member rate, the participant will need to be an ABSA member in the year in which the training is offered. Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 9/11/2024. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations by 9/18/2024. Cancellations between 9/18/2024 and 9/25/2024 will be refunded at 50% of the course fee. No refunds after 9/25/2024.
Thursday, October 3, 2024, 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM CDT
8V. IBC BASICS
IBC Basics is an introductory course on the function and administration of Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) delivered by expert staff from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Science Policy (OSP). IBC Basics will promote the professional development of those associated with IBCs by providing an opportunity to learn about the role of NIH OSP, the content of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant and Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, and understand the range of biosafety oversight responsibilities that IBCs have under the NIH Guidelines. This course provides an overview and may be helpful for those new to the field.
Objectives:
- Summarize the content of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant and Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules
- Restate the requirements for IBCs under the NIH Guidelines
- Describe the partnership between NIH OSP and IBCs in the oversight of research subject to the NIH Guidelines
Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: New Biosafety Professionals, IBC Members, compliance staff
Audience Level: Basic
Course Length: 4 hours (one 4-hour live session with a 30-minute break)
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 4.50 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links are for single, individual use only. If more than one occurrence of an individual’s name is on the Zoom attendee list or a name not of the roster, all instances will be removed from the webinar with no refund. The webinar and its associated links are for single, individual use only.
Although these courses are part of the Professional Development Program for the 67th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, it is not necessary to be a conference participant to register for these courses.
Registration for each virtual course is separate from your conference registration.
This webinar will be one 4-hour session on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 10:30 AM CDT with a 30-minute break. For the webinar, you should plan on logging in 15 minutes ahead of the start of the session. You are required to attend the webinar session, complete the pre- and post-course assessments, and complete the evaluation in order to receive the completion certificate through the ABSA International Training Site. The link in the invitation will be unique to the user and cannot be shared.
COURSE FACULTY
Kathryn Harris, PhD, RBP(ABSA)
Senior Outreach and Education Analyst
Office of Science Policy
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Bethesda, MD
Dr. Kathryn Harris works in the Office of Science Policy (OSP), Division of Biosafety, Biosecurity and Emerging Biotechnology Policy at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). For almost 20 years she has worked to develop national and regional programs of stakeholder relations, education, and outreach strategies relevant to the oversight of research with recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules and research that has dual use potential. She also advises on biosafety and biosecurity policy and regulatory issues. Prior to joining OSP, she was the Biological Safety Officer at Northwestern University. Dr. Harris is Registered Biosafety Professional and a member of ABSA International (American Biological Safety Association). She was a founding member and first president of the Midwest Area Biosafety Network (MABioN). She received her Ph.D. from Cornell University and completed two years of postdoctoral training at Washington University in St Louis. Dr. Harris was the 2019 recipient of the ABSA Arnold G. Wedum Distinguished Achievement Award, for outstanding contributions to biological safety accomplished through teaching, research, service, and leadership.
COURSE FEES
ABSA Members: $450 USD ($500 post 9/4)
Nonmembers: $550 USD ($600 post 9/4)
To obtain the ABSA member rate, the participant will need to be an ABSA member in the year in which the training is offered. Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 9/05/2024. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations by 9/12/2024. Cancellations between 9/12/2024 and 9/19/2024 will be refunded at 50% of the course fee. No refunds after 9/19/2024.