Virtual Professional Development Courses – Webinars
September 1 – November 19
(webinars are in Central Standard Time)
Although these courses are part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.
1V. ISO35001: A Stepwise Process to Assess and Improve Biorisk Management Program
August 21, August 24-25, and August 27-28, 2026
11:00 am – 12:40 pm CDT
Overview:
In 2019, ISO published a new biorisk management standard that many biomedical research laboratories all over the world are adopting. This workshop will provide presentations, facilitated discussions, and tools to introduce concepts related to biosecurity and biosafety (biorisk) management systems. Attendees will gain a deep understanding of biorisk management (BRM) systems and learn to apply the ISO 35001 framework as a strategic planning tool. The course guides participants in mapping their current systems to the ISO standard, identifying gaps, and prioritizing improvements to enhance biosafety and biosecurity practices. Using the ISO 35001 as a planning and mapping tool, will enable institutions to effectively identify, assess, control, and monitor the laboratory biosafety and biosecurity risks associated with hazardous biological materials using the concept of continual improvement through the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) principle.
Objectives:
- Identify the key elements of a BRM system based on the review sections of the ISO 35001 BRM system standard
- Map existing BRM systems to the ISO 35001 and identify both strengths and opportunities to improve existing system
- Develop project ideas that will impact and improve existing systems
- Prioritize project ideas or areas that need improvement based on cost, impact, optics and precedencies
- Select an area for improvement and identify a simple, short term, project idea to help strengthen one element within the existing system
- Plan a project using the PDCA and GORRPI process (Goals, Objectives, Roles/Responsibilities, and Performance Indicators)
Suggested Background:
None
Target Audience:
All Safety Professionals, All Biosafety Professionals
Audience Level:
Course Logistics:
Course is five 100-minute sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend all the sessions and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.
Although this course is part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.
COURSE FACULTY
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.
Kalpana Rengarajan is the Director of Research Safety at the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) and is the Senior Biosafety Officer for Emory University. EHSO has University-wide responsibility for all aspects of Environmental Health and Safety support, including Biosafety and EHS compliance support to Emory Healthcare. This includes biosafety support to the Emory Serious Communicable Diseases Unit (SCDU), which cared for 4 Ebola patients in 2014. The SCDU continues to be a major leader in the U.S. National Ebola Training Center. Her background includes a PhD in Immunology and she has worked as a Visiting Associate at the National Eye Institute, NIH. Prior to joining EHSO she worked as a Research Associate at the Emory Vaccine Center. Kalpana has a passion for Global Biorisk Management Public Health Preparedness and provides guidance internationally. She has a Masters of Public Health from Rollins School of Public Health (Emory University) and a Juris Masters of Law (Emory University). She is a Registered Biosafety Professional. Dr. Rengarajan serves on committees for the ABSA International (American Biological Safety Association) and the Campus Safety Health and Environmental Association (CSHEMA), to create professional development courses, and is a member of the technical writing team for ISO/TC 212/Working Group 5 (ISO Laboratory Biorisk management standard), and was a technical writer for the CEN Workshop Agreements relating to Biorisk Management Systems: CWA 15793:2011 and 16393: 2012. Dr. Rengarajan regularly teaches/facilitates and presents at ABSA and CSHEMA. She has also been teaching for the Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS) program at CDC.
COURSE FEES
ABSA Members: $550 USD
Nonmembers: $735 USD
To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 8 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.
Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 7/24/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 7/31/2026. No refunds after 7/31/2026.
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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 8.0 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.
2V. Host Pathogen Interactions for Biosafety Professionals
September 1 and September 3, 2026
11:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT
Overview:
The course is intended to introduce biosafety professionals to host-pathogen interactions by focusing on fundamentals of immunology, microbiology and their interplay as they pertain to biosafety risk assessments utilizing instructional videos, case studies, established lab acquired infections and publications. Information from this course can assist biosafety professionals assess risks from microbiological research including potential effects of genetic modifications on virulence and infectivity of pathogens, susceptibility of hosts in in-vitro and in-vivo models for IBC review, assessing impact to the wellbeing of research animal hosts for IACUC review, as well as the occupational safety and occupational health of research personnel.
Objectives:
- Restate the fundamentals of microbiology and immunology as they pertain to host-pathogen interactions
- Identify how host-pathogen interactions affect risk assessments for maintaining the wellbeing of animal hosts
- Describe how host-pathogen interactions affect risk assessments for the safety of research personnel
Suggested Background:
None
Target Audience:
All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers, Animal Caretakers, Anyone involved in IBC, IACUC, occupational health or infection prevention and control
Audience Level:
Course Logistics:
Course is two 4-hour sessions with a 15-minute break each session. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the session and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.
Although this course is part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.
COURSE FACULTY
Dan Eisenman is Executive Director of Biosafety Services at Advarra, a large clinical research compliance company. Dan heads a commercial IBC overseeing over 1,300 basic science and clinical research sites and institutions. Prior to joining Advarra Dan was the Biosafety Officer at the Medical University of South Carolina and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dan holds a PhD in Molecular Biology and Immunology as well as various biosafety certifications such as RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA) and SM(NRCM). Dan also holds a Regulatory Affairs Pharmaceuticals certificate from the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS).
COURSE FEES
ABSA Members: $550 USD
Nonmembers: $735 USD
To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 8 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.
Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 8/4/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 8/12/2026. No refunds after 8/12/2026.
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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.
3V. IATA Infectious Substance Shipping Certification
September 9, September 11, September 14, September 16 and September 18, 2026
12:30 pm – 2:10 pm CDT
Overview:
This course provides essential training for individuals seeking IATA certification for infectious substance shipping. Designed for participants with some prior experience in handling or shipping infectious substances who may not have been certified within the past three years, the course is delivered through five 100-minute online sessions. Each session is followed by homework assignments that reinforce practical skills such as classifying, marking, labeling, packaging, and completing documentation for various infectious substance shipments (Category A, Category B, Exempt Patient Specimens). These assignments replace traditional classroom activities and are required for successful course completion. This course is suitable for personnel responsible for packaging, marking, and labeling shipments of all categories of infectious substances, including dry ice and liquid nitrogen. To earn a certificate and course credit, participants must complete all assignments and pass (80% or better) a written exam administered at the conclusion of the course. Note that IATA certification is issued by the employer.
Objectives:
- Demonstrate competency to meet IATA infectious substance shipping certification requirements
- Identify and demonstrate how to properly package, mark/label, document and prepare shipments of category A and B infectious substances and other non-regulated biological materials
- Summarize the regulatory changes over the past several years and be able to apply them to meet regulatory re-training requirements
Suggested Background:
None
Target Audience:
New Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers
Audience Level:
Course Logistics:
Course is five 100-minute sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend all the sessions and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the nature of the course, the recording of the course will only be available to those who attended the live virtual session and participated in the course assignments.
Although this course is part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.
COURSE FACULTY
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: $550 USD
Nonmembers: $735 USD
To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 8 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.
Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 7/24/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 7/31/2026. No refunds after 7/31/2026.
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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 8.0 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.
4V. Refresher IATA Shipping Certification
September 30 and October 2, 2026
11:00 am – 1:00 pm CDT
Overview:
This course is intended for those who are already experienced dangerous goods shippers. Professionals who wish to participate in this course must have completed an IATA Dangerous Goods certification course in the past 3 years. This refresher course updates participants on U.S. and international regulations affecting infectious substance shipping. It includes a brief review of regulations, shipper responsibilities, and the nine hazard classes, plus in-depth guidance on classification (Category A, Category B, and exempt materials) and requirements for packaging, marking, and labeling shipments—including those with dry ice or liquid nitrogen. Attendees will complete hands-on exercises, including marking and labeling packages, preparing shipper’s declarations and air waybills, and filling out required documentation. The course concludes with a review and certification test, requiring a minimum score of 80% to pass. Note that IATA certification is issued by the employer.
Objectives:
- Review of infectious substance shipping requirements: classification, packaging, marking/labeling, documentation and training requirements
- Summarize the regulatory changes in the US DOT regulations and IATA regulations
- Apply new regulatory changes to meet regulatory re-training requirements
Suggested Background:
Must have completed IATA shipping certification training in the past 3 years
Target Audience:
All Safety Professionals, Professionals needing recertification after two years for IATA shipping
Audience Level:
Course Logistics:
Course is two 2-hour sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend all the sessions and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.
Although this course is part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.
COURSE FACULTY
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: $430 USD
Nonmembers: $330 USD
To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 4 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.
Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 9/2/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 9/9/2026. No refunds after 9/9/2026.
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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 4.0 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.
5V. Keeping it Going: Maintaining and Improving a Select Agent Program Over the Long Term
October 22 and October 29, 2026
11:30 am – 3:30 pm CDT
Overview:
Keeping a select agent program going can be difficult, especially in the face of ever-changing regulatory requirements and limited resources. Established procedures may suddenly become unacceptable, interrupting research and frustrating laboratorians. Likewise, a single unexpected adverse event can put an entire program at risk. Being prepared to deal with such changes and events is critical to maintaining a robust program. Anticipating future challenges can be even more advantageous, elevating a program from good to great. A proactive approach can minimize the impact of new requirements and reduce duration and frequency of crises sparked by sudden, unexpected requirements or events. This course will explore strategies for maintaining and improving an existing program, including how to anticipate and respond to new requirements. The focus will be on U.S. select agent requirements, although a small section on comparable requirements in the international community will be included. Strategies will be based on the instructors’ experience with their program with additional input solicited from class attendees during open discussions. Topics will include select agent program history; effective oversight; efficiently meeting ongoing requirements; reporting, responding to, and analyzing incidents; suitability program case studies; inactivation requirements, including “failure” investigation; and inspection preparation and response. The course will consist of topical presentations followed by group discussions aimed at facilitating application of presented strategies to attendees’ individual programs and providing a platform to capitalize on attendees’ collective experience.
Objectives:
- Identify strategies to efficiently maintain a compliant select agent program and anticipate future regulatory focus
- Develop effective approaches for preparing for inspections and implementing required changes
- Review a series of suitability program case studies and identify strategies for dealing with potential suitability concerns
- Summarize inactivation requirements and identify successful strategies for compliance
Suggested Background:
None
Target Audience:
All Safety Professionals, Select Agent Program Safety Professionals
Audience Level:
Course Logistics:
Course is two 4-hour sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. There will be a 15-minute break each session. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the session and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.
Although this course is part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.
COURSE FACULTY
Amy Vogler is an Associate Director at the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute (PMI) at Northern Arizona University (NAU). She has worked at PMI since 1997 as a researcher and has been responsible for managing their BSL-3 Select Agent laboratory since 2009. She received her B.S. in Microbiology and Chemistry in 1999 and her Ph.D. in Biology in 2003 from NAU and is an author on 45 publications in the field of population genetics and molecular epidemiology of bacterial pathogens. She continues to conduct research on Yersinia pestis while also managing the BSL-3 laboratory. She received her RBP in 2012.
Shelley Jones is the Director of Biological Safety and Responsible Official at Northern Arizona University. She received her B.S. from Illinois State University and her M.S. from Arizona State University, both in environmental disciplines. Shelley has over 30 years of diverse experience in environmental health and safety. She has been a Responsible Official/Alternate Responsible Official for 19 years.
COURSE FEES
ABSA Members: $550 USD
Nonmembers: $735 USD
To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 8 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.
Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 9/24/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 10/1/2026. No refunds after 10/1/2026.
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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.
6V. Institutional Infectious Substance Shipping Program Assessment and Development
November 9 through November 13, 2026
12:30 pm – 2:10 pm CST
Overview:
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 influence shipping policy 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, EHS Program Managers & Directors, Professionals who manage and train others in shipping programs
Audience Level:
Course Logistics:
Course is five 100-minute sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the sessions and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.
Although this course is part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.
COURSE FACULTY
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: $550 USD
Nonmembers: $735 USD
To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 8 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.
Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 10/12/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 10/19/2026. No refunds after 10/19/2026.
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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 8.0 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.
7V. We Built the BSL-3… Now What? Operational Management, Sustainability, and Risk-Based Decision Making for High-Containment Laboratories
November 19, 2026
11:00 am – 3:00 pm CST
Overview:
High-containment laboratories play a critical role in public health preparedness, infectious disease research, and diagnostic response. However, constructing a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory is only the first step; ensuring it is safe, sustainable, and compliant in operation presents significant technical, operational, and organizational challenges. Many institutions struggle with maintaining complex containment systems, implementing robust biosafety programs, and sustaining competent personnel and operational procedures over time.This course provides a practical framework for the operation, management, and sustainability of BSL-3 laboratories. Attendees will explore the operational components required to maintain high-containment facilities, including governance structures, risk management systems, operational procedures, infrastructure and engineering controls, preventive maintenance programs, and emergency preparedness strategies. Emphasis will be placed on integrating engineering controls, administrative controls, and biosafety practices into a coherent biorisk management approach aligned with international guidance and best practices. The course also examines common institutional challenges encountered in high-containment laboratories, including infrastructure failures, gaps in operational planning, insufficient maintenance strategies, and misalignment between laboratory design and operational capabilities. Attendees will learn how to evaluate these risks and implement practical solutions to improve laboratory performance and safety. Through case studies, operational examples, and scenario-based discussions, attendees will analyze real-world challenges related to the management of BSL-3 laboratories and explore strategies to strengthen institutional governance, improve operational resilience, and ensure sustainable laboratory performance.
Objectives:
- Evaluate external and internal requirements or conditions that influence shipping policy 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, EHS Program Managers & Directors, Professionals who manage and train others in shipping programs
Audience Level:
Course Logistics:
Course is five 100-minute sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the sessions and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.
Although this course is part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.
COURSE FACULTY
Mr. Ochoa currently serves as the High-Containment Lab/Pandemic Safety Manager and Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program for the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at Michigan State University. From October 2019 to June 2021, he worked as the Director of the Epidemiological Surveillance and Research Laboratory Network of the Mexican Institute for Social Security (IMSS) and from March 2013 to October 2019 he served as BSL-3 Lab Coordinator at the National Reference Laboratory in Mexico. Prior to his current position, he received a Master´s Degree in Public Health Management focused on Biological Risk Management. He is currently the President of the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA-International) and has served as the Chair of the Publications Committee, member of the International Engagement Committee, member of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Working Group, and international editor for Applied Biosafety Journal. As one of the eighteen founding members and past President of the AMEXBIO, he has strengthened the network between biosafety professionals in the region and helped to create strategic alliances with international and national institutions. Additionally, Mr. Ochoa has served as a mentor of different mentoring programs for Sandia National Laboratories, the Next Generation Global Health Security Network, and the IFBA Mentorship Program. In addition, Mr. Ochoa is a Certified Biosafety Professional from IFBA in four disciplines: Biorisk Management, Biological Risk Assessment, Biocontainment Facility Design, Operations and Maintenance, and Biosafety Cabinet Selection, Installation and Safe Use.
Dr. Mafra is a veterinarian (Federal University of Viçosa, 1988) with a Master’s in Parasitology (UFMG, 1991) and a PhD in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) from UFRGS (1998). He completed postdoctoral training at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, USA, focusing on biodefense and emerging infectious diseases. As a retired full professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UFV, he continues as a professor and advisor in the Applied Biochemistry graduate program. His extensive expertise includes biosafety, parasitic diseases, parasite biochemistry and molecular biology, bioinformatics, and molecular epidemiology, with research emphasis on ticks, tick-borne diseases, and the complex interactions among pathogens, vectors, hosts, and the environment. Dr. Mafra has held multiple leadership roles, including Vice-President of ANBio, President of the Brazilian Society for Biosafety and Biosecurity (SB3), and President of the Certification Body of IFBA (Canada). He is a member of several national and international working groups, such as Brazil’s Maximum Biocontainment Facility Workgroup and CEPI’s Biorisk Working Group (Norway). He collaborates with institutions, including the Ministry of Health, PAHO, iGEM Foundation, and the Galveston National Laboratory (UTMB). He has consulted for organizations like ABNT, CNPq, FINEP, FAPESP, and the OAS on bioterrorism. An active researcher, Dr. Mafra has authored over 70 scientific articles, multiple books, patents, and software registrations. He has also guided numerous theses and postdoctoral projects. His career reflects a sustained commitment to advancing biosafety, biocontainment, and public health, contributing to national preparedness and global biosecurity efforts.
COURSE FEES
ABSA Members: $330 USD
Nonmembers: $430 USD
To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 8 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.
Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 10/22/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 10/29/2026. No refunds after 10/29/2026.
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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.