Biological Workshop and Round Table
Biosecurity, Biosafety and Dual-Use Risks: Trends, Challenges and Innovative Solutions
November 13th - 14th, 2009
Villa del Grumello
Como, Italy
Organized by
International Working Group - Landau Network-Centro Volta (IWG-LNCV), Como, Italy
In cooperation with
Bradford Disarmament Research Centre (BDRC), University of Bradford, UK
With the support of
Prevention of and Fight against Crime Programme
European Commission - Directorate-General Justice, Freedom and Security
US Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF)
International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC)
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Lombardy Region, Italy
And under the patronage of
National Research Council (NRC), Italy
The IWG-LNCV Biological Workshop and Round Table on “Biosecurity, Biosafety and Dual-Use Risks: Trends, Challenges and Innovative Solutions” was held in two and half working days on 13 and 14 November 2009 in Como, at the Villa del Grumello on Lake Como shores. It was organized following the tradition of annual Workshops on Biosecurity and Biosafety of IWG-LNCV.
The 2009 meetings brought together a group of high level representatives from different backgrounds and converging on the discussion on issues of biosecurity, biosafety and dual use risks. National and international governmental organizations were represented; scientists, researchers and administrators from leading centers of excellence on research and laboratory containment worldwide also participated; academia and scientific universities were also represented with participants including professors of life sciences, course coordinators but also bioethicists and experts of international and penal law; finally, experts on policy making and from the “security community” participated, particularly on scientific and non-scientific aspects of safety, security and prevention.
The main aims of the Workshop and Round Table have been:
· To present institutional initiatives to strengthen Biosafety and Biosecurity Frameworks and regimes internationally;
· To present and discuss potential measures to facilitate and ensure the spread and the developing of life science and biotechnology around the world, guaranteeing at the same time safety and security;
· To present various experiences and to discuss the issue of education and awareness raising initiatives for scientists, especially the “new generations”, that are recognized to be essential part of the prevention process in a highly dual use field such as the life sciences;
· To present the activities of research and prevention institutes located in several areas of the world and the potentialities of networking that could facilitate research development and cooperation, and spread safety and security best practice;
· To engage in a discussion on how improve links and cooperation among institutional organizations, industry, professional associations, academic community, and enhance the various parts of the “web of prevention”, including legal frameworks, oversight, education, disease preparedness; and also the move towards new partnerships, public/private and science/security, to promote science development while responding to Biosafety and Biosecurity concerns.
Agenda Bio 2009.pdf (136,92 KB)
List of Participants Bio 2009.pdf (113,51 KB)
See also:
Promoting Sustainable Education and Awareness Raising on Biosecurity and Dual use
Side Event to the Meeting of State Parties of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention
International Cooperation, Biosecurity and the Education of Life Scientists
US National Academies of Science & University of Bradford & National Defense Medical College & Landau Network - Centro Volta