The Biosecurity Office regularly attends international meetings to share knowledge, gain insights, and network. Recently, we participated in the Nordic Biosafety Network meeting, the IEGBBR, and the EBRF. In the near future, we will be present at the EBSA meeting in Maastricht with our biosecurity escape room. Additionally, prior to the EBSA meeting, we will host an International Biosecurity Symposium.
The purpose of "The Biosecurity Office International" is to keep you informed about our activities abroad. Where have we (virtually) been, and where might you (digitally) encounter us? Are you attending an international meeting and would like to share biosecurity knowledge and information? Feel free to contact us. We may be able to support you with materials or provide insights based on our experiences in specific countries.
Nordic Biosafety Network Meeting
On December 11-12, The Biosecurity Office gave a presentation about biotechnology and artificial intelligence at the Nordic Biosafety Network meeting in Stockholm. The Nordic Biosafety Network unites biosafety officers from Scandinavian countries to exchange knowledge and information on biosafety and biosecurity.
International Experts Groups of Biosafety and Biosecurity Regulators (IEGBBR)
From February 3-5, the 9th IEGBBR meeting was held in Paris. The IEGBBR consists of regulatory agencies specializing in biosafety and biosecurity from 11 member states, including the Netherlands. During this meeting, participants shared knowledge and experiences from the perspectives of their national regulatory systems, and new developments were discussed. One of the topics was “mirror life” and the potential biosecurity risks associated with it. Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) also provided updates on relevant biosafety and biosecurity topics.
European Biosecurity Regulators Forum (EBRF)
The annual meeting of the European Biosecurity Regulators Forum (EBRF) was held in Brussels on March 19-20. This group comprises representatives from seven European countries, including the Netherlands, with the goal of strengthening biosecurity in Europe and exchanging relevant information between countries. The Biosecurity Office provided an overview of the latest developments regarding biosecurity and dual-use in the Netherlands. The agenda also included discussions with EU representatives about further collaboration in the field of biosecurity in Europe.
International Biosecurity Symposium
On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, The Biosecurity Office will host an International Biosecurity Symposium. Prominent international speakers will discuss biosecurity issues and dual-use topics. The symposium will take place prior to the annual European Biosafety Association (EBSA) conference at the MECC in Maastricht. Attendance is free, and the registration deadline is April 14 via the link: https://www.bureaubiosecurity.nl/symposium.
European Biosafety Association Annual Meeting (EBSA)
On May 15-16, the annual meeting of the European Biosafety Association (EBSA) will take place in Maastricht. The Biosecurity Office will host a biosecurity escape room as one of the breakout sessions, which has been translated into English for the occasion. The EBSA meeting provides an excellent opportunity to informally exchange thoughts with colleagues on biosafety and biosecurity topics.