Dear Members of the European Biosafety Association,

Research, development and production of products using biological methods, including synthetic biology and genetic modification, moves a head with great strides. As examples for the statement, I would like to cite the idea of removing HIV from the human body using genetically modified lymphocytes and their pre-cursors (news press releases) or the use of a genetically modified fungus to attack Malaria in the gut of the mosquitoes (Science 331, 2011).

This rapid pace of science combined with the well known existing biological hazards makes a coordinated effort in fostering best in class Biosafety/Biosecurity necessary.

The International Federation of Biosafety Associations, of which EBSA is a founding member had it's first conference in February 2011. The participants accepted a resolution where IFBA will be tasked to raise the biosafety posture internationally, move the agenda of the orgnanisation forward and identify gaps and needs in biosafety on an international level (declaration).

Translated to our situation in Europe, I would like to call all of you to action with regards to strengthening our biosafety networks, our efforts in advancing biosafety relevant science and sharing of best practices with regards to technology and techniques relevant to biosafety, including training.

EBSA council and myself are very grateful for the considerable amount of work that has been done so far to move biosafety in Europe.

But as research and production moves on, we have to move on, too. EBSA council would like to encourage you to do the following in order to strengthen or adapt biosafety in Europe:

• To raise the posture of biosafety in Europe, we would like those of you in countries without national/regional biosafety organizations to consider forming such an organization. EBSA will provide help here.
• To move forward the agenda of biosafety in Europe, we would like you to ensure that individuals national/regional biosafety organizations are members of EBSA, too
• To identify needs and gaps in Europe, we would like those of you in countries/regions with a biosafety organization to ensure that all important stakeholders (e.g. academia, industry, regulators, armed forces, and others) are involved and that a feedback to EBSA is established.
  

The work to move biosafety forward starts at the individual level. EBSA will be the facilitator to raise the posture of biosafety, move the agenda forward and address gaps and needs in Europe.

We are looking forward to your support and efforts in enhancing biosafety in Europe.
Warm regards

Martin Kuster, President 2010/2011