Members only event

How do you correctly report an incident involving biological agents? What does Belgian legislation require from your organization?

2 days of EBSA pre conference courses on Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 June 2026 2 days of EBSA conference on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 June 2026.

InstructorsKarin Darpel (DE) and Sophie Duraffour (DE) When outbreaks of high-consequence viral pathogens emerge, rapid diagnostic and research activities are often pushed to the front lines - directly into the field, at the heart of the epidemic. But what biosafety precautions are essential in these high-stakes environments, and how can they be effectively applied under demanding, real-world conditions? 

InstructorsSuzanne Loret (BE) and Filippo De Franceschi (CH) This course is intended for novices to practitioners in contained use.  After introducing the basic concepts about safety equipment (collective and personal equipment), the training will focus on biosafety cabinets (BSC) with particular attention to defining the protection range of each type of BSC and some ways to decontaminate the BSC work surface and HEPA filters. The first course day will also cover personal protective equipment (PPE), focusing mainly on facial masks and gloves. Besides explaining the criteria to consider when selecting the appropriate PPE. 

InstructorsVips Halkjaer-Knudsen (DK) and Faye Litherland (UK) Upgrading an operational BSL2 laboratory to BSL3 is a significantly different process than designing a brand-new BSL3 facility, where budgets, expectations, and design principles are established from the beginning. Retrofitting presents an entirely different challenge. Many initiatives start with internal enthusiasm, often from scientific staff who believe the upgrade mainly involves adding a pass-through autoclave or creating a curved floor-to-wall transition. The shift from “minimise release” to “prevent release” is much more complex than it seems, and the hidden complexities, costs, and constraints of old infrastructure are easy to underestimate. This immersive simulation game places participants in the role of biosafety consultants tasked with navigating exactly these challenges.