OSCE-organized training course on biosafety and biosecurity enhances the capacity of science professionals working in Ukrainian laboratories

A comprehensive online Training of Trainers (ToT) course on biosafety and biosecurity was held by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre on 27-30 June and 11 July. The training equipped 15 Ukrainian laboratory professionals, biosafety officers and public health officials with the necessary skills and expertise to ensure the safe handling and management of biological materials within laboratory settings, as well as further enhancing their skills in this dynamic field.

Developed by leading national and international experts, the course consisted of 11 interactive modules, case studies and practical exercises to provide a comprehensive understanding of best practices in a  wide range of areas critical to biosafety and biosecurity.

The training served as a dynamic platform for collaboration, and the exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience. This virtual network facilitates the establishment of long-lasting professional relationships as well as enabling continuous improvement and encouraging the adoption of the latest biosafety and biosecurity standards.

As part of the training, Ukrainian life scientists utilized the biosafety and biosecurity online learning platform developed within the framework of the OSCE project funded by the European Union. This allowed scientists to cover the wider version of the course, get access to additional resources and materials, and verify acquired knowledge by obtaining certificates.

Participants also received guidance from a subject matter expert certified in effective methods of teaching adults on how to effectively deliver the training to their own teams and other life science professionals. This will help to ensure knowledge transfer, training a cadre of biosafety officers and fostering a culture of biosafety expertise.

The training evoked great interest and was highly appreciated by the professional community in Ukraine and gathered life scientists from the project stakeholders: Ministry of Health of Ukraine, State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, and National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine.