After a hiatus due to COVID-19, the Cambridge Biosafety Forum is back! This Forum is designed to educate new and current Community Representatives who serve as key members of Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) in Cambridge. Residents of Cambridge and surrounding communities who are interested in serving are welcome to attend. The Forum is also intended to provide information for those individuals who are interested in serving as Community Representatives and would like to learn more about what the position entails.
Life science research and development offers valuable opportunities for the creation of critical therapies for people all over the world who suffer from disease. This research can take place in colleges, universities, companies and other institutions that work with recombinant DNA, infectious agents, and other biological materials. An IBC serves a critical role in assessing the research and ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect scientists, the public and the environment.
As required in the NIH Guidelines, the guiding standard for local biosafety regulations in MA, all IBCs include two local residents (“outside members”) with no financial ties to the host company or institution. They are known as the IBC Community Representatives. Community representatives do not need to have a scientific background to participate. They should be interested in science and serving their community. Ideally the two members live or work in Cambridge, but those from neighboring cities/towns are welcome to participate.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Participants will learn about the roles and responsibilities of Community Representatives for IBCs and how to become involved. Topics will include:
The Forum is free of charge but participants must register for each session.
May 9th, 2023, 6-8pm:
Register for Day 1 at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yhKhhwEJQeeeQQJNV0ZFvQ
Introduction & Welcome
Risk Assessment & Basic Microbiology
Specialized Risk Topics
The IBC Community Member Perspective
May 17th, 2023, 6-8pm:
Register for Day 2 at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DX0vmolWTZ-W1_ihRJmxdA
Municipal Biosafety Programs
IBC Best Practices & Mock IBC
For more information, please contact Sam Lipson at slipson@cambridgepublichealth.org.
Sponsored by the City of Cambridge Public Health Department
Corporate Sponsorship provided by Environmental Health & Engineering Inc.
Co-Sponsored by the New England Biosafety Association (NEBSA)
Co-Sponsored by the Massachusetts Environmental Health Association