Laboratory Biosecurity

Laboratory biosecurity aims at preventing the unauthorized access, theft, misuse and intentional release of biological agents. It describes measures to protect the biological materials themselves as well as information, data, technologies, and equipment related to their handling.

This is in contrast to laboratory biosafety, which aims at preventing the unintentional exposure and the accidental release of biological agents. 

Laboratory biosecurity is closely linked to the dual use nature of biological research: research conducted for legitimate purposes can generate knowledge, information, technologies, and products that can be utilized both for benevolent as well as harmful purposes.

This website is intended as a starting point for researchers, technicians, students, trainees, biosafety officers, and other professionals interested in learning more about laboratory biosecurity and the misuse and dual use potential of biological research, technologies and material. 

It provides links to reports, guidance documents, legal texts, e-learning and on-site courses and other material. 

The website focuses on resources that are relevant for Switzerland, especially regarding policies and on-site courses, but also draws from resources provided by international organizations or other countries.