On 4 – 5 June 2025, the Research Administration Division of the Mae Fah Luang University Research and Innovation Institute, in collaboration with the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), organised the Biosafety and Biosecurity (English) Training Programme at Kham Mok Luang Room, M-Square Building.
The programme aimed to enhance understanding of biosafety standards, a set of safety measures designed to protect personnel from potential hazards arising from microorganisms, biological agents, animal toxins, and other substances used in research and academic activities. In particular, working with highly pathogenic microorganisms requires strict biosecurity measures to prevent the loss, misuse, or accidental release of these dangerous pathogens. Therefore, researchers engaged in studies involving genetically modified organisms (GMOs), including microorganisms from plants and animals, modern biotechnology, and synthetic biology, must possess essential knowledge of biosafety and biosecurity. This includes areas such as regulations on biosafety, biosafety cabinet use, waste management, risk assessment, risk group classification, and biosafety levels.
Participants were trained to comply with the Pathogens and Animal Toxins Act B.E. 2558 (2015), which mandates that all operators and responsible personnel receive certified training in biosafety and biosecurity based on the curriculum approved by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and accredited by the Department of Medical Sciences, the Ministry of Public Health.
The training featured both theoretical and practical sessions for a total of 100 participants, including students, lecturers, researchers, and laboratory staff. The programme brought together several experts, including Dr. Chaisuree Supavilai from Chiang Mai University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Veerachai Thitapakorn from Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, and Dr. Boonhiang Promdonkoy from the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.
Lecture sessions covered a range of key topics, such as law and regulations of biosafety and biosecurity, donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE), infectious waste management, principles of biosafety and biosecurity, safety equipment and biological spill response, biorisk management, biosafety practices, pathogen decontamination and transportation. Participants also engaged in a series of hands-on practical sessions, which included: biological laboratory and facility design, doffing personal protective equipment (PPE), and biological spill response.
This comprehensive training equipped participants with practical knowledge that can be directly applied in their work, ensuring the safety of individuals, the community, and the environment in accordance with biosafety and biosecurity principles.
