Biosecurity for the Next Generation

Massive open online course titled 'Biosecurity for the Next Generation: responding to biological risks in the 21st century' to support and educate young bioscientists and others on keeping their work in the laboratory both safe and secure. Significant outbreaks of disease pose a serious threat to our societies on a global scale. Infectious disease outbreaks can cause widespread harm to human, animal and plant life; affect the environment; disrupt economies and vital public services, and have long- lasting social impacts across the globe. With the advent of modern biotechnology, the 21st century faces the unique challenge that such outbreaks can now be man-made, whether caused by an accidental release of a dangerous biological agent from a facility, or as the result of a deliberate biological attack by a malicious actor. Biosecurity for the Next Generation is a 6-week massive open online course hosted on the FutureLearn platform, launching on 12 November 2018 and running in 6-week increments. The course is open to all is specifically designed to provide students and young professionals in the biosciences, bioengineering and security sectors with a comprehensive understanding of: - the biosecurity challenges inherent in the life sciences - local, national and international responses to these biological risks, and - the role and contribution of biological scientists and engineers in making sure that science and technology is used safely and securely. Ultimately, you’ll learn to keep yourself, your colleagues, and the public safe - and how to resolve any ethical or security challenges that you may face in the lab during your studies and career. Join us at: www.futurelearn.com/courses/biosecurity and follow us on twitter at @NextGenBiosec and by using the hashtag #NextGenBiosecurity