Biosecurity Challenges for Australia and it’s Region

11 – 12 Feburary 2008

Report by Christian Enemark (Co-Director)
The National Centre for Biosecurity convened its inaugural symposium at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University. It attracted more than 90 participants from a variety of backgrounds including research scientists, state and federal government officials, academics, students, and industry representatives. The major sponsor for this event was the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which facilitated the attendance of 16 participants from the Asia-Pacific region. The program included six topic panels:

• laboratory biosafety and diagnostic technology
• the biosecurity implications of emerging science and technology
• legal and ethical issues associated with dual use dilemmas in the life sciences
• international challenges for human health and security
• pandemic influenza risks and responses
• social dynamics during disease outbreaks

In addition, the symposium featured three keynote addresses by leading thinkers:

• Professor Malcolm Dando, Department of Peace Studies, University of Bradford Biosecurity: Upgrading the Web of Prevention: a View from the UK
• Professor John MacKenzie, Curtin University
  Global Surveillance and Response to Outbreaks of Infectious Disease: the Role of the WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network as the Response Arm of the New International Health Regulations
• Dr Suwit Wibulpolprasert, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand The Social and Spiritual Dimensions of Biosecurity: The Collective Survival of Mankind

The symposium was the first of its kind in Australia, addressing an unprecedented diversity of biosecurity topics and attracting participants with a wide range of interests, backgrounds and nationalities. It was particularly encouraging to witness participants interacting so closely during sessions and on the symposium sidelines; embracing new ideas and suggesting interdisciplinary collaborations. We at the National Centre for Biosecurity are optimistic that the symposium has raised awareness about the security implications of infectious diseases and increased understanding of the interrelated biosecurity challenges facing Australia and its region.

Christian Enemark
Convenor