On 14-16 June 2023, ICGEB HQ hosted a joint capacity-building course in the Framework of Article X of the BWC, supported by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).
The course, focusing on virus detection and biosecurity in the Framework of Article X of the Biological Weapons Convention, is part of an initiative between the ICGEB and the BWC Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). The objectives of Article X of BWC are aligned with the ICGEB mandate to promote scientific research excellence, training and biotechnology transfer to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Theoretical sessions were held by international experts in virology, diagnostic procedures, epidemiology, public heath, surveillance, antiviral therapy, vaccines and biosecurity, and were followed by practical sessions including the application of a molecular assay for virus detection and of a next-generation sequencing for virus detection in the field.
The training course aimed at capacity building by transferring biotechnology skills related to human viral diseases with a pandemic potential to beneficiary scientists from developing BWC States.
In addition, this serves to establish an international network of scientists under the UNODA/ICGEB umbrella, who are trained in the peaceful use of biotechnology, enabling future collaborative work between Europe and Africa in the field of biosecurity.
