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Biosafety and Biosecurity Month

  Laboratory Safety, News & Updates 

Biosafety & Biosecurity Month

Join Environmental Health & Safety throughout October for Biosafety & Biosecurity Month. This year’s events will feature updates on federal life sciences policies, opportunities to connect with vendors, and guidance on navigating regulatory and permitting requirements.

Events are open to members of the University of Tennessee research community. See event details below.

October 2

Upcoming Changes to Federal Life Sciences Policies

Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Location: Mossman 305
Virtual Option: Join via Zoom
Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.

Join us for an overview of two recently published federal policies:

  • NIH Draft Biosafety Policy for Research Involving Biohazards
  • U.S. Government Policy for Stopping High-Risk Life Sciences Research

During this session, we’ll discuss:

  • Summaries of both policies
  • Changes from preceding policies
  • Timelines for policy compliance

Audience: Principal investigators conducting life sciences research involving biohazards and department heads who oversee these PIs.

Zoom: Join the Oct. 2 session on Zoom

October 22

Tabling Event with Vendors

Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m.
Location: Mossman, 3rd Floor
Refreshments will be provided.

Stop by for a Biosafety & Biosecurity Month tabling event featuring vendors and an opportunity to connect with Environmental Health & Safety.

This could remain a shorter section since there is less event information.

October 30

So You Need a Permit…

Navigating VS, PPQ, and BRS Regulatory Pathways

Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Location: ANRB 124
Refreshments will be provided.

Confused about APHIS permits? Not sure whether your research falls under VS, PPQ, or BRS oversight?

Join us for an overview of federal regulatory pathways affecting agricultural, biological, and biotechnology research.

During this session, we’ll discuss:

  • How to determine which APHIS program applies to your work
  • Common permit and compliance pathways
  • Resources that can simplify the application process
  • Practical tips for avoiding delays and regulatory pitfalls

Special Guest

Rachel Baxter
East Tennessee APHIS Inspector

Rachel will provide additional insights into APHIS programs and current regulatory considerations.

Whether you’re planning a new project or managing an existing one, this session will help you navigate the permitting process with confidence.

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