Written by the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies
A lecture by Dr Natasha K. Griffith, President and Chief Executive Officer of SOTER Bio Consulting, and an internationally recognized expert in biosafety and biosecurity, was held at the Krivokapić Amphitheatre of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies (UCIPS).
The lecture, entitled “Risk Assessment and Management in the Context of Biosafety and Biosecurity,” brought together faculty members, researchers, students, and representatives of institutions interested in contemporary challenges in biological security. During the event, Dr Griffith presented international experiences and best practices related to biorisk management, the operation of high-containment laboratories, and the strengthening of biosafety and biosecurity systems.
As a microbiologist with more than twenty years of experience supporting health security and capacity-building initiatives of the United States Government and collaborating with partners across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, Dr Griffith shared valuable practical insights into disease surveillance, outbreak response, vaccine development, and biological risk management. Particular attention was devoted to examples from her work in assessing and improving high-containment laboratory capacities, as well as developing insider threat prevention programs.
The lecture was organized as part of the activities of the UCIPS HBRN Center of Excellence, whose mission is to strengthen cooperation with leading national and international experts in the field of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear security.
Given the strong interest shown by participants and the importance of the topics discussed, a series of interconnected lectures and expert discussions dedicated to biosafety and biosecurity is planned to begin in the autumn of 2026. The program will be organized by the UCIPS HBRN Center of Excellence with the aim of providing continuous professional development opportunities and fostering knowledge exchange among members of the academic and professional communities in one of the most important areas of modern security.
