Project profile — Enhancing Biorisk Management Sustainability at the Jordan University of Science and Technology

This project aims to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity in Jordan. It contributes to building the capacity of the Biological Risk Management and Genomics Training Division at the Princess Haya Biotechnology Center at the Jordan University of Science and Technology. Project activities include: (1) creating a multi-stakeholder awareness community; (2) developing a media and communication strategy; (3) identifying opportunities to foster forward-looking growth; and (4) developing streamlined procedures for continuity of operations and service delivery.

The expected outcome of this project includes strengthening the network of biosafety professionals in the Middle East and North Africa.

Results achieved as of July 2018 include: (1) publishing an awareness brochure; (2) presenting the World Science Forum in Amman, Jordan, in November 2017; (3) improved the website to make it more user-friendly; (4) developed a proposal to strengthen best practices for handling biological samples; (5) developed a proposal to enhance testing and validation of samples, emergency response, and regional-level training; (6) trained 846 individuals from 8 countries in best practices for biosafety, biosecurity, and disease response. These countries include Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, and Yemen.