Second Latin American Training Course on Biosafety for Human Health and the Environment in Relation to Potential Release of Genetically Modified Vectors

Comparte

22 November–3 December 2010

Sponsored by: TDR, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases

Organized and hosted by: the Program for the Study and Control of Tropical Diseases (PECET), University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia

All applications must be received by 30 September 2010

Introduction

The genetic transformation of disease vectors has opened a new era for control of viral and parasitic diseases by significantly reducing the ability of some vectors to transmit pathogens. Recently there has been progress in the genetic transformation of Aedes and Anophelesmosquitoes to make them refractory to the transmission of dengue virus and Plasmodiumrespectively. However, this technology raises concerns not only in the scientific world, but also in the general population with regard to safety for humans and the environment, handling, feasibility, efficiency, and release of such genetically modified organisms, especially in Latin American countries.

The goal of this biosafety training course is threefold: (1) to increase the awareness of Latin American researchers and decision-makers to issues and challenges such as ethical, legal and social implications related to the development and implementation of this technology; (2) to ensure the feasibility and safety of using genetically modified disease vectors in Latin American countries; and (3) to build capacity in Latin America for the safe development and implementation of this technology.

Objectives of the course

To create a pool of regional scientists, decision-makers and community leaders well-trained in the assessment and management of biosafety related to the implementation of genetically modified disease vectors for the control of vector-borne diseases in Latin America.

Specific objectives

To outline requirements for field deployment of genetic control methods for disease vector control – e.g. for malaria and dengue.
To build capacity in Latin America for assessment and management of biosafety to ensure secure handling of issues associated with the field release of genetically modified vectors through the creation of a regional training centre.
To train Latin American researchers, personnel in vector control services and decision-makers in the assessment and management of biosafety for human health and the environment and to seed the creation of biosafety regulatory bodies.

Course content & language

The course will have a duration of two weeks, during which there will be lectures and hypothetical exercises. It will involve 15 trainees. The following topics will be covered in the course:

Basic principles of the genetic manipulation of vectors and their potential impact on humans and the environment.
Ethical, legal and social implications of the use of genetically modified vectors.
Identification of potential hazards; assessment and management of risks for humans and the environment; risk/benefit analysis.
Principles and practices for the assessment and management of biosafety and biosecurity in laboratories.
Creation and management of institutional or national biosafety review boards and ethics review committees.
Introduction to the development and application of a biosafety regulatory framework and its related legal principles at national levels for securing the development and use of vector control methods based on genetic modification strategies.

Course language: The course will be taught in English.

Eligibility criteria

The course aims to train dedicated Latin American researchers, vector biologists and decision-makers in vector control and the assessment and management of biosafety for human health and the environment. The course is also open to local community leaders. Approximately 15 Latin Americans belonging to the target group will be trained this year. A third course will be organized next year on the assessment and management of biosafety and on the set-up and management of regulatory principles and bodies.

Selection criteria

An international Committee in collaboration with TDR will review the applications and apply the following questions for selection of participants:

What are the position and professional record of accomplishment of the candidate?
Is the candidate a potential trainer?
Is she/he able to further teach or advise people on this topic?
What is the quality of the candidate’s application?

Financial support

The course is sponsored by TDR. The costs of all selected applicants will be covered (travel costs, hotel, meals and local transport). Wherever applicable, a return economy class (highly subsidized fare) air-(e)ticket between Medellín and the nearest airport to the selected candidate’s workplace will be supplied directly (electronically) by the organizers. Costs of hotels, meals and local transport will be covered by a reasonable per diem paid to trainees for the course period attended.

Application procedure

All applications must be submitted using this link to the application form (MS Word format).

Applicants should provide two letters of recommendation from their supervisors or other senior scientists stating how the training will be used in the immediate future.

The completed application form and letters of recommendation should be sent electronically to:

Dr Iván Darío Vélez

Email: biosafetyivanvelez@pecet-colombia.org

All applications must be received by 30 September 2010.
Successful applicants will be notified by 15 October 2010.
Course dates: 22 November–3 December 2010.
Course venue: Program for the Study and Control of Tropical Diseases (PECET), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.