The GENyO Centre has become a leading provider of biosafety training for its technical and research staff

The Pfizer-University of Granada-Regional Government of Andalusia Centre for Genomics and Cancer Research, GENyO, has achieved a significant milestone in the field of preventive training and scientific safety: 90 staff members, including researchers and technical personnel, have received training in biosafety following three consecutive years of hosting the Basic Course on Biosafety in Research Laboratories, organised by the University of Granada’s Mediterranean Centre.

The latest edition of the course, held recently at the centre’s facilities, was led by Dr Francisco Sicilia Gutiérrez, head of the Industrial Hygiene – Biosafety Unit at the University of Granada’s Health and Prevention Service, and by Dr Inmaculada Sánchez Ruiz de Valdivia, Professor of Civil Law at the University of Granada.

The course covers essential aspects of working safely in research laboratories, such as exposure to biological agents —viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, genetically modified organisms and cell cultures—, preventive and protective measures, levels of biological containment, the use of personal protective equipment, biological safety cabinets, waste management, procedures for dealing with biological spills, and the legal requirements associated with activities and facilities involving biological risk.

The consolidation of this training programme represents a particularly significant step for GENyO, as it strengthens the skills of research and technical staff in an area critical to the responsible conduct of biomedical research; this marks a collective achievement and an example of the institution’s commitment to prevention, quality and safety in the laboratories.

This initiative has been promoted by the Centre’s Directorate and Management, as well as by GENyO’s Biosafety Committee, the internal body responsible for the management, assessment and supervision of biological risks at the centre. Among its functions is precisely the promotion of staff training in biosafety and emergency plans, as well as providing information on applicable standards, protocols and procedures.

The GENyO Biosafety Committee acts as a technical advisory body and an independent biological risk review group, reporting on its activities to the Centre’s management and overseeing the risk assessment of activities carried out on its premises. Its work includes the internal assessment of activities involving the contained use of genetically modified organisms, the updating of standard operating procedures, the supervision of containment measures and the review of incidents related to biological risk.

By continuing this course, GENyO is reinforcing its efforts to integrate biosafety as an essential part of its research activities. Specialised training, regulatory updates and the active involvement of staff are key elements in ensuring safe working environments, protecting people’s health and ensuring that research is conducted to the highest standards of responsibility.

This achievement reflects GENyO’s commitment to safe, rigorous biomedical research that is aligned with best practices in biological risk management, consolidating the centre’s position as a leader in promoting a culture of biosafety in research laboratories.