From Pathogens to Protection: Bio risk Assessment in the era of AI and emerging technologies FHCC 2026

Introduction

As healthcare, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence continue to converge, the need for robust biosafety and biosecurity practices has never been greater. This interactive workshop will equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to identify, assess, and manage biological risks in modern laboratory and research environments.

Drawing upon the World Health Organization (WHO) Biorisk Management Framework, participants will explore key biological hazards, conduct structured biorisk assessments, and evaluate laboratory practices against international biosafety and biosecurity standards. The workshop will also examine how emerging technologies, including AI-driven research tools and advanced biotechnology platforms, are transforming the risk landscape, creating new opportunities and challenges for effective risk management.

Through case studies, practical exercises, and facilitated discussions, participants will learn to develop effective control measures, strengthen emergency preparedness, and foster a culture of biosafety, responsibility, and regulatory compliance. By the end of the workshop, attendees will be better prepared to safeguard personnel, communities, and scientific innovation within an increasingly complex and technology-enabled healthcare ecosystem.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify and classify key biological hazards commonly encountered in laboratory and research environments.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of biorisk management principles and their practical application.
• Conduct structured biorisk assessments using the WHO framework, including hazard identification, risk analysis, and mitigation planning.
• Evaluate laboratory practices against international biosafety and biosecurity standards and identify areas requiring improvement.
• Develop and implement effective engineering, administrative, and operational control measures to minimize biological risks.
• Assess emergency preparedness procedures and promote a sustainable culture of biosafety, biosecurity, and responsible research.

Target Audience

• Wet-laboratory scientists and researchers.
• MS/M.Phil. and PhD scholars working in life sciences, biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, and related disciplines.
• Laboratory directors, managers, biosafety officers, and technical staff.
• Healthcare professionals, institutional administrators, and policymakers involved in laboratory governance and biosafety oversight.

Workshop Structure

Expected Impact

This workshop will strengthen participants' capacity to recognize, assess, and manage biological risks using internationally recognized biosafety and biosecurity frameworks. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical simulation exercises, attendees will develop the confidence to implement evidence-based risk management strategies within their own laboratories and institutions.

The workshop will also promote a culture of responsibility, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement, enabling organizations to enhance laboratory safety, protect personnel and surrounding communities, and support safe scientific innovation in the rapidly evolving fields of healthcare, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.