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UCC’s Research Safety Officer selected as President of the European Biosafety Association
University College Cork (UCC) Research Safety Officer, Pat Casey, has been selected as President Elect of the European Biosafety Association (EBSA) at their recent Annual General Meeting in Antwerp, Belgium.
The appointment of Pat Casey as President Elect of the EBSA positions UCC as a world leading institution in safe working practices associated with handling of biological materials, particularly infectious agents.
Founded in 1996, EBSA is the European organisation in the field of biological safety, with over 600 members from over 40 countries. Its mission is to advance biosafety in Europe and beyond. Members range from students to senior professionals, from disciplines as diverse as healthcare, academia, emergency response, pharmaceutical/biotech industries, and regulatory affairs. EBSA establishes and communicates best biosafety and biosecurity practices amongst its members and encourages dialogue and discussions on developing issues.
Commenting on his selection as President of EBSA, Pat said: "Biological safety is a topic of increasing importance, particularly since the pandemic years, and I am delighted to be selected as President Elect of EBSA. I look forward to guiding the Association to new heights and further deepening relationships with our partner organisations and European regulatory bodies, as well as strengthening UCC’s international voice in this vital area."
Dr Siobhán Cusack, Director of Research Strategy and Projects at UCC said: "We are very proud of Pat’s achievement in being elected to this international leadership role which will shape the future of biosafety and biosecurity across Europe. As the next generation of research techniques and approaches embeds across the national and international University sector, Pat’s leadership will ensure that UCC works to the best practice for all its research and innovation activities."
Professor John F. Cryan, UCC Vice President for Research and Innovation at UCC said: "Congratulations to Pat on his appointment as President Elect of EBSA. Pat plays a crucial role in the high standard of research safety across the University, and this appointment is further evidence of his and UCC’s position as leaders in providing safe working practices for researchers."
Pat Casey, an EBSA council member and EBSA treasurer since 2019, will act as President Elect for a period of one year, before assuming the Presidency in 2025 for two further years.