Skip to main content

European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative

Project on laboratory iso-banking closes in Manila

Manila -

European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative

The Initiative’s project on laboratory iso-banking closes in Manila, the Philippines

Manila, 7 September 2105: In the past two years the project “Strengthening laboratory bio-safety and bio-security through the development of a laboratory iso-bank system” (Project 15) has been implemented in Thailand and the Philippines. The Project aimed at strengthening national capacities for the safe and secure handling of biological agents through the development of a laboratory isolate banking system and coaching in its use.

The project is part of the European Union Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence initiative (EU CBRN CoE). The initiative aims to mitigate chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risks of criminal, accidental or natural origin by promoting improved and coordinated policies. It does so by sharing good practices, capabilities and guidelines and responding to the member states’ specific needs. This global initiative, funded by the European Union, is implemented by the European Commission and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). The initiative is developed with the technical support of relevant international and regional organisations, the EU Member States and other stakeholders, through coherent and effective cooperation at the national, regional and international level. The Initiative involves more than 50 countries and has been launched in eight different regions of the world: African Atlantic Façade; Central Asia; Eastern and Central Africa; Gulf Cooperation Council Countries; Middle East; North Africa and the Sahel; South East Asia; South East and Eastern Europe.

The Project implemented in Thailand and the Philippines has sought to contribute to the enhancement of bio-risk management at facilities that operate with infectious biological agents and minimize the likelihood of bio-incidents.

Today, the project will be officially closed in Manila, the Philippines. Dr. Alfredo Pascual, President of the University of the Philippines will be the Guest of Honor. The meeting will be attended by the representatives of the Office of the President of the Philippines, the Delegation of the European Union and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). Representatives of ten medical research and educational institutes from the Philippines and Thailand, partners in the Project, will also participate. During the event the tailor-made isolate banking tool and its potential in streamlining the laboratory work-flow will be presented. The participants, 35 in total, will have the opportunity to test the tool which will be handed over to the institutes.

For more information on the EU CBRN CoE Initiative: CBRN Centres of Excellence website

European Commission, Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace website

European Union Delegation to the Philippines