|
||
|
||
| [Home Page] [Search] |
Biosafety and Biotechnology Unit (SBB)
(Last revised:
February 14, 2011
)
Technical Expert for the Authorities
According to the Cooperation Agreement on Biosafety
of 25 April 1997, the SBB offers scientific support to the competent Federal
and Regional Authorities. This scientific expertise relates to:
- The use of pathogens and GMOs in laboratories, greenhouses, animal facilities, large-scale units and hospital rooms.
- The environmental release of GMOs.
- Gene Therapy and clinical trials involving GMOs.
- Commercial applications of GMOs.
The SBB is also in charge of the secretariat of the Belgian
Biosafety Advisory Council.
The SBB ensures under strict quality standards the archiving, traceability and confidentiality of data contained in regulatory dossiers.
Biological Risk Assessment
The SBB assesses the risks to human health and the environment of activities involving GMOs and/or pathogens.
- The risk assessment is performed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account international scientific criteria.
- The expertise of the SBB covers a broad range of scientific domains in life science such as microbiology, biology, molecular biology, ecology, agronomics and food/feed safety.
- Up-to-date scientific knowledge of SBB experts is ensured by regular trainings, follow-up of literature and participation in scientific meetings.
International Player
The SBB offers scientific support in official discussions related to Biosafety matters at EU and international level.
- The SBB participates in official platforms in European institutions (Council, Commission, EFSA, EMA) and international organizations such as CEN, OECD, Codex
Alimentarius, United
Nations.
- The SBB was the head of the Belgian delegation during the negotiation of the Cartagena
Protocol on Biosafety.
Interactive Scientific Platform
The SBB provides a single point of access to scientific information about GMOs.
- The SBB administers the "Belgian Biosafety Server", a website documenting all relevant information on Biosafety in Belgium and Europe (http://www.biosafety.be).
- The SBB is the national focal point for the information exchange mechanism set out by the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (the so-called "Biosafety
Clearing-House").
- The SBB hosts the communication platform within the EC "Co-Extra" project (http://www.coextra.eu).
- The SBB regularly publishes scientific papers and reports on Biosafety issues.
|