Biological agents defence and surveillance systems for early detection and emergency response protocols

This three-day course has been designed to provide participants with extensive knowledge of biological weapons (BWs) and the threats of bioterrorism. The course will help participants acquire good understanding of key concepts, theories and methodologies in different case studies of BWs-related security issues.

Biological agents such as toxins, viruses and bacteria can be used to develop BWs which can cause death and disease in humans and animals as well as the destruction of crops. BWs are asymmetric threats which can be used against nations when they are least prepared. Once used, BWs have a diverse outcome that makes it almost impossible to contain them before they spread. A perfect example to the serious threats of BWs is the letters containing anthrax spores which were sent in the USA in 2001. These letters killed five people and infected 17 others in a case considered an act of bioterrorism that presents a significant threat to the military and civilians likewise.

In this course, we will explain the impact of BWs on both national and international security and the design of response protocols. At the end of the course, the participants will understand how these weapons work and the effect on health and the economy. They will also be able to construct both a general surveillance system and tailored emergency response protocols. The course will combine science, international relations and security as well as national and international policies and the implementation of BWs convention.

The course will also address the effects on national and international economic and the impact on individuals' lives as well as evaluate and analyse the socio-economic effects of the recent outbreak of coronavirus around the world. The course will equip policy and decisions makers with extensive knowledge of emergency and crisis responses and help policy and decisions makers with designing surveillance systems. Finally, the course will critically assess the relationship between BWs and societal issues, with a specific focus on security-related issues, and be able to explain key aspects of the role of scientists.