Why is biosafety and biosecurity important?

Because of the risks associated with handling potentially biohazardous agents (pHBAs), life sciences and clinical researchers and facility personnel must have a full understanding of biosafety and biosecurity principles, containment conditions and specific requirements under which these organisms and materials should be handled, stored and secured. pHBAs include biological samples (human and animal), human, animal and plant pathogens and toxins, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), etc. These research programmes and facilities must also comply with several legal requirements and research personnel must know how to navigate the complex regulatory environment.