Microbiology in the Hot zone

June 28 2013, 1 day

Stefan Kunz

Prof. Stephen Leib, Spiez Laboratory; Dr Marc Strasser, Spiez Laboratory; Dr Oliver Engler, Spiez Laboratory; Prof. Silke Stertz, University of Zurich; Dr Lukas Flatz, CHUV; Prof. Stefan Kunz, CHUV/UNIL; Dr Sylvia Rothenberger, Program Coordinator CUSO

Prof. S. Leib, Labor Spiez; Prof. S. Kunz, CHUV/UNIL; Dr J.F. Drexler, University of Bonn, Germany; Dr C. Griot, IVI Mittelhäusern; Dr L. Flatz, CHUV; Dr M.Strasser, Labor Spiez; Dr O. Engler, Labor Spiez; Dr C.Beuret, Labor Spiez; Dr M.Witter, Labor Spiez, Dr D. Zysset-Burri, Labor Spiez

Highly pathogenic viruses and bacteria that cause incurable diseases with high mortality in humans represent a major challenge for current microbiology research. Due to their high virulence and the absence of efficacious treatment, research on these pathogens must be conducted in high containment laboratories of biosafety level 4 (BSL4), the so called “Hot Zone”. This joint workshop with the BSL4 facility of Labor Spiez will give a unique opportunity to learn more about these important pathogens and to visit a real “Hot Zone” laboratory of BSL4.

The first part of the workshop (morning session) will start with an introduction into the subject of emerging highly pathogenic microbes in the context of public and global health. This will followed by presentations on research and diagnostics performed under BSL4 conditions, given by invited experts. This part will cover the particular challenges of research on these pathogens from a basic science, biosafety, biomedical, and agricultural point of view.

The second part will consist of a presentation of the activities of the Spiez Laboratory combined with an interactive visit of the newly constructed state-of-the-art BSL4 facility at Spiez Laboratory. The visit will allow insights into the reality of microbiology work in a “Hot Zone” BSL4 laboratory, combined with explications and information on the biosafety aspects associated with this type of research.

AUDIENCE

Ph.D students and postdoctoral fellows of the CUSO Doctoral Program in Microbial Sciences (max 20 participants)

PROGRAM:

Flyer

Spiez laboratory, Spiez (BE)

Map

0.5

Registration fee for non-CUSO members (hors-CUSO): CHF25.-

Please send to the address below with the indication13 43 00 05

22