The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s (MMUST) Bachelor of Science in Biosafety & Biosecurity co-op placement program provides invaluable practical experience, enhances skills, and builds professional networks, significantly impacting a student’s career trajectory. At the end of each year of academic study, students are placed in relevant host institutions across Kenya and Tanzania, applying theoretical classroom knowledge to real-world settings and learning the practical demands of the professional world. Host institutions benefit from accessing a pool of motivated and skilled students, contributing to their workforce development and potentially identifying future employees.
Co-op placements are facilitated through partnerships with the Biorisk Management Association of Kenya (BMAK), the Tanzania Biological Safety Association (TaBSA) and the Africa CDC East Africa Regional Centre of Excellence for Biosafety & Biosecurity (RCoEBB) located within the National Public Health Laboratory, Tanzania Ministry of Health, Dar es Salaam. These collaborations are yielding positive results and tangible outcomes, with all 21 students successfully placed in 15 workplaces for their 2025 May-July co-op term. Students describe their placements as transformative, building confidence, and gaining clarity about their future careers in managing biological risks.
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MMUST Students Co-op Placements
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MMUST Visit to National Public Health Laboratory, Regional Center of Excellence in Biosafety and Biosecurity in Tanzania, and Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency
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The IFBA and MMUST are grateful for the funding support provided by the Weapons Threat Reduction Program of Global Affairs Canada and the many other partners who support and contribute expertise to the BSc. Biosafety Biosecurity program.