In January 2024, the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s (MMUST) launched it’s inaugural Bachelor of Science in Biosafety & Biosecurity and welcomed the first cohort of 21 students. This unique degree program, available to youth from around the world interested in pursing a career in biosafety and biosecurity, represents a major milestone towards global health security. The program delivers theoretical with practical learning covering diverse topics including biological risk assessment & mitigation, laboratory design & biocontainment, biological non-proliferation, diversity/equity/inclusion, one health, outbreak response, modern biothreats and cyberbiosecurity. Throughout their academic years, students will also have the opportunity to learn from a partnership of international experts who have committed their time and resources to assist MMUST’s leadership in developing biosafety & biosecurity professionals of the future.
Fidelis Mambo, Chairman Dept. Medical Laboratory Sciences, with 1st student cohort
from Kenya and Tanzania
The IFBA and MMUST are grateful for the funding support provided by the Weapons Threat Reduction Program of Global Affairs Canada, the technical expertise provided by the University of British Columbia’s Department of Safety & Risk Services, and the many other partners who supported and contributed their expertise to launching this program.