On November 12, 2025, the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) International announced a “landmark” partnership under the Northern Alliance Agreement. This Agreement establishes a collaboration between ABSA International, the Mexican Biosafety Association (AMEXBIO), and the Canadian Association for Biological Safety/L’Association Canadienne Pour La Sécurité Biologique (CABS/ACSB) to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity cooperation throughout North America and the broader Americas region.
The National Alliance Agreement emphasizes cooperation to bridge the gap between developed and developing regions, promotes mutual support, and facilitates knowledge exchange. According to ABSA International’s President, Sherry Bohn, “This alliance represents the collective strength of three national associations working toward a common goal—advancing biosafety and biosecurity across the Americas.”
The partnership focuses on providing a framework to expand education, training, and preparedness. The primary goals include:
- Capacity building and training: Deliver in-person and virtual joint training programs, workshops, and conferences to build professional competencies and support emerging biosafety networks.
- Standardization of best practices: Work toward harmonized biosafety and biosecurity standards adaptable to local needs and resources to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
- Policy advocacy: Encourage the development of robust national biosafety policies and promote cooperation between governments, academic institutions, and the private sector.
- Integration of emerging fields: Incorporate cyberbiosecurity, dual-use research of concern (DURC), and potential pandemic pathogen (PPP) management into the regional dialogue and training.
In addition to co-hosting professional development events, the Alliance plans to publish an Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Report highlighting regional progress and trends. Each October during Biosafety and Biosecurity Month, they will also initiate a Biosafety and Biosecurity Awareness Campaign.
In a joint statement, the presidents of ABSA International, CABS/ACSB, and AMEXBIO stressed that “The Northern Alliance Agreement is more than a memorandum—it’s a shared commitment to safer science. Together, we are shaping the future of biosafety and biosecurity across the Americas through cooperation, education, and leadership.”
More information can be found in ABSA International’s November 12, 2025 press release or by contacting us!
This blog was written by Beth Graham, Safety Partners’ Director of Quality, Research, and Training.
