Centre for Biothreat Preparedness
The Centre for Biothreat Preparedness (BUOS) is a national specialist organisation for the management of biosecurity medicine and biological threats. It aims to support the fight against biological threats caused by the deliberate spread of microorganisms. It also supports preparedness for threats and increases knowledge and cooperation in the field at the national level.
The Centre for Biothreat Preparedness is a joint project of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the Finnish Defence Forces and the Finnish Food Authority. It is directed by a steering group consisting of members from the institutes and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
The role of the Centre for Biothreat Preparedness
- conducting research and development work concerning biological threats and related preparedness
- coordinating laboratory diagnostics related to biological threats
- assessing risks and drawing up policies related to biosecurity
- providing training and organising seminars on biological threats and biosecurity for safety authorities and health care professionals
- promoting national cooperation in the field of biosecurity, for example through a Finnish biosecurity network set up by the centre
- maintaining international biosafety contacts and researcher exchanges.
