Welcome to the Institute of Safety in Technology and Research

All past presentations and pictures

ISTR and ERM Process Safety Webinars

ISTR and ERM are hosting a series of webinars on Process Safety for Laboratories.

The six-part webinar series is designed for professionals working in life sciences and laboratory environments. This program introduces essential process safety principles and their practical application to high-containment and research facilities. Each session focuses on a critical aspect of laboratory safety, from chemical compatibility and hazard analysis to emergency response and cybersecurity.

You can register for all of the sessions at the ERM website.

The webinar topics are:

  1. Introduction to Process Safety in Life Sciences Chemical Compatibility and Storage
  2. Applying Process Hazard Analysis to Lab Facilities: HAZOP/SWIFT 
  3. Safety Critical Systems: Automated systems and IEC 61511
  4. Cybersecurity for Operational Technology (OT)/ Industry Automated Control Systems (IACS) in Laboratory Settings: Safeguarding Automation and Control System
  5. Machinery Safety in Laboratories: PUWER, Guarding, and Human Interaction
  6. The Critical Window: Emergency Response in the First 20 minutes

         



ISTR and International Institute of Risk and Safety Management sign Memorandum of Understanding

ISTR has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) at the IIRSM President's Reception 2025.  The MoU recognises the expertise and leadership of ISTR within the UK and internationally as the UK Biosafety Association (UKBSA).

ISTR Chair Elect Adam Stevenson said: “This represents a great opportunity for ISTR to collaborate with IIRSM to enhance safety standards related to technology and research through shared expertise, joint initiatives, and the promotion of best practices in risk management and health and safety.”

IIRSM President Rosie Russell said: “This MoU strengthens both organisations by bringing the strategic risk thinking of IIRSM together with ISTR’s understanding of research, development and emerging risks. I am looking forward to evolving this relationship and furthering the management of cutting-edge risks that affect our organisations and communities.”


ISTR  UKBSA Gains International Recognition as IFBA Member

ISTR, incorporating the UK Biosafety Association (UKBSA), is proud to announce its approval as a member of IFBA – the International Federation of Biosafety Associations. This milestone brings international recognition to ISTR's long-standing commitment to biosafety leadership and sharing best practices.

Membership of IFBA will enable ISTR to collaborate with global partners, share best practices, and contribute to international biosafety initiatives, furthering its mission to drive continuous improvements in technology and research health and safety.

          


Serving safety professionals for over 25 years

The Institute serves safety professionals in technology and research including education, industry, government agencies and consultancy.

The aim of the Institute is to enhance the knowledge, competence and professional development of its members through networking, accreditation, knowledge exchange, workshops and symposia, communication with regulators and partnerships with other safety organisations.


Membership is open to safety professionals and Associate Membership is available to anyone whose knowledge and experience do not qualify them as Members but who can show they have a sufficient interest in the activities of ISTR.

The ISTR Executive Committee, made up of elected and co-opted members, manage the affairs of the Institute.

Learn more about ISTR

Upcoming events

    • 23 February 2026
    • 10:30 - 15:30
    • Lecture Theatre 1, Bush House, Kings College London (KCL), 30 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BG
    • 31
    Register

    UKBSA - Southern BioSafety Officers (SBSO) regional group are pleased to invite those in the region (London, South-east and South) to attend the next meeting on 23 Feb 2026 at Kings College London.  Event open to ISTR members and non-members in the region. UKBSA thanks Kings College London BSOs for kindly hosting and facilitating this meeting. Please send any HIVE-MIND questions in advance to Mark Ariyanayagam m.r.ariyanayagam@qmul.ac.uk

    AGENDA

    Format: Presentations followed by questions & discussions, HIVE-MIND questions and discussions, and networking.

    10:00 onwards Coffee on arrival at Bush House lecture theatre 1

    10:30 Welcome and house-keeping announcements KCL – (Rebecca Tear)

    A)     10:35 – Andrea Zelmer (KCL – CL3 Laboratory Manager) - Operating a CL3 lab as a core facility: challenges and lessons learned

    B)     11:05 – Rebecca Tear (KCL - RMID Health and Safety Manager) - Managing biological risks in specialist research facilities (accompanied by two KCL core facility managers).

    C)     11:50 – 10 min comfort break

    D)     12:00 – Marian Blokpoel (LSHTM Biorisk Manager) – CL3 Fumigation alternatives with validation in an academic setting.

    12:45-13:45 lunch and networking (sandwich lunch provided at Bush House lecture theatre 1)

    E)      13:45 – Adrian Worrall (biosafety researcher) – Updates to nucleic acid synthesis standards ISO 35001 and ISO 20688-2:2024: implications for biosafety practice.

    F)      14:15 - ISTR/UKBSA update (Marian Blokpoel)

    G)     14:25 - *HIVE-Mind/recent HSE interventions/biosafety topics ‘in the news’ (Marian Blokpoel, Simon Lewis and Mark Ariyanayagam – SBSO Coordinators) – questions (pre-sent in / attendees) and discussions

    15:30                   Meeting close

    16:00                   Meeting room handed back to KCL.

    *Southern BSOs meeting discussions are held under the 'Chatham House rule' - When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.

    Catering / refreshments: coffee on arrival, drinking water fountains available. Sandwich lunch provided with meat, vegan and vegetarian options.

    Bush House Lecture Theatre 1 is a nut free environment due to its use by a student with a nut allergy, so we ask attendees not to consume nuts or nut products in the lecture theatre.

    Mark Ariyanayagam, Marian Blokpoel and Simon Lewis (SBSO Coordinators)


Latest News

Membership Information

The benefits of being a Member or Associate include Members’ rates at ISTR symposia and access to presentations given the symposia, being able to attend our exclusive Members’ only skills workshop and being part of the ISTR discussion forum.