biosecurity

Learnings on Biodefense Preparedness from Singapore

October 14, 2019 by Mia Tellmann Leave a Comment

Singapore’s Gardens By The Bay. Photo by Mia Tellmann

All around the world, the structure and security measures for biodefense preparedness vary. Countries have very distinct strategies based on their location, size, and type of government. I was particularly interested in Singapore, a very small country of only 5.8 million residents and 278 square miles, because of its reputation for efficiency and high standards. Therefore, I asked the Singaporean Government if they could share information on their approach to protecting their country from biological threats. Continue Reading

Interview with Dr. Tomoya Saito – The Risks of Dual-Use Technologies for Biosecurity

April 28, 2019 by Mia Tellmann Leave a Comment

Bacteria Francisella tularensis, a potential biothreat agent. Picture by Shutterstock/ Kateryna Kon

Over the summer, I met with Dr. Tomoya Saito in Tokyo to learn about outbreak and bioterror preparedness in Japan.

This is Part II of my conversation in which we discuss the risks of dual-use technologies for biosecurity. Part I focused on the structure of the Japanese preparedness system and was posted in March. Continue Reading

Book Review of “Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Containing and Preventing Biological Threats”

February 15, 2019 by Mia Tellmann Leave a Comment

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism, book by Jeffrey R. Ryan. Photo by Mia Tellmann

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Containing and Preventing Biological Threats, by Jeffrey R. Ryan, is a very comprehensive and multi-faceted book. This was one of the first books that I read when I began learning about global public health and it gave me a great introduction into the sometimes complicated field of bioterrorism.