Where in the World is the Eagleson Institute? Former Soviet Union

Over the years, Eagleson Institute instructors have presented classes in numerous countries around the world. This year found Eagleson teaching teams traveling to “FSU’s” (former Soviet Union countries) Ajerbaijan and Kazakhstan as well as Vladimir, Russia.

This January found Eagleson Institute Program Coordinator Leslie MacKay and instructors Bob Jones and Jim Wagner in Almaty, Kazakhstan, conducting an 8-day training class on biosafety cabinet certification for students in Central Asia. The course was part of a multi-year effort sponsored by the Global Partnership Program to provide a cadre of individuals within former Soviet Union countries who can certify BSCs. Previously, the 15 class members had attended courses at Eagleson Institute in 2008 and 2010.

Why does Eagleson travel halfway across the globe to provide training? “Because it’s needed,” says Leslie. “The lack of qualified BSC certifiers around the world is an ongoing challenge for many countries, and Eagleson can help in that effort.” She cites the example of Dr. Namazbek Abdykerimov, whom she nominated for an International Federation of Biosafety “IFBA Biosafety Heroes” award.

As a result of the training program, Abdykerimov has developed a national program for certification of all BSCs in the Kyrgyz Republic. Prior to his efforts, BSCs throughout the country were neither certified nor in good working order, although Kyrgyz  laboratories routinely handle dangerous pathogens including anthrax, plague, brucella and rabies. Despite a lack of resources, Dr. Abdykerimov certifies BSCs throughout the country, teaches users safe and effective BSC operation and is creating a train-the-trainer program to train new certifiers.

When asked about her most vivid memories of her time in Almaty, Leslie recalls how intensely the class worked  over the course of the eight days of classes, the beauty of  the city of Almaty, and the warm hospitality shown by their hosts.