Signed in Geelong, the agreement is the first step towards establishing a specialised international bio-containment training course for people working in, or seeking to work in the two highest designated biosafety level laboratories - BSL3 and BSL4.

According to AAHL Director, Dr Martyn Jeggo, the need for high-level bio-containment training is mounting rapidly as global outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging infectious disease present a growing concern for the international community.

"High bio-containment laboratories, such as AAHL, play a critical role in the global fight against infectious diseases," Dr Jeggo said. "Given the required level of expertise and specialisation, the number of biosafety and bio-containment training providers worldwide is small."

Gordon Institute of TAFE CEO, Grant Sutherland, said the partnership would provide Geelong with an opportunity to further develop its position as a bio-containment centre of excellence.

"Bio-containment training is one of the platforms which will help to grow the Institute's Biotechnology Program and provide exciting new training opportunities nationally and internationally," Mr Sutherland said. "This is an outstanding opportunity for the Institute, AAHL and the Geelong region generally."

The research collaboration between the two Geelong organisations may also be an important training component as moves are made to establish a worldwide biosecurity standard for testing and research laboratories by international peak bodies, such as the World Health Organisation.

A pilot international biosecurity training course is planned for February next year to coincide with the annual meeting of the heads of the major global high-security laboratories at AAHL in 2010.

AAHL is recognised globally as a leader in the field of zoonotic disease research - diseases that affect animals and humans. Its bio-containment facilities for the safe handling and containment of animal diseases, are among the world's most sophisticated. The Gordon Institute is Victoria's largest regional TAFE and specialises in industry-relevant training programs across a variety of disciplines.

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