Dear colleagues,
It is with great pleasure that we announce the successful completion of the Biological Risks module, which took place from February 24th to 28th, 2025, as part of the First Level Master Course in Protection against CBRNe Events – Base Level for CBRNe First Responders. This intensive and highly informative week provided an in-depth exploration of biological hazards, equipping our candidates with essential knowledge and practical insights to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities.
The module commenced with an invaluable session led by Dr. Riccardo Quaranta, who dedicated two hours to explaining the fundamental principles of writing a technical report, a crucial skill for professionals operating in high-risk environments. His lecture set the stage for the week, ensuring that all participants had a strong foundation in documentation and communication of critical information.
The core lectures on biological risks were delivered by esteemed experts in the field. Dr. Nicola Simone from CREA (Italian Ministry of Agriculture), alongside Dr. Mariachiara Carestia from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, Dr. Gian Marco Ludovici from Thermo Fisher, and Prof. Teresa Rinaldi from the University of Rome La Sapienza, provided a comprehensive overview of the history of biological threats. Their presentations covered a range of topics, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and toxins, with an emphasis on real-world case studies and lessons learned. The discussions focused on how to detect, identify, and analyze these biological agents, assess their impact on human health and the environment, and implement effective decontamination measures.
Further enriching the module, Dr. Edoardo Cavalieri D’Oro from the Italian Firefighters – CBRNe Command for the Lombardy Region, together with Col. Alberto Autore from the Italian Air Force, Col. Stef Stiestra from the Royal Dutch Navy, and Dr. Cristiano Franchi from the Italian Prison Police, provided a practical and operational perspective. Their sessions analyzed real emergency scenarios, detailing the challenges of handling biological contamination in crisis situations. Through their expertise, candidates gained valuable insights into the strategic and tactical considerations involved in responding to biological incidents.
Dr. Daniele Lapa from the Spallanzani Hospital structured his contribution into two distinct yet interconnected parts. In the theoretical segment, he outlined the role of the Spallanzani Hospital as Italy’s primary Point of Contact (P.O.C.) for bio-risk management. The practical session was dedicated to demonstrating the correct procedures for donning and doffing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ensuring that responders are well-versed in the critical safety measures required during biological emergencies.
The week concluded with an inspiring session by Dr. Frank Dushek from the Institute of Physics of the German Space Agency. His presentation shed light on the cutting-edge research being conducted in the field of bio-identification, focusing on innovative optical systems that are not only advancing scientific knowledge but are also being adopted by the German Ministry of Defense for operational applications.
This module was a remarkable journey through the complexities of biological risks, offering a perfect blend of theoretical understanding and hands-on experience. The diverse perspectives and expertise shared by our distinguished lecturers significantly enriched the learning experience for all participants.
What an extraordinary week of learning and collaboration! We extend our sincere gratitude to all the speakers and participants who made this module a success.
Stay tuned for future updates on our Master Course activities!
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