Protecting Biotechnology and Genetic Data: SOTER Workshop Series

30 May 2025, Novi Sad, Serbia

On May 30, 2025, in Novi Sad, Serbia, BAVBD Biosafety Task Force hosted the "Protecting Biotechnology and Genetic Data: Best Practices Workshop," a pivotal event in the SOTER Workshop Series. This international gathering brought together experts and institutional leaders from Serbia, Hungary and North Macedonia and the broader region to address the pressing challenges in biosafety, biosecurity, and intellectual property (IP) protection amidst rapid advancements in biotechnology and genomics.

Looking Ahead:
The workshop series will continue with two virtual follow-up sessions aimed at supporting participants in applying the workshop learnings within their institutions. These sessions will also help identify additional learning needs and share successful practices. The series will culminate in a regional wrap-up workshop, where participants will reconvene for expert panels and networking events to exchange experiences and define regional priorities for protecting biotechnology and genetic data.


This initiative underscores the critical importance of regional cooperation in safeguarding scientific innovation and ensuring ethical stewardship of genetic data.