General Safety and Biosecurity Challenges - Laboratory and Beyond

The Georgian Health Physics Association (GHPA) held its latest meeting on February 28, 2025, featuring a presentation by Anna Kekelidze, an experienced professional in biosafety, environmental protection, and health & safety management at the State Laboratory of Agriculture of Georgia.

Ms. Kekelidze provided a comprehensive overview of her professional experience, focusing on regulatory compliance, risk management, and the development of safety programs within laboratory environments. Her presentation addressed key aspects of laboratory operations, including waste management, personnel training and competency assessment, procedural reviews, and collaboration with regulatory authorities. Attendees were presented with practical examples illustrating the implementation of safety programs, inspection methodologies, and strategic planning aimed at enhancing biosecurity practices.

The presentation was followed by a thoughtful and engaging question-and-answer session, leading to a broader discussion on the current state of chemical, biological, and radiation safety culture in Georgia. Participants also highlighted existing challenges and opportunities for improving safety practices across sectors. This meeting reflects GHPA’s ongoing commitment to promoting professional dialogue and knowledge exchange on safety and biosecurity topics critical to health physics and environmental protection.

About Speaker

Anna Kekelidze is a biomedical geneticist, cyto-hematologist specialist, biosafety officer, environmental manager, and occupational safety specialist. From November 2008 to December 2010, she worked at the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health as a specialist in the Department of Particularly Dangerous Pathogens. In 2013, she completed an internship in quality control at the same institution. She is a scientist at the Georgian Agrarian University and has been working with the Georgian Green Movement / Friends of the Earth since 2014. Since July 2016, she has served as a Biosafety Officer, Environmental Manager, and Occupational Safety Specialist at the State Laboratory of Agriculture. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Engineering Physics, with an expected completion in 2025.