The Pirbright Institute has launched a specialist training programme to help engineers, technical professionals and biosafety specialists develop the engineering knowledge needed to support safe biological containment.
High-containment laboratories depend on carefully designed engineering infrastructure to prevent the escape of hazardous pathogens and protect both people and the environment. Maintaining these systems requires specialist expertise that brings together engineering, biosafety and operational planning.
The Pirbright Institute has launched a new blended learning programme designed to equip engineers, technical professionals and biosafety specialists with the fundamental engineering knowledge needed to support high-containment laboratory facilities. Developed and delivered by Pirbright's experts, Understanding the Role of Engineering in Biological Containment introduces participants to the engineering systems and operational principles that underpin safe biological containment.
The course combines approximately six hours of online pre-course learning with three and a half days of in-person training at The Pirbright Institute. Participants will take part in classroom sessions led by subject experts, alongside practical activities including plant room tours, HEPA filter validation exercises and microbiological safety cabinet testing.
The programme is structured around four core pillars: the fundamentals of biocontainment, engineering theory, engineering practice and the management of biocontainment engineering. It is suitable for facilities engineers, technical staff entering biocontainment environments, biosafety professionals, facility managers and apprentices in mechanical or electrical engineering.
Highlighting the importance of specialist engineering knowledge in high-containment environments, Gary Oldham, Head of Estates Management Services at The Pirbright Institute, said:
"The safe operation of high-containment facilities depends on engineers understanding the specialised systems and processes that maintain biological containment and regulatory compliance. This programme provides a practical pathway for developing that knowledge and the skills required to work effectively in these unique environments. Combining theoretical learning with exposure to operational containment systems, the programme offers participants a valuable opportunity to broaden their expertise and support their professional development."
Isabelle Dietrich, Biological Safety Officer at The Pirbright Institute, explained how the programme supports biosafety professionals by strengthening their understanding of engineering controls:
"Biosafety professionals have limited opportunity to develop an understanding of engineering controls and systems that support biological containment. This course helps bridge that gap, giving biosafety professionals the knowledge to make better-informed decisions about biological risk and confidence to work more effectively with engineers."
With places limited to eight participants, the course is designed to provide an intensive, high-quality learning experience, with opportunities for practical, hands-on learning.
The first cohort will take place from 9-12 November 2026, with a further intake planned for November 2027. For full course information, including programme content, eligibility, fees and how to register, visit the course page.