Researcher of IPB, Dr. drh. Diah Iskandriati, Has Been Awarded IFBA’s 2017 Biosafety Heroes
Another achievement was made by Dr. drh. Diah Iskandriati, faculty member at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, of Bogor Agricultural University (FKH IPB). Dr. Diah won the Biosafety Heroes Awards 2017 which is organized by the International Federation of Biosafety Association (IFBA). In addition to teaching primatology, Dr. Diah is also a senior researcher, Biosafety Officer and Chairman of the Biorisiko Commission of the Pusat Studi Satwa Primata (PSSP the Primate Research Center) – of the Institute of Research and Community Empowerment of Bogor Agricultural University (LPPM IPB)
Dr. Diah explained that IFBA is a non-governmental and non-profit organization whose members consisted of biosafety associations worldwide. This organization has a common interest in applying and advancing biosafety and biosecurity. While IFBA Biosafety Heroes are individuals who are considered privileged and selected by the global community for their contribution to make biosafety and biosecurity better. The IFBA has created a Biosafety Heroes program to identify and celebrate extraordinary individuals who make significant contributions to help others in the field of biosafety and biosecurity.
"IFBA Biosafety Heroes are exceptional and inspiring individuals honoured by the global biosafety community as having made a difference for the better. Biosafety Heroes serve as role models, showing others that each individual is important and can contribute to the global fight against infectious diseases. Nominees are selected on their uniqueness, the specific accomplishments they achieved that are truly remarkable, and the impact their work has had on others. Preference is given to individuals who operate in an environment where biosafety funds are limited, and/or where the importance of biosafety is not fully appreciated, " she said.
Furthermore, Dr. Diah explained on the nominations process for someone who will be named for IFBA’s 2017 Biosafety Heroes. Nomination will be sought globally, especially from developing countries. IFBA Biosafety Heroes are exceptional and inspiring individuals honored by the global biosafety community as having made a difference for the better. Biosafety Heroes serve as role models, showing others that each individual is important and can contribute to the global fight against infectious diseases.
"I did not apply or attend the event, but I was chosen by colleagues. I also did not know anyone who had nominated me as the selection process was really confidential, then nominee was submitted to IFBA. Furthermore, the candidates/nominees will be selected by a special committee (peers-panelist) to determine who deserves to be awarded as Biosafety Heroes, "said Dr. Diah.
This veterinarian, who is active as a board at the Association of Biorisiko Indonesia and also Asia Pacific Biosafety Association based in Singapore. In addition, Dr. Diah is also an acccessor for the international accreditation process of laboratory animal facilities in the Asian region as an adhoc specialist in the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International organization. This year Dr. Diah is also one of the Indonesian people who passed the certification of assessors of World Health Organization (WHO) to act as assessors at National Authority of Containment, Ministry of Health RI.
Within the IBA she participated in drafting the Code of Conduct of the biosecurity guidelines of the Indonesian Academy of Science, and she and her team have advocated for creating a national certification scheme under the National Standardization Body of Indonesia, based on the CWA15793 Biorisk Management standard. Currently Dr. Iskandriati, together with IBA and national authorities, is campaigning for certification to be made mandatory for all laboratories working with high risk biological agents in Indonesia. She also actively contributes to regional biosafety, and currently serves as Secretary of the Asia-Pacific Biosafety Association. As both a leader and a team member she effectively and enthusiastically champions biosafety in Indonesia and the wider region.
"My vision is to be a person who feels appreciated and loved by my family, friends and community. And my mission is to have integrity, respect, appreciate and keep the feelings of others and do good and help people wherever I am. I believe in God, nothing is impossible. Work hard, pray hard!" she concluded. (Wied)
