The American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) was founded in 1984 to promote biosafety as a scientific discipline and serve the growing needs of biosafety professionals throughout the world. Its goals are to provide a professional association that represents the interests and needs of practitioners of biological safety, and to provide a forum for the continued and timely exchange of biosafety in formation.

ABSA accomplishes these goals by publishing and distributing a quarterly journal, Applied Biosafety and a number of other biosafety publications. ABSA also conducts an annual Biological Safety Conference to keep members informed of current biosafety issues and regulatory initiatives. The conference is preceded by a selection of biosafety courses geared at the beginner and advanced levels. In addition, ABSA produces an annual membership directory to stimulate networking.

ABSA offers a registration (Registered Biosafety Professional) and certification (Certified Biological Safety Professional) program to recognize biological safety professionals. Registration is by application and approval by an examining Board. Certification includes a biological safety exam developed by ABSA and administered by the National Registry of Microbiologists (NRM).

Affiliates of ABSA have been formed in various locations across the U.S. to stimulate ongoing training and networking opportunities at local and regional levels. ABSA is an international association representing biosafety professionals in over 20 countries. International affiliates of ABSA have been formed in Canada, Japan, Brazil and other countries abroad.

ABSA is committed to its members in four broad areas:

• Developing and maintaining professional standards for the field of biological safety
• Advancing biological safety as a scientific discipline through education and research
• Providing members sustained opportunities for biosafety communication, education and participation in the development of biological safety standards, guidelines and regulations
• Expanding biosafety awareness and promoting the development of work practices, equipment and facilities to reduce the potential for occupational illness and adverse environmental impact from infectious agents or biologically-derived materials