NBAF director to present at K-State Libraries Lecture Series
MANHATTAN — Alfonso Clavijo, director of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, will present "Enhancing NBAF's Safety Culture Through High Reliability Organization Principles" at the second annual K-State Libraries Lecture Series at 3:30 p.m. Monday, May 1, in the Hemisphere Room on the fifth floor of Hale Library.
In this talk, Clavijo will share the importance of NBAF becoming a high-reliability organization, what that means and why these principles are integral to ensure safe and responsible science.
"Creating meaningful partnerships with community research organizations, like NBAF, is an integral part of advancing K-State's mission," said Joe Mocnik, dean of libraries. "I am very much looking forward to hosting Dr. Clavijo and hearing his insights on biosafety and security."
NBAF, located in Manhattan, is a national asset that will help protect the nation's agriculture, farmers and citizens against the threat and potential impact of serious animal diseases. Once fully operational, the facility will be the premier center of scientific excellence in research, development, diagnostics and training for transboundary and emerging livestock diseases, including those that can spread from animals to humans.
As the director of NBAF, Clavijo helps guide NBAF's culture to implement high standards and expectations for safety and reliability. Prior to his appointment at NBAF, Clavijo served as laboratory executive director of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's National Centres for Animal Disease. As director, Clavijo oversaw the administration of diagnostic services, related technology development and research to detect and prevent transboundary, emerging and zoonotic animal diseases. He also directed the management of biosafety level 2-4 facilities that allow for the contained study of pathogens that cause foreign animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, classical swine fever and highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The lecture is open to the public, and a reception will immediately follow the lecture. Space is limited and online registration is required.
