Biosafety Awareness Day

RES 2026-109 FIRST IN COUNCIL August 3, 2026 City of Cambridge COUNCILLOR NOLAN MAYOR SIDDIQUI WHEREAS: The New England Biological Safety Association Symposium will be held on September 9, 2026, at the Broad Institute, bringing together biosafety professionals dedicated to protecting public health, advancing scientific research, and promoting safe laboratory practices; and WHEREAS: Cambridge became the first jurisdiction in the U.S. to directly regulate basic scientific research in 1977 including safeguards to protect the public from releases of organisms, measures to assure worker safety, and mechanisms for the establishment of a permit-granting process, and enacted the first local law governing public transparency and biosafety in 1981 and continues to maintain the highest standards in public accountability and safety; and WHEREAS: Biosafety professionals and public health officials play a critical role in safeguarding the City of Cambridge, its residents, workers, visitors, and environment through the prevention of biological hazards and the promotion of health and safety standards; and WHEREAS: These dedicated professionals support research, healthcare, education, and innovation by ensuring that biological materials are handled responsibly and safely; and WHEREAS: Their expertise, vigilance, and commitment contribute to the well-being of our community and help maintain Cambridge’s position as a global leader in science and biotechnology; now therefore be it RESOLVED: That the City Council hereby proclaims September 9, 2026, as Biosafety Awareness Day in recognition of the invaluable contributions of biosafety professionals and their ongoing efforts to keep our city, its citizens, and its environment safe; and be it further RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the New England Biological Safety Association Symposium held at the Broad Institute in advance of September 9, 2026.

A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk

City of Cambridge Biosafety Awareness Day