Meeting Objectives

Statement of Need
Organizations around the world are involved in research pertaining to biothreat agents, vaccines, detection and diagnostic procedures, animal and plant pathogens, biosecurity facilities, global surveillance, the training of individuals in BL3 and BL4 labs, and other vital topics. As technology changes and research evolves, professionals involved in biodefense are being challenged to move ever faster to respond to the growing threat of bioterrorism.

Target Audience
It is intended for scientists, physicians, public health researchers and policy makers who need to be informed about the latest scientific developments.

Learning Objectives
The ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting offers an educational forum which allows the attendee to:

• Discuss new data from the research of microbiological sciences related to biodefense and bioterrorism;
• Discuss with fellow scientists, researchers, and physicians, the latest information on preventative modalities, therapeutics, and clinical diagnoses related to biothreat agents; and

• Describe the most recent trends in the management and planning of biodefense programs.

8^th Biodefense Research Meeting Continuing Education (CE)

The following ASM Biodefense Research Meeting session types will offer continuing medical education credit. Individual sessions earning credit will be annotated in the Final Program with the CME symbol.

Physicians and Microbiologists

The American Society for Microbiology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The American Society for Microbiology takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.

The ASM designates this activity for a maximum of 24.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their level of participation in the activity.

The American Medical Association (AMA) has determined that physicians not licensed in the U.S. who participate in this CME activity are eligible for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

Diplomates of the American Board of Medical Microbiology, Diplomates of the American Board of Medical Laboratory Immunology, and Registrants of the National Registry of Microbiologists may earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ toward re-certification. Each professional should claim credit commensurate with their level of participation in the activity.

Other CE Licenses

A Participation Statement of Credit can be obtained by completing the activity evaluation. This is a detailed statement that documents your participation in this activity. A Statement of Credit may be obtained through the ASM CE Portal.

Education Disclaimer

The primary purpose of the sessions at the 8th ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting is education. Information presented, as well as publications, technologies, products, and/or services discussed, are intended to inform you about the knowledge, techniques, and experiences of professionals who are willing to share such information with colleagues. A diversity of professional opinions exists in the fields discussed at the Biodefense Research Meeting and the views of the Biodefense and Research faculty are offered solely for educational purposes. Faculty’s views neither represent those of ASM nor constitute endorsement by the association. The ASM disclaims any and all liabilities for damages to any individual attending the ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting and for all claims which may result from the use of this information, publications, technologies, products, and/or services at the ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting.

Disclosure Statement

As a provider accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the ASM requires that all faculty members participating in continuing education activities sponsored by ASM  ^Newdisclose All relevant financial relationships related to the ASM Biodefense activity, as well as any off-label uses of a drug. The ASM then takes steps to resolve any identified conflict of interest. A listing of faculty disclosures is available in the Final Program. This policy is intended to make you aware of faculty disclosure so you may form your own judgments about material discussed during the 8th ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting.

If you have concerns (e.g., commercially-biased presentations, promotional materials distributed by presenters and/or participants, etc), please visit the ASM Biodefense Research Office and ask to speak to an ASM staff person so that ASM can respond immediately to your concerns.