Welcome to the Institute of Safety in Technology and Research

Save the Date! Autumn Symposium 24-26 November 2026, Burleigh Court, Loughborough. More details will be available shortly. 


All past presentations and pictures

ISTR and ERM Process Safety Webinars

ISTR and ERM are hosting a series of webinars on Process Safety for Laboratories.

The six-part webinar series is designed for professionals working in life sciences and laboratory environments. This program introduces essential process safety principles and their practical application to high-containment and research facilities. Each session focuses on a critical aspect of laboratory safety, from chemical compatibility and hazard analysis to emergency response and cybersecurity.

You can register for all of the sessions at the ERM website.

The webinar topics are:

  1. Introduction to Process Safety in Life Sciences Chemical Compatibility and Storage
  2. Applying Process Hazard Analysis to Lab Facilities: HAZOP/SWIFT 
  3. Safety Critical Systems: Automated systems and IEC 61511
  4. Cybersecurity for Operational Technology (OT)/ Industry Automated Control Systems (IACS) in Laboratory Settings: Safeguarding Automation and Control System
  5. Machinery Safety in Laboratories: PUWER, Guarding, and Human Interaction
  6. The Critical Window: Emergency Response in the First 20 minutes

         



ISTR and International Institute of Risk and Safety Management sign Memorandum of Understanding

ISTR has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) at the IIRSM President's Reception 2025.  The MoU recognises the expertise and leadership of ISTR within the UK and internationally as the UK Biosafety Association (UKBSA).

ISTR Chair Elect Adam Stevenson said: “This represents a great opportunity for ISTR to collaborate with IIRSM to enhance safety standards related to technology and research through shared expertise, joint initiatives, and the promotion of best practices in risk management and health and safety.”

IIRSM President Rosie Russell said: “This MoU strengthens both organisations by bringing the strategic risk thinking of IIRSM together with ISTR’s understanding of research, development and emerging risks. I am looking forward to evolving this relationship and furthering the management of cutting-edge risks that affect our organisations and communities.”


ISTR  UKBSA Gains International Recognition as IFBA Member

ISTR, incorporating the UK Biosafety Association (UKBSA), is proud to announce its approval as a member of IFBA – the International Federation of Biosafety Associations. This milestone brings international recognition to ISTR's long-standing commitment to biosafety leadership and sharing best practices.

Membership of IFBA will enable ISTR to collaborate with global partners, share best practices, and contribute to international biosafety initiatives, furthering its mission to drive continuous improvements in technology and research health and safety.

          


Serving safety professionals for over 25 years

The Institute serves safety professionals in technology and research including education, industry, government agencies and consultancy.

The aim of the Institute is to enhance the knowledge, competence and professional development of its members through networking, accreditation, knowledge exchange, workshops and symposia, communication with regulators and partnerships with other safety organisations.


Membership is open to safety professionals and Associate Membership is available to anyone whose knowledge and experience do not qualify them as Members but who can show they have a sufficient interest in the activities of ISTR.

The ISTR Executive Committee, made up of elected and co-opted members, manage the affairs of the Institute.

Learn more about ISTR

Upcoming events

    • 24 November 2026
    • 09:00
    • 26 November 2026
    • 15:00
    • Burleigh Court, Off Ashby Road (A512), Loughborough University (West Park), Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3GR

    ISTR AUTUMN SYMPOSIA and PRE-SYMPOSIA WORKSHOPS

    Theme: Back to basics

    Tuesday 24th - Thursday 26th November 2026

    Burleigh Court Conference Centre, University of Loughborough

    Following the success of last years Symposia, this year we return to the wonderful Burleigh Court in Loughborough.  After a few years discussing sustainability and neurodiversity, the theme is for 2026 is "Back to basics".  The Symposia will follow the Plan, Do, Check, Act framework across the sessions as we look to learn about and improve our general management practices in line with HSG65.

    Also returning is a day of pre-symposia workshops.   This year there will be 2 workshops.  One is a dedicated Human Factors workshop looking at Safety Critical Task Analysis and Performance Influencing Factors.  The second will look at risk assessment in detail.  You will need to book early as workshop places are limited!

    As for 2025 we are able to provide a fantastic offer of a 2-day Symposia at Burleigh Court Conference Centre at the University of Loughborough, with accommodation and conference dinner included in a very attractive ticket price. This can be extended to include the Pre-symposium Workshop. 

    Draft Programme of events

    Day 1, Tuesday 24th November - Pre-symposia workshops

    Workshop 1
    Reclaiming Risk Assessment

    Workshop 2
    Human Factors

    Symposium Programme

    Wednesday 25th November

     09:30 Registration, coffee, and networking 
     10:30 Welcome
    Adam Stevenson - ISTR Chair
      Session 1 - Plan
     10:45 HSE Update

     11:30 H&S Legislation - Are we forgetting what bad looks like?

     12:15 Lunch and networking
      Session 2 - Do
     13:30 Biological risk assessment

     14:10 Achieving competence 

     14:50 Tea and networking
      Session 3 - Check
     15:20 Health & Safety Assurance 

     16:00 Incident Investigation 

     16:45 Close 


     .

     19:00  Drinks reception and networking                                 
     19:30  Symposia dinner


    Thursday 26th November

     09:30 Coffee and networking 
     10:30 Welcome
    Adam Stevenson - ISTR Chair
      Session 4 - Act
     10:15

    From Biosafety to Operational Resilience: Strengthening Containment Through Dependency Mapping

     11:00 Lessons learned through LAIs

     12:30 Lunch and networking
      Session 5 - Hive mind
     13:15 Hive mind discussion
    The questions you were too scared to ask on HASNET
     14:30 Closing remarks
    Adam Stevenson - ISTR Chair
     15:00 Close 











    Ticket information

     Bookings will close at on 6th November to meet the catering and accommodation requirements of Burleigh Court.

    Fully inclusive tickets: offer members attendance at a pre-symposia workshop, symposia, lunch and refreshments during the symposiua, attendance at the drinks reception and dinner, and two nights bed and breakfast accommodation at Burleigh Court on 24th and 25th (Tuesday and Wednesday nights).  Numbers of Fully inclusive tickets are strictly limited.

    2-day Symposia tickets: offer exceptional value and includes attendance at the 2-day symposia, lunch and refreshments, attendance at the drinks reception and dinner, and bed and breakfast accommodation at Burleigh Court on Wednesday 25th.

    Non-member tickets: Non members are very welcome to attend the Symposium. 

    Sponsors/Trade Stands - please enquire for details to  istr-eventssecretary@istr.org.uk 

    Payment options: Online payment by card is the preferred payment method. Purchase orders are accepted but please remember to select this option when booking and upload a copy of your purchase order at the time of booking to secure your place and avoid disappointment. 

    Local ISTR members wishing to attend but not requiring accommodation should contact the istr-eventssecretary@istr.org.uk  

    Workshop delegates wishing to stay at Burleigh Court the night before should contact the hotel directly and ask for the best available rate. When booking say you are part of the ISTR Conference to avoid having to change rooms. 

    If you don't mind changing rooms after one night you could ask for availability at the nearby 3* Link Hotel. 

    Final details and refunds:  Bookings close on 6th November.  Early bookings required to meet the accommodation and catering requirements. Refunds for cancellations or non-attendance cannot be made after this date. If a delegate cannot attend, a colleague may take their place. Contact istr-eventssecretary@istr.org.uk to discuss. Any refund will be subject to a £25 administration charge.

    Transport: For details of how to reach Burleigh Court please visit  https://www.burleigh-court.co.uk/location/


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Membership Information

The benefits of being a Member or Associate include Members’ rates at ISTR symposia and access to presentations given the symposia, being able to attend our exclusive Members’ only skills workshop and being part of the ISTR discussion forum.