As the Executive Director and founder of Biorisk International (www.bioriskinternational.com), Dr. Stefan Wagener brings with him almost 30 years of international experience in the fields of , and bioethics as well as executive management. He retired as Director General from the Government of Canada in 2019, after having worked for Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and the Canadian Grain Commission. These years of public service provided him with a unique insight and experience in the human health and agricultural sector.
After obtaining his M.Sc. Ph.D. Microbiology (in Germany), he joined Michigan State University (USA) in 1989 working as a research scientist, health and safety professional, and specialist. From 2001 to 2006, as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), he managed all operational aspects of Canada’s Biosafety Level 4 public health and animal containment facility the “Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health” in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Starting in 2006, as the Scientific Director, he developed an extensive science, training, and research program at the Centre while holding a joint appointment at the University of Manitoba.
In 2007 & 2012, Dr. Wagener was the Chair of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) workshops which developed the first international laboratory biorisk management standard (CWA 15793:2008) and associated guidance document (CWA 16393:2012). These documents were the foundation of the new ISO 35001:2018 management system standard for Biorisk Management. Prior to joining the Canadian Grain Commission in January of 2014, he assisted the Department of Foreign Affairs, Canada, the World Health Organization, the Canadian Space Agency and numerous laboratories and organizations in Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia as an adviser on scientific programs, laboratory quality management systems, operations, management, and bioethics. He is an internationally recognized speaker, trainer, facilitator, and coach. As a certified ISO 17025, OHSAS 18001, and ISO 9001 lead auditor, he is also providing laboratory, quality management, and & bioethics assessment services to international clients. Currently, he is a scientific advisor for GBAC (www.gbac.org).
Stefan Wagener is a recipient of the Everett Hanel, Jr. Presidential Award (USA), a Past-President of the American Biosafety Association (ABSA) and a fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (Germany).