Expert seminar "One Health Perspectives on CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) Threats and Preparedness"

This summer, our university will host a unique expert seminar focusing on the One Health perspectives of CBRN and bringing together specialists from a range of fields:

“One Health Perspectives on CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) Threats and Preparedness”

📍 6 August 2026, 14:00–16:30 (coffee from 13:30)
📍 Council Hall 2A1, F. R. Kreutzwaldi 5, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu
 

The seminar will focus on CBRN threats (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear), preparedness for their prevention and response, and the role of the One Health approach in connecting science, society, and cross-sectoral collaboration.

The seminar will be held in English.

Speakers:

Michał Bijak – Professor, University of Łódź

🔹“CBRN Threats as a Serious Risk to Public Space Safety”

Michał Bijak, PhD, DSc, is a Professor at the University of Łódź and an internationally recognized expert in biochemistry, biosafety, biosecurity, and CBRN risk management. He has over 15 years of experience in academic leadership, EU-funded security projects, international capacity building, and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

His professional profile combines scientific excellence with strategic engagement in global biological threat prevention initiatives coordinated by the European Commission, the Council of Europe, INTERPOL, and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. He currently serves as Head of the Biohazard Prevention Centre at the University of Łódź and Head of the CBRN Safety Laboratory at the Medical University of Łódź, where he leads interdisciplinary teams developing innovative biosurveillance tools, diagnostic systems, and One Health-based training methodologies.

Professor Bijak has also been appointed by the Polish Minister of Defence as a Member of the Scientific Council of the Military Institute of Chemistry and Radiometry, the Institute’s governing, initiating, advisory, and consultative body. He is a member of the consulting group to the Chief of the Polish Police and has extensive experience in developing procedures for crisis situations, including Standard Operating Procedures for cooperation with law enforcement end users.

Reelika Runnel – Ministry of the Interior

🔹“Estonian CBRN Response Capabilities and Development Priorities”

Reelika Runnel is Nuclear Security Advisor at the Estonian Ministry of the Interior with more than 18 years of experience in nuclear security, emergency preparedness, radiation protection, and international cooperation. She has played a key role in developing Estonia’s nuclear energy programme since 2019 and is actively involved in strengthening national capabilities related to CBRN preparedness, nuclear governance, crisis management, and the protection of critical infrastructure.

Triin Melnik – EstonianRescue Services Agency

🔹“Estonian Rescue Services Agency Response to CBRN Events”

Triin Melnik is the leader of CBRN group at Estonian Rescue Services Agency. She has worked in the CBRN field over 10 years. In her presentation, she will introduce the activities and preparedness of the Estonian Rescue Services Agency in responding to CBRN incidents.

Alireza Fazeli – Professor at Estonian University of Life Sciences; Head of the One Health Centre

🔹“Building a One Health Platform for Estonia's Future”

Alireza Fazeli is a scientist and a network builder. While his scientific expertise is rooted in extracellular vesicles, reproductive biology, and comparative medicine, much of his current energy is focused on bringing people together, creating new collaborations, and establishing the One Health Centre as a platform that connects disciplines, researchers, industry, and society. Alireza is driven by the belief that many of the most important scientific advances emerge when people from different backgrounds meet, exchange ideas, and work together.

Olgert from  Kaitsepolitseiamet – CBRN expert
🔹 „Internal Security Service responsibilities in the CBRN field“

A broader function of the Estonian Internal Security Service, as a government agency within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, is maintaining national security through the collection of information, the implementation of preventive measures, and the investigation of offenses, to the extent established by the Government of the Republic Regulation. Estonian Internal Security Service is the leading agency if an intentional act causes a CBRN incident.

Timo Hellenberg (Dr.Pol.Sc., M.Sc.Econ.) – Visiting Professor at the University College of Professional Education in Wroclaw (WSKZ) and CEO of Hellenberg International Ltd. He started his research career in early 1990s as an editor of STOP Disaster magazine at the United Nations Department for Humanitarian Affairs (International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction). He served as a Special Adviser (EU Affairs) to the Prime Minister of Finland (2003). He has academic record as a senior research fellow and head of EU affairs at the University of Helsinki and the University of Tampere. He is serving as a Treasurer and Board member of the President Paasikivi Society (since 2003-); Senior Expert at the International Market Analysis (Washington DC) (2015-), Member of the Advisory Board of the Cyberwatch Oy Ltd (2018-).

The seminar will conclude with a panel discussion moderated by Timo Hellenberg, featuring Alireza Fazeli, Michał Bijak, Reelika Runnel, Triin Melnik, Olgert (KAPO), and Toomas Tiirats.

Participation is free of charge. 

       ℹ️ Additional information: On 7 August, the One Health Centre of the Estonian University of Life Sciences will host a discussion at the Opinion Festival in Paide: “Is Estonia Ready for the Next Crisis That Does Not Arrive on a Tank?link opens in new page Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Risks (CBRN)”

Let us learn together, exchange ideas, and create new connections for future collaboration opportunities!

You are warmly welcome!