The objective is to ensure the conduct of scientific research and the development of rapid response strategies for the prevention and containment of biological threats. This includes identifying and cataloguing potential biological agents, conducting vaccine research and development activities against these threats, and ensuring readiness for small-scale vaccine production.

Mission

Our mission is to ensure preparedness against biological terrorism risks and to enhance public health security by developing innovative vaccines. We aim to provide rapid and effective responses to biological threats and to establish national and international collaborations in this field.

Vision

Our vision is to adhere to the standards of the world’s leading research and development centres in the face of biological threats, and to forge strategic partnerships with global leaders in protecting public health and ensuring biosecurity.

• R&D Spec. Dr. Gizem ÖZTÜRK

1. Threat Assessment and Monitoring

• To continuously monitor and evaluate biological threat agents
• To identify emerging biological agents and conduct comprehensive risk analyses.

► Risk Identification and Information Gathering
Sources:

• National and international health organizations, security and intelligence agencies, academic literature, and scientific journals.

Methods include to guide vaccine research and development through the means as follows:

• Collecting data on the dissemination, potential impacts, and transmission mechanisms of biological agents to enable vaccine production against potential threats;
• Analysing case studies related to past biological attacks or outbreaks;
• Monitoring up-to-date data on emerging diseases and biological threats.

► Risk Analysis and Evaluation
Risk Criteria

• The potential for vaccine development against the biological agent, the ease of production for the developed vaccine; the infectivity, lethality, treatability, and dissemination potential of the biological agent.

Evaluation Methods include to determine priorities in vaccine research and development through the means as follows:

• Epidemiological Models: Examination of potential spread scenarios using disease transmission models and simulations;
• Threat Matrix: Categorization of various biological agents according to their threat levels and ranking of risk factors;

► Early Warning and Monitoring Systems
Monitoring Network:

• Establishing an early warning and monitoring network through collaboration with the General Directorate of Public Health, hospitals, laboratories, and other health institutions;

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Utilizing real-time data collection and analysis systems to rapidly identify and monitor events with biological threat potential;

Communication Protocols include to establish public health protection models through the means as follows:

• Creating clear communication protocols to inform relevant authorities and stakeholders in the event of a sudden change in threat levels.

► Threat Reporting and Communication
Regular Reporting:

• Preparing regular reports regarding biological threats and sharing them with the relevant authorities.

Emergency Notification:

• Activating the emergency response plans of Türkiye Vaccine Institute in the event of an escalation in threat levels.

► Review and Improvement
Periodic Evaluation:

• Regularly reviewing and improving threat assessment and monitoring processes.

Drills:

• Organizing drills based on emergency scenarios to evaluate the level of preparedness.

Feedback Mechanisms:

• Continuously collecting feedback from operational processes and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

2. Research and Development

• Developing novel vaccines and therapeutic methods against biological agents.
• Establishing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for clinical trials and laboratory testing.

► Project Identification and Planning
Project Selection:

• Identifying priority biological threats and selecting vaccine R&D projects directed toward these threats.
• Identifying existing knowledge gaps through literature reviews and expert consultations.

Project Planning:

• Defining project objectives, scope, budget, timeline, and required resources.
• Establishing risk assessment and management plans.

► Basic Research and Preliminary Studies
Identification of Target Molecules and Agents:

• Examining the genomic and proteomic profiles of biological agents.
• Identifying suitable antigens and adjuvants for vaccine development.

In Vitro and In Vivo Experiments:

• Investigating the effects of biological agents using cell cultures and animal models.
• Conducting toxicity and efficacy testing of potential vaccine and therapeutic components.

► Vaccine and Treatment Development
Formulation Development:

• Optimizing the formulation of vaccine candidates.
• Conducting stability and efficacy analyses.

Preclinical Trials:

• Evaluating the immunogenic effects of vaccines on animal models.
• Performing comprehensive preclinical assessments regarding safety and efficacy.

Regulatory and Approval Processes:

• Collaborating with national and international regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with the ethical and legal requirements of clinical trials.
• Preparing and submitting the necessary documentation for regulatory approval.

► Continuous Improvement and Innovation

Feedback and Review:

• Comprehensive assessment of project results and detailed analysis of performance gaps or failure factors.
• Systematic integration of emerging technologies and innovative methodologies into existing workflows.

Training and Development:

• Organizing comprehensive training programs to enhance the knowledge and technical competencies of the R&D team.
• Conducting periodic training sessions to ensure seamless integration into new research fields and evolving technologies.

3. Training and Awareness

• Developing and implementing educational programs tailored for healthcare professionals and the general public.
• Designing awareness-raising campaigns and producing informative materials to foster public knowledge.

► Personnel Training
Comprehensive Training Programs:

• Providing fundamental training on the definition of biological threats, transmission routes, clinical symptoms, and preventive measures.
• Focusing on advanced technical training, laboratory safety, emergency response procedures, and biosafety protocols.

Training Modules:

• Developing modular training programs to facilitate advanced knowledge acquisition among personnel.
• Enhancing the quality and efficacy of training through various educational instruments, including online materials, seminars, workshops, and practical field exercises.

Regular Updates and Refresher Training:

• Providing consistently updated educational resources regarding biological threats and preventive countermeasures.
• Organizing periodic refresher courses to ensure personnel remain current with the latest information and protocols.

► Public Awareness
Public Information Campaigns:

• Organizing strategic campaigns to raise public awareness regarding biological threats.
• Conducting educational sessions on fundamental health measures, including hand hygiene, sanitation, vaccination, and the prevention of infectious diseases.

Information Materials:

• Designing and distributing a diverse range of informative resources such as brochures, posters, videos, and social media content.
• Developing targeted content tailored to different demographics, including children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions.

Educational Events and Seminars:

• Organizing outreach programs at schools, universities, community centers, and workplaces.
• Facilitating seminars and informational briefing sessions featuring public health experts, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.

► Training for Healthcare Professionals and First Responders
Specialized Training Programs:

• Providing in-depth training for healthcare professionals and first responders on specific biological agents and their associated diseases.
• Focusing on infection control measures, the utilization of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and response protocols for biohazard contingencies.

Drills and Simulations:

• Collaborating with relevant institutions to conduct drills and simulations based on real-world scenarios.
• Ensuring teams acquire practical experience in emergency response through hands-on exercises.

Collaboration and Coordination Training:

• Providing training on establishing effective cooperation and coordination frameworks between various institutions and organizations.
• Organizing joint exercises to enhance the interoperability of cross-functional teams.

► Evaluation and Feedback
Assessment of Training Programs:

• Systematically evaluating the effectiveness of training and awareness programs.
• Collecting participant feedback and gathering recommendations for continuous program enhancement.  

Performance Monitoring

• Monitoring the progression of knowledge and technical competencies among personnel and the general public regarding biological threats following the training sessions.
• Assessing whether the training objectives have been achieved and implementing necessary corrective actions.

► Continuous Improvement and Updates
New Knowledge and Technologies:

• Providing consistently updated educational content regarding emerging biological threats, cutting-edge technologies, and evolving methodologies.
• Monitoring national and international best practices and integrating them into existing training programs.  

4. Collaboration and Coordination

• Engaging in cooperation with national and international health and security organizations.
• Working in tandem with relevant authorities for the coordination and implementation of emergency response plans.

► Identification of Stakeholders
National Stakeholders:

• National and local government bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Interior, the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), local health authorities, and municipalities.
• Healthcare institutions and academic bodies, such as hospitals, laboratories, universities, and research institutes. 

International Stakeholders:

• Global health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), International Health Regulations (IHR), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• International health and security authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international humanitarian aid agencies.
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

► Establishment of Collaboration Frameworks and Protocols
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):

• Executing mutual agreements and MoU documents with partner organizations.
• Developing protocols that govern the responsibilities of the parties, resource allocation, and information exchange.

Coordination Committees and Working Groups:

• Establishing specialized committees and working groups to facilitate seamless cooperation and coordination between diverse organizations.
• Defining formal communication channels and scheduling periodic strategic meetings.

Data Sharing and Confidentiality:

• Formulating protocols for the secure exchange of data and information utilized in threat assessment and response processes.
• Developing robust policies to ensure data privacy and to restrict access exclusively to authorized personnel.

► Information and Resource Sharing
Data and Information Exchange:

• Facilitating the exchange of threat analyses, research findings, epidemiological data, and other critical information.
• Establishing advanced digital platforms and streamlined communication channels to accelerate and enhance the efficiency of information sharing.

Sharing of Resources:

• Coordinating the sharing of resources, including laboratory equipment, diagnostic test kits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), pharmaceuticals, and vaccines.
• Developing comprehensive logistical frameworks to ensure the rapid deployment and distribution of resources during emergency contingencies.

► Emergency Response and Crisis Management
Joint Response Frameworks:

• Formulating integrated emergency response plans to counter biological threats.
• Ensuring the systematic review and continuous updating of these strategic frameworks. 

Drills and Simulations:

• Organizing multi-agency drills to evaluate interoperability and coordination capabilities among diverse organizations.
• Assessing emergency response capacities by conducting high-fidelity simulations based on realistic threat scenarios.

Crisis Communication:

• Developing strategic public information and guidance protocols for emergency situations.
• Managing crisis communication and information dissemination through media outlets and other institutional communication channels.

► Continuous Improvement and Training
Collaboration and Coordination Training:

• Providing regular collaboration and coordination training programs for all stakeholders.
• Facilitating practical experience through the organization of joint exercises and workshops.

Feedback and Evaluation:

• Systematically evaluating the effectiveness of collaboration and coordination processes.
• Enhancing organizational processes by integrating feedback derived from simulation exercises and real-world incidents.

► International Cooperation and Diplomacy
International Agreements and Commitments:

• Participating in international treaties, agreements, and commitments regarding the management of biological threats.
• Promoting the exchange of information and technology with other nations.

5. Data Management and Communication

• Establishing comprehensive procedures for data collection, storage, and dissemination in strict compliance with information security and confidentiality standards.
• Ensuring the delivery of accurate and up-to-date information regarding biological threats and the vaccines developed under our initiatives.

► Data Collection
Data Sources:

• Systematically gathering data from various sources, including healthcare institutions, laboratories, emergency response centers, and field reports.
• Utilizing advanced technological tools such as epidemiological surveillance systems, biosensor networks, and mobile health (mHealth) applications for data acquisition.

Data Types:

• Collecting diverse data types, including case incidence, transmission rates, mortality rates, vaccination status, and other health indicators.
• Integrating supplementary data such as geospatial information, environmental factors, and social determinants.

Data Validation and Quality Control:

• Establishing rigorous quality control processes to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of collected data.
• Conducting persistent monitoring and updates to rectify inaccuracies and address data gaps, ensuring a robust and verified database.

► Data Storage and Security
Data Storage Solutions:

• Establishing a secure and accessible data storage infrastructure, utilizing advanced cloud-based solutions and dedicated data centers.
• Developing robust data backup and disaster recovery frameworks.

Data Security and Privacy:

• Formulating data security policies and implementing rigorous protocols to ensure the protection of personal and sensitive information, in full compliance with Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data (KVKK) and relevant statutory legislation.
• Implementing stringent data access controls and authorization mechanisms.

Data Authorization and Encryption:

• Employing advanced data anonymization and encryption techniques in alignment with privacy and security requirements, pursuant to Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data (KVKK) and related regulations.
• Conducting continuous security monitoring and system updates to prevent data breaches.

► Data Analysis and Modelling
Data Analysis Techniques:

• Utilizing statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques to analyse collected data.
• Conducting advanced analyses, including trend analysis, case clustering, risk assessment, and spread modelling.

Data Visualization:

• Using visualization tools such as charts, maps, and dashboards to enhance data clarity and accessibility.
• Developing user-friendly data presentations to ensure informed decision-making and public awareness.

Forecasting and Scenario Modelling:

• Employing scenario modelling and simulation tools to forecast the potential impacts of biological threats.
• Developing preparedness and response plans based on potential scenarios.

► Data Sharing and Communication
Data Sharing with Internal and External Stakeholders:

• Ensuring data sharing with health authorities, emergency management teams, research institutes, and other stakeholders in accordance with the Law on the Protection of Personal Data No. 6698 and relevant legislative provisions.
• Establishing and implementing data sharing protocols at both national and international levels.

Public and Media Relations:

• Preparing periodic reports and statements to inform the public and media organizations.
• Utilizing media and social media platforms to ensure rapid and reliable information flow during crisis situations.

Data Communication Strategies:

• Developing data communication strategies to organize informative and educational campaigns.
• Using appropriate language and visual tools to ensure that data is presented in an intelligible and accessible manner.

► Training and Capacity Building
Personnel Training:

• Providing regular training programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of personnel in data management, analysis, security, and the protection of personal data.
• Promoting specialization in the utilization of data analytics and visualization tools.

Training and Collaboration with Stakeholders:

• Organizing joint training programs on data management processes in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Facilitating the sharing of best practices and standards.

6. Frequently Asked Questions on Bioterrorism and Defense:

• What is bioterrorism?
  Bioterrorism refers to terrorist acts that threaten public health through the deliberate use of biological agents (such as bacteria, viruses, toxins, etc.) or their components. The primary objectives are to incite public fear, provoke chaos, and inflict large-scale harm.
• How can the public be protected against bioterrorism threats?
  The public can protect themselves against bioterrorism threats by staying up-to-date with recommended vaccinations. Additionally, it is vital to follow announcements from authorized institutions and adhere to the preventive measures implemented against biological threats.
• Which biological agents can be used in bioterrorism?
  Biological agents that could potentially be used in bioterrorism include pathogens such as anthrax (Bacillus anthracis), smallpox (variola virus), plague (Yersinia pestis), botulinum toxin, and tularemia (Francisella tularensis).
• How can I recognize if I have been exposed to a bioterror attack?
  Exposure to a bioterror attack may be indicated by the emergence of unusual disease clusters, the occurrence of rare infections, or a sudden, simultaneous illness among a large number of people. In such instances, health authorities should be contacted immediately.
• What are the most common methods used in bioterror attacks?
  Commonly utilized methods in bioterror attacks include the release of aerosols into the air, contamination of food supplies, poisoning of water sources, or transmission through contaminated surfaces. These methods facilitate the rapid dissemination of biological agents across large populations.
• How does the Vaccine Institute of Türkiye combat bioterrorism?
  Türkiye Vaccine Institute combats bioterrorism by supporting the development of preventive vaccines, continuously monitoring biological threats, and maintaining rapid response capabilities for emergencies. Furthermore, the Institute provides educational content and organizes training programs for both experts and the public regarding bioterrorism and defense. It also establishes national and international collaborations to strengthen the fight against bioterrorism.
• How is international cooperation achieved against bioterrorism?
  International cooperation against bioterrorism is achieved through information sharing, joint exercises, collaborative research projects, and global surveillance systems. Türkiye Vaccine Institute plays an active role in these global partnerships.

tae@tuseb.gov.tr