Dr. Didier Breyer PhD

Scientist

I received my Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Liège (Belgium) in 1989 and conducted academic research activities for 6 years in the field of molecular biology applied to micro-organisms.

Since 1995 I have been working as senior scientist in the Service Biosafety and Biotechnology (SBB) of Sciensano (Brussels, Belgium). I have been appointed as Head of Unit a.i. since August 2016.

My professional activities focus on scientific expertise related to biosafety matters (i.e. the safety for human health and the environment of activities involving genetically modified and pathogenic organisms).

I am involved in particular in the scientific evaluation and administrative follow-up of regulatory dossiers, providing scientific support to the Belgian Biosafety Advisory Council and the Belgian Competent Authorities. I am participating in communication activities including publication of scientific papers, oral presentations, and participation in research projects (Co-Extra, COST action on GM Trees, GRACE). I am also working at the development and management of web-based information exchange mechanisms in the field of biosafety (see in particular the “Belgian Biosafety Server” — http://www.biosafety.be).

I am representing Belgium in international bodies acting in the field of biosafety (UN, OECD). From 1996 to 2004, I have coordinated at Belgian level the negotiation and implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and I am currently appointed as Belgian Focal Point for the Biosafety Clearing-House of the Cartagena Protocol.