Over 130 experts from disease control and prevention services, healthcare organizations, and scientific institutions in 28 countries across the CIS, Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America are expected to take part.
Over the course of three days, participants will assess mobile laboratory capabilities and related logistics, both before deployment and during field operations; deploy mobile laboratories in a simulated emergency zone; develop a set of disease prevention activities; analyze control samples using advanced diagnostic methods; and refine skills in biological risk assessment and management in mobile laboratory settings.
Several types of Rospotrebnadzor mobile laboratories will be involved, including a specialized disease control team mobile facility integrating six laboratory units, indication and monitoring mobile laboratories, and air-supported portable laboratories.
Participants will also be introduced to the Russian Federation’s latest advancements in mobile technologies, biological safety, and laboratory diagnostics.
The IV International Exercises of Rapid Response Mobile Laboratories will enhance the capacity of participating nations to respond to biological threats and foster international cooperation in combating infectious diseases.
September 16, day 1 | ||
10:00 – 10:15 | Greetings for the participants: V. V. Kutyrev, Director of the Russian Anti-Plague Research Institute "Microbe" of Rospotrebnadzor | Conference hall |
10:15 – 10:30 | Presentation of the general plan of the exercises, setting tasks. Formation of teams, introduction of participants | Conference hall |
10:30 – 12:00 | Diagnostic and epidemiological units (jointly): Deployment of mobile laboratories (by teams) | Mobile Labs site |
12:00 – 13:00 | Diagnostic and epidemiological units (jointly): Demonstration of mobile laboratories | Mobile Labs site |
13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch | Dining room |
14:00 – 15:00 | Diagnostic and epidemiological units (jointly): - Sampling of environmental objects | Conference hall |
15:00 – 16:00 | Diagnostic and epidemiological units (jointly): - Training task 1 «Preparing a mobile laboratory for field work” | Conference hall |
16:00 – 17:00 | Diagnostic units: - Analysis of encrypted samples by PCR and sequencing Epidemiological units: - Training task 2 «Integration with the local headquarters for the elimination of emergencies» | Mobile Labs site Conference hall |
19:00 – 22:00 | Gala dinner | Government residence K2 |
September 17, day 2 | ||
10:00-10:15 | Setting tasks for the day | Conference hall |
10:15 – 11:20 | Diagnostic units: - Analysis of encrypted samples by PCR and sequencing Epidemiological units: - Training task 3 «Information exchange in the work of rapid response teams» | Mobile Labs site Conference hall |
11:20 – 11:50 | Coffee break | Coffee break zone |
12:00 – 13:00 | Opening of the exercises. Greetings. - A.Yu. Popova - Head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing - Video address by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation T.A. Golikova - Greeting by the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Northwestern Federal District A.V. Gutsan - Greeting by the Governor of St. Petersburg A.D. Beglov SAET of the Rospotrebnadzor: past, present, future V. V. Kutyrev, Director of the Russian Anti-Plague Research Institute "Microbe" of Rospotrebnadzor | Conference hall |
13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch | Dining room |
14:00 – 16:00 | Diagnostic units: - Analysis of encrypted samples by PCR and sequencing Epidemiological units: - Training task 4 «Development of a set of anti-epidemic measures» - Training task 5 «Medical care for rapid response teams» | Mobile Labs site Conference hall |
16:00 – 16:30 | Coffee break | Coffee break zone |
18:30 – 20:30 | Tour to the Hermitage | Hermitage |
September 18, day 3 | ||
10:00 – 10:15 | Setting tasks for the day | Conference hall |
10:15 – 12:00 | Diagnostic and epidemiological units (jointly): Simulation and management of the incidents with pathogenic biological agents | Conference hall |
12:00 – 13:00 | Diagnostic and epidemiological units (jointly): - Dismantling mobile laboratories | Mobile Labs site |
13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch | Dining room |
14:00 – 15:00 | Diagnostic and epidemiological units (jointly): - Preparing mission team reports | Teams HQs, Conference hall |
15:00 – 16:00 | Presenting mission team reports | Conference hall |
16:00 – 17:00 | Summing up the results of the exercises: - Round table discussion on the results of the exercises; - Presentation of certificates to the participants of the exercises | Conference hall |
17:00 – 19:00 | Tour to the Museum of Naval Glory of Russia | Museum of Naval Glory of Russia |
This information circular provides general details about the event, practical guidance for participants, and logistical information.
Should you have any additional questions or require further clarification, please contact the relevant services of the Organising Committee using the details provided in the section “Contact Details.”
The Organising Committee wishes all participants a productive and rewarding experience in St. Petersburg.
Museum of Naval Glory, Congress and Exhibition Centre
18 Tsitadelskoye Highway, Kronstadt, St. Petersburg
Registration, Event Opening and Closing
- Registration: Participants may register on 15 September 2025 during hotel check-in, as well as at the Exercise venue.
- Opening: The event begins at 10:00 a.m. on 16 September 2025.
- Closing: The Exercise concludes at 5:00 p.m. on 18 September 2025.
Internet
Free Internet access will be available at the Exercise venue.
Network name and password details will be provided at the information desks.
The Exercise will run daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with regular coffee breaks and a one-hour lunch break.
Dress Code:
- Plenary Session: Business attire
- Practical Exercises: Comfortable clothing suitable for laboratory work
Exercise Materials
All necessary exercise materials will be provided at registration on 15 September 2025 at the designated hotel, as well as at the information desk at the exercise venue.
Cultural Programme
- 15 September – St. Petersburg city bus tour
- 16 September – Gala dinner
- 17 September – Visit to the State Hermitage Museum
- 18 September – Visit to the Museum of Naval Glory
Only participants wearing a valid badge will be granted access to the Exercise venue.
All participants will be accommodated at the Cosmos Saint Petersburg Pribaltiyskaya Hotel.
Address: 14 Korablestroiteley Street, St. Petersburg
Daily transfers between the hotel and the Exercise venue will be provided for all participants. Transfer schedules will be communicated upon check-in.
Meals:
- Breakfasts and dinners will be served at the Cosmos Saint-Petersburg Pribaltiyskaya Hotel.
- Lunches (16–18 September) will be provided at the Congress and Exhibition Centre of the Museum of Naval Glory.
Credit Cards, Currency, and ATMs
The official currency of the Russian Federation is the Russian rouble (RUB), which is the only legal means of payment.
- Accepted payment methods: Cash, UnionPay, and MIR cards
- Not accepted: Visa and MasterCard cards issued outside the Russian Federation
For up-to-date exchange rates, please consult the Central Bank of Russia: www.cbr.ru
Nearest exchange office to the hotel:
60 Bolshoy Prospekt, Vasilevsky Island, St. Petersburg
Luggage and Prohibited Items
Airlines operating in the Russian Federation strictly regulate baggage allowances. Participants are advised to review the baggage rules of their airline in advance (available on airline websites) to avoid additional fees. Luggage wrapping services are available in airport check-in areas.
Please note:
- Certain items and substances are prohibited in both checked and carry-on luggage.
- Liquids in hand baggage may be subject to volume restrictions.
Transfers will be provided between the airport or railway station and the hotel in St. Petersburg, and return, from 15 to 19 September 2025.
Representatives of the Organising Committee will meet delegates in the arrival areas (airport or railway station) and guide them to the shuttle vehicles.
From 16 to 18 September 2025, daily transfers will also be arranged between the hotel and the Exercise venue in Kronstadt for all participants staying at the hotel.
St. Petersburg has a temperate climate, transitioning from a moderate continental to a moderate marine type.
In September, the average daytime temperature is around 15°C, while nighttime temperatures average 8°C.
For up-to-date weather forecasts, please refer to the Hydrometeorological Centre of Russia: www.meteoinfo.ru
Time
Local time zone: UTC/GMT +3 (no daylight saving time).
Power Supply
Russia uses European Type C sockets, with a standard voltage of 220 V and frequency of 50 Hz.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in public spaces in Russia. It is not allowed in bars, restaurants, theatres, museums, or other cultural and heritage sites.
Additional Information
Emergency services (from mobile phones): Dial 112
St. Petersburg Bridge Lift Schedule: mostotrest-spb.ru/razvodka-mostov
Alexey V. Shirshov – Mobile: +7 987 325-41-41
Alexander A. Martynov – Mobile: +7 987 375-03-77