Resources and Workforce Development for the Regional Biocontainment Laboratories

ABSTRACT – Overall Duke University is pleased to respond to RFA-IP-22-075 entitled “Limited Competition: Resources and Workforce Development for the Regional Biocontainment Laboratories”. Duke is one of 12-NIH funded Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBLs) in the country and has played an instrument role in the world class translational research being conducted at the DHVI and others throughout Duke and the Research Triangle region, by providing BSL-3 suites for virology, immunology, microbiology, and animal model services. Support from this grant will strengthen the overall infrastructure, ongoing facility and equipment maintenance, establish an enhanced BSL-3 safety and training program, and enhance access to and capabilities of the existing RBL Research Support services that are located in the BSL-3 environment. The significance of this grant is that it will allow the Duke RBL to better respond to emerging infectious diseases and play a leading role in pandemic preparedness. Specific Aims for this proposal are 1) to maintain reliable and uninterrupted facility functionality; 2) to ensure a safe, secure, and compliant work environment; and 3) provide a state-of- the-art biocontainment research environment and related support services that enhance the NIAID Biodefense Facilities Network. This grant will continue to allow Duke to be a crucial resource to a team of internal and external investigators dedicated to studying and countering select agents and BSL-3/ABSL-3 infectious agents of global importance.