Enhancing SEBLAB Research Productivity, Operations and Core Laboratory Support

Project Summary The UAB Southeastern Biocontainment Laboratory (SEBLAB) is one of 12 Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBL) established by NIAID to advance BSL-3 research and pandemic preparedness. In continuous operation since 2009, NIAID award 1G20AI167409-01 enabled the repair of natural wear and tear on non- scientific equipment and essential upgrades to air balance, exhaust, energy recovery, and decontamination systems. Subsequently, NIAID award 1G20AI167409-S1 enabled the acquisition of cutting edge scientific equipment. The current proposal outlines a strategic plan to safely and effectively translate these investments into increased research productivity and innovative ground-breaking scientific discoveries. Core-1 outlines facility operations support, personnel support, and replacement of essential basic scientific equipment required for SEBLAB to foster safe and productive high containment research programs. Core-2 seeks to support a solid and effective biosafety workforce, external training opportunities, and development and implementation of high quality internal training programs critical to the safe execution of high containment research. Core-3 outlines a strategic plan to establish integrated core services within containment enabling the safe and efficient use of cutting edge technologies, optimized research productivity, and ground-breaking scientific innovation/s. Upon completion, this project will achieve the following: 1) Support SEBLAB facility operational expenses; 2) Fund the leadership, administrative, and technical staff required to operate this high complexity facility, 3) Replace existing basic scientific equipment, 4) Support high quality BSL-3 biosafety training, 5) Establish integrated research cores within high containment, 6) Optimize and boost SEBLAB scientific research productivity, 7) Foster RBL/NBL network collaboration, and 8) Fund and maintain a highly skilled BSL-3 scientific workforce ready to rapidly respond at the frontline of emerging pandemic threats.