Facility Management, Maintenance and Operations Core

Project Summary/Abstract: Core 1 of this UC7 proposal outlines a strategic plan for operational support, personnel support, and replacement of essential basic scientific equipment within the UAB Southeastern Biosafety Laboratory, Alabama Birmingham (SEBLAB). Investment in the UAB SEBLAB advances the UAB and NIAID mission to bring together innovative research technology, infectious disease models, and dedicated staff to make novel discoveries on the pathogenesis, detection, treatment and control of emerging infectious diseases. Aim 1 outlines facility maintenance and operational support required for SEBLAB to foster safe and productive high containment research programs. Aim 2 highlights critical support needed for highly trained and skilled personnel to safely and effectively operate this high complexity facility. Aim 3 outlines essential basic scientific equipment in need of repair/replacement to maintain high quality research productivity. Upon completion, this project will achieve the following: 1) Support SEBLAB facility operational expenses; 2) Fund the leadership, administrative, and technical staff involved in SEBLAB operations, and 3) Replace existing basic scientific equipment needed to execute groundbreaking research on high containment pathogens.