BSL-3 Practices core (Practice core)

Core 2: A/BSL3 Practices Core (Practice Core) - ABSTRACT The Rutgers University RBL plays a central, regional role in performing BSL3-level research and development and maintaining biothreat preparedness. The RBL opened in 2009 and has since been continuously funded by federal agencies, foundations and industry to carry out select agent research. The RBL maintains robust systems for BSL3 operational activities to ensure rapid response, scientific integrity and public safety, with effective monitoring, verification and maintenance of the RBL biocontainment facility. This Core describes the biosecurity and biosafety practices, risk assessment, regulatory compliance and other practices relevant to maintaining as safe, secure and effective research program. Multiple components will be integrated in redundant and complementary systems. In addition, this Core coordinates training programs across sectors to align expertise and capabilities to provide a sustainable and contemporary workforce. The sectors involved include the RBL laboratories, the RBL vivarium, Facilities, Institutional Planning & Operations, Information Technology, Environmental Health and Safety, Occupational Health, Emergency Management. Core 2 has two aims. Aim 1) To develop the RBL BSL3 and ABSL3 Practices and Biosecurity Training and Education Center which will integrate basic and advanced practices and training. Core 2 will develop a suite of integrated Units: Biosafety Practices Unit, BSL3 Scientific Practices Unit, ABSL3 Animal Practices Unit, Occupational Health Unit, Biosecurity Unit, Emergency Management and Exercise Unit. These structures provide coordinated and standardized training systems across sectors, to unify and integrate routine and emergency/crisis response research functions. Aim 2. Enhance and integrate necessary oversight programs. Safe and secure science requires a web of oversight functions carried out by the following committees: A/BSL3 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Committee, the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Institutional Review Entity (IRE), and the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Necessary and/or required approvals of research programs and protocols subject to these oversight systems can often be delayed by successive approval requirements and time lags. We will develop a system of oversight mechanisms that allow more agile response times and simultaneous review procedures. We will describe how all the three Cores are served by these interrelated oversight mechanisms to support a well-funded, compliant, highly productive research program capable of further growth and rapid response.