TNPRC Regional Biocontainment Laboratory Upgrade for Capacity Building

项目总结

Project Summary Over its 57-year history, the Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) has continued to evolve its capabilities to support local, regional, and national biomedical research by expanding it campus including the Regional Biocontainment Lab (RBL) opening in 2008. As the only RBL operating at a National Primate Research Center, the TNPRC has unique and critical assets that must meet and exceed the requirements to safely accommodate the level of research occurring within its walls. Several facility upgrades, modernization projects, and laboratory enhancements are necessary to meet the ever-increasing needs of the scientific community for BSL-3 level research on biodefense pathogens and emerging infectious diseases. In this application, we propose upgrades to equipment and air handling systems, renovation of laboratory spaces, and expansion of decontamination capabilities. The proposed project offers a comprehensive and strategic package of upgrades to the facility that will enhance research spaces and ensure continuity of systems in place to protect the safety of staff and the surrounding community. Completion of this project will significantly enhance our mission as a National Primate Research Center, optimize capabilities, and permit us to respond to growing research demands. Most importantly, these upgrades and enhancements will provide critical support for local, state, regional, and national efforts to sustain biodefense pathogens and emerging infectious diseases research.