Facility and Building System Upgrades Support for the Mason Biomedical Research Laboratory

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Project Summary/Abstract In 2002, the NIAID convened a Panel on Bioterrorism and its implications for Biomedical Research to determine key priorities and short- and long-term goals for biodefense research in the United States. In response to the panel’s recommendations, the NIAID provided funding for the construction of two National Biocontainment Laboratories and 12 Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBLs). These installations have been an important resource for the nation as facilities where cutting edge scientific research on emerging infectious diseases and biodefense pathogens can be safely carried out. The Biological Research Laboratory (BRL) at George Mason University (GMU) is one of the 12 RBLs, and went into operation in July of 2010. In the decade since it opened its doors, GMU investigators have used the BRL to study select agents, such as Francisella tularensis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Yesrinia pestis, Bacillus anthracis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus and SARS-CoV-2, as well as other pathogens, including, HIV and HTLV-1. To continue building on the success of the BRL, we are looking to upgrade aspects of the building’s infrastructure, in addition to purchasing new caging and state-of-the-art equipment that can serve the needs of the scientific community focused on infectious disease research and fighting the next pandemic. The Specific Aims of the proposal are as follows: 1) Purchase of animal caging to expand the BRL’s ability to house various species, from rodents to non-human primates; 2) Replacement of the tissue digester; 3) Purchase of imaging equipment, including the Fuji Vevo and Mediso PET-CT; 4) Installation of an automated watering system for the animal holding rooms; 5) Replacement of hot water heaters.