Resources and Workforce Development for the Tulane Regional Biocontainment Laboratory

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The Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) is one of seven National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) dedicated to conducting nonhuman primate (NHP) research with the goal of improving human health. With a primary focus on infectious disease and biodefense research, the TNPRC is only NPRC with a Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) at Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) for the study of high-consequence pathogens, including select agents and toxins. The Tulane University RBL, which came online in June 2010, has been critical for advancing research at the TNPRC and across the region on biodefense agents and emerging infectious diseases, with a primary focus on in vivo studies using NHPs. Since its inception, significant infrastructure projects have been completed to capitalize on the presence of the RBL and grow and diversify research at the TNPRC. In recent years, and particularly with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the TNPRC RBL has expanded its capabilities and capacity to accommodate BSL-3-level emerging pathogen and biodefense research. The overarching goal of the proposed project is to strategically enhance and fortify BSL-3 research capabilities within the TNPRC RBL to ensure the long-term success of this program in support of infectious disease and biodefense research and countermeasure development. This will be accomplished through the following Specific Aims: (1) Ensure agility of the TNPRC RBL response to emerging public health concerns and threats by leveraging the robust research infrastructure and unique research strengths of the TNPRC and implementing exceptional preventative maintenance processes that allow for best practices, quality control, and extensive safety oversight for work with high- consequence pathogens. (2) Provide formal structure for sharing of best practices for safety, research procedures and facilities management with partners and other RBLs. (3) Coordinate practices and procedures across the Biodefense Facilities Network to leverage the strengths of all 12 RBLs; ensure efficient and effective cross-training and sharing of methodologies, SOPs, and best practices; and coordinate and advance infectious disease and biodefense research and countermeasure development nation-wide.