Enhancing SEBLAB Research Productivity, Operations and Core Laboratory Support

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Project Summary The UAB Southeastern Biocontainment Laboratory (SEBLAB) is one of 12 Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBL) established by NIAID to advance BSL-3 research and pandemic preparedness. In continuous operation since 2009, NIAID award 1G20AI167409-01 enabled the repair of natural wear and tear on non- scientific equipment and essential upgrades to air balance, exhaust, energy recovery, and decontamination systems. Subsequently, NIAID award 1G20AI167409-S1 enabled the acquisition of cutting edge scientific equipment. The current proposal outlines a strategic plan to safely and effectively translate these investments into increased research productivity and innovative ground-breaking scientific discoveries. Core-1 outlines facility operations support, personnel support, and replacement of essential basic scientific equipment required for SEBLAB to foster safe and productive high containment research programs. Core-2 seeks to support a solid and effective biosafety workforce, external training opportunities, and development and implementation of high quality internal training programs critical to the safe execution of high containment research. Core-3 outlines a strategic plan to establish integrated core services within containment enabling the safe and efficient use of cutting edge technologies, optimized research productivity, and ground-breaking scientific innovation/s. Upon completion, this project will achieve the following: 1) Support SEBLAB facility operational expenses; 2) Fund the leadership, administrative, and technical staff required to operate this high complexity facility, 3) Replace existing basic scientific equipment, 4) Support high quality BSL-3 biosafety training, 5) Establish integrated research cores within high containment, 6) Optimize and boost SEBLAB scientific research productivity, 7) Foster RBL/NBL network collaboration, and 8) Fund and maintain a highly skilled BSL-3 scientific workforce ready to rapidly respond at the frontline of emerging pandemic threats.