Developing the VUMC MICRO facility to advance innovative BSL3 research

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PROJECT ABSTRACT In response to the global increase and spread of infectious disease and its impact on human health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) has established a trans-institutional strategic framework for infection and immunology research, including significant investments in research focused on highly virulent pathogens. Vanderbilt investigators are rapidly advancing discovery in the fields of microbial pathogenesis, therapeutic development, and vaccine design including critical research combatting COVID-19. Vanderbilt’s growing leadership in microbial pathogenesis makes research at biosafety level 3 (BSL3) critical to enabling breakthroughs. However, Vanderbilt’s two small BSL3 laboratories serve individual investigators and operate at capacity. Most Vanderbilt researchers therefore have no access to BSL3 facilities. The proposed Microbial Infectious Disease Core ResOurce (MICRO) will be a modern, comprehensive BSL3 shared research facility that significantly expands capacity for BSL3 research at Vanderbilt. Regional partnerships with institutions such as the University of Tennessee and Meharry Medical College will advance BSL3 work across the southeastern United States to maximize the MICRO’s benefit and impact. Key project goals will be accomplished through the renovation of 3,587 net square feet (NSF) of space in the heart of Vanderbilt’s biomedical research zone. The MICRO will be flexibly configured to meet stringent isolation requirements for BSL3 and Select Agent pathogens and can be rapidly modified as research and public health needs evolve. The MICRO will contain three BSL3 suites with a total of seven procedure rooms and will be served by new and/or rerouted mechanical and plumbing systems that completely isolate the BSL3 space. A 1,038 NSF BSL3-dedicated space will be constructed to enclose new mechanical equipment, including dedicated air handling units and an exhaust filtration system. The project will be designed to meet LEED Silver standards as well as National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. The MICRO will be developed and managed by an experienced project manager and BSL3 facility manager working with the Vanderbilt Institute of Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Office of Research, and Scientific Advisory Board to ensure effective planning, operation, and shared access to the new facility. Overall, the requested renovations will enable substantial improvements in infrastructure, capacity, and capabilities for BSL3 experimentation. This facility will enhance infection and immunology research that will lead to scientific breakthroughs in these fields at the nexus of basic research, clinical care, and public health.