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NIH makes a strategic plan
National Institutes of Health makes a strategic plan for a biodefence research facility to accomplish short and long term goals against bioterrorism. (BU Medical Campus) -
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Grant awarded for BU Medical Center
Boston University Medical Center was awarded a grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease to build one of two National Biocontainment Laboratories (BU medical campus) -
Researchers fall ill
Two researchers studying tularemia fall ill after being infected and another in September as well. By the end of October 2004 the study on tularemia was stopped. (Boston Globe) -
Construction completed
The consteuction on the lab was completed in the Fall of 2008 and cost a total of $128 million. (BU Medical Campus)
The lab is located at 620 Albany St. in Boston’s South End. Located near a food bank, prison, good will store and public housing. -
Purpose
The National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL) is part of a national network of secure facilities studying infectious diseases that are or have the potential to become major public health concerns. -
Mission Statement
- To perform cutting-edge research on emerging infectious diseases and to develop diagnostic tests, treatments, and vaccines to promote the public’s health through combating infectious diseases.
- To provide training in these areas of research and to support a national response in the event of a biodefense emergency.
- To establish a research facility with the highest attention to community and laboratory safety and security.
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BSL-4 Debate
During a National Institutes of Health Blue Ribbon Panel there was a debate over the safety of Boston University’s Biosafety Level-4 laboratory. (Daily Press) -
Boston Mayor leads a Tour
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino led a tour of (NEIDL). The tour was designed to highlight both the safety features and the prospective economic impact of the facility, which the city estimates at $98 million per year. (BU Medical Campus)