NIH Reporter #5UC7AI180307-04

BSL-3 Practices core (Practice core)

Award to Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences for the BSL-3 Practices core project to support BSL3-level research, biosecurity, biosafety, and integrated training and oversight programs to maintain a safe and compliant research environment.

Description

The Rutgers University RBL plays a central, regional role in performing BSL3-level research and development and maintaining biothreat preparedness. The RBL opened in 2009 and has since been continuously funded by federal agencies, foundations, and industry to carry out select agent research. The RBL maintains robust systems for BSL3 operational activities to ensure rapid response, scientific integrity, and public safety, with effective monitoring, verification, and maintenance of the RBL biocontainment facility. This Core describes the biosecurity and biosafety practices, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and other practices relevant to maintaining a safe, secure, and effective research program. Multiple components will be integrated in redundant and complementary systems. Additionally, this Core coordinates training programs across sectors to align expertise and capabilities to provide a sustainable and contemporary workforce. The sectors involved include the RBL laboratories, vivarium, Facilities, Institutional Planning & Operations, Information Technology, Environmental Health and Safety, Occupational Health, and Emergency Management. Core 2 has two aims: 1) To develop the RBL BSL3 and ABSL3 Practices and Biosecurity Training and Education Center, integrating basic and advanced practices and training through various units such as Biosafety Practices, BSL3 Scientific Practices, ABSL3 Animal Practices, Occupational Health, Biosecurity, and Emergency Management. 2) To enhance and integrate oversight programs involving committees like the A/BSL3 SOPs Committee, IBC, IACUC, DURC, IRE, and IRB, developing a system for more agile response times and simultaneous review procedures to support a well-funded, compliant, and highly productive research program.

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