A Special Message from the President
Sept. 30, 2003
 I’d like to share some exciting news with you. The National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) announced today that UTMB has
been selected as the site of a $150 million National Biocontainment
Laboratory (NBL), one of two large-scale national research facilities
focusing on new and emerging disease threats.
The NBL will serve scientists from all over the country, supplying
much-needed space for research aimed at fighting microbes that could be used
in a biological terrorist attack, as well as those that constitute emerging
natural threats such as SARS and the West Nile virus. Basic science will be
part of the NBL’s mission, but its emphasis will be on research that can be
quickly applied to developing better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent
diseases that might result from a bioterrorist attack or natural
outbreak—and on initiating a quick response should such an emergency occur.
The combination of the NBL with the remarkable expertise of our scientists
and the high quality of our existing facilities will create a uniquely
valuable resource.
Receipt of this highly competitive award is a credit to the caliber of
our scientists, to the depth of our expertise, and to a tremendous amount of
work and planning on the part of many people. I commend all those involved,
and applaud how the university again came together in this world-class
effort. I’d also like to thank UTMB’s faculty and staff for their
enthusiasm, and our local community for its support.
We are equally grateful for the confidence the NIAID has placed in our
expertise and in our ability to do this crucial work. We are looking forward
to partnering with them to create a truly national research resource.
Construction of the new lab is expected to begin in January 2006, on a
site immediately adjacent to UTMB’s soon-to-be-commissioned BSL-4
laboratory. UTMB will own and operate the NBL, with the NIAID overseeing the
project.
As we conclude one phase of this long process, the real work lies ahead.
It’s an important charge we’ve been given, one that the nation has entrusted
us to fulfill. I look forward to sharing with you news of our progress. And
I again commend all of those who have contributed to the success of this
vital initiative. This is a proud moment for our institution.
John D. Stobo, M.D.
UTMB President
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