Welcome to the Aerobiology Core Division

The Aerobiology Core Division at the Galveston National Laboratory (GNL) is located on the main campus of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. The GNL houses internationally renowned researchers dedicated to studying emerging and re-emerging pathogens requiring Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) and Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) containment due to their significant threat to public health worldwide. 

The Aerobiology Core Division provides state-of-the-art aerosol science facilities and inhalational exposure services for animal models and test devices. We provide vital support to industry, government, and academic researchers who are dedicated to developing, testing, and evaluating therapeutics, vaccines, and devices against aerosolized infectious agents, including Select Agents. This work requires the highest levels of biocontainment (BSL-3 and BSL-4), ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

The threat of aerosol dissemination of biological agents, capable of exposing vast numbers of civilians and military personnel, is a significant concern. Therefore, the aerobiology capabilities at the GNL are indispensable for the safe development of new biodefense products and the efficacy testing of therapeutics, vaccines, and devices. This research is important for their eventual review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge research with practical defense applications, the Aerobiology Core Facility is instrumental in bolstering both national and global biosecurity.