# BSL-3 Practices core (Practice core)

> **NIH NIH UC7** · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · 2024 · $558,843

## Abstract

Core 2: A/BSL3 Practices Core (Practice Core) - ABSTRACT
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 as
safe, secure and effective research program. Multiple components will be integrated in redundant and
complementary systems. In addition, 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, the RBL vivarium, Facilities, Institutional Planning & Operations, Information Technology,
Environmental Health and Safety, Occupational Health, Emergency Management. Core 2 has two aims. Aim 1)
To develop the RBL BSL3 and ABSL3 Practices and Biosecurity Training and Education Center which will
integrate basic and advanced practices and training. Core 2 will develop a suite of integrated Units: Biosafety
Practices Unit, BSL3 Scientific Practices Unit, ABSL3 Animal Practices Unit, Occupational Health Unit,
Biosecurity Unit, Emergency Management and Exercise Unit. These structures provide coordinated and
standardized training systems across sectors, to unify and integrate routine and emergency/crisis response
research functions. Aim 2. Enhance and integrate necessary oversight programs. Safe and secure science
requires a web of oversight functions carried out by the following committees: A/BSL3 Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) Committee, the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), The Institutional Animal Care and
Use Committee (IACUC), Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Institutional Review Entity (IRE), and the
Institutional Review Board (IRB). Necessary and/or required approvals of research programs and protocols
subject to these oversight systems can often be delayed by successive approval requirements and time lags.
We will develop a system of oversight mechanisms that allow more agile response times and simultaneous
review procedures. We will describe how all the three Cores are served by these interrelated oversight
mechanisms to support a well-funded, compliant, highly productive research program capable of further growth
and rapid response.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10910197
- **Project number:** 5UC7AI180307-02
- **Recipient organization:** RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Preeti Bharaj
- **Activity code:** UC7 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $558,843
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-08-18 → 2028-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10910197

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10910197, BSL-3 Practices core (Practice core) (5UC7AI180307-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10910197. Licensed CC0.

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