Why do RCEs need Regional Biocontainment Laboratories?
Research on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and potential bioterror agents requires specialized laboratory facilities in addition to those available at the campuses of the RCE members. The RBLs and the more highly specialized National Biocontainment Laboratories provide those facilities. In addition, the RBLs will be major resources for academic institutions, biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms that are not members of the RCEs and will train researchers, physicians, and first responders to be prepared in the event of an infectious disease crisis or biodefense emergency.
