Building a new laboratory to study infectious diseases and prepare for future pandemics
Official title: UNC BSL3 Core Facility
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10795381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We're building a new lab at the University of North Carolina to help scientists study how our immune system reacts to viruses like coronaviruses, so we can be better prepared for future outbreaks and keep everyone healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $7,916,788 |
| NIH project number | 1C06OD036029-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10795381 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals in communities at high risk for infectious diseases, particularly those with limited access to healthcare.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-infectious diseases or those not affected by emerging viral pathogens may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This project aims to construct a 10,000 square feet biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory facility at the University of North Carolina to enhance research capabilities in infectious diseases. The facility will support studies on immune responses to coronaviruses and other emerging viral pathogens, addressing the urgent need for advanced research infrastructure. By bringing together researchers and providing access to specialized technologies, the facility will facilitate critical investigations into disease progression and protection against infections. This initiative is designed to improve public health readiness and response to future pandemics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of infectious diseases, ultimately enhancing public health safety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in similar high-containment laboratory settings, indicating the potential for significant advancements in understanding infectious diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fletcher, Craig a — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Fletcher, Craig a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.