Improving pandemic preparedness through advanced biocontainment research
Official title: Positioning Mason's Regional Biocontainment Laboratory for Effective Pandemic Preparedness
Funded at George Mason University · NIH-10910207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making George Mason University's lab better equipped to handle serious infectious diseases, so researchers can safely and effectively work on new tests, treatments, and vaccines for future health challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Mason University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairfax, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,528,800 |
| NIH project number | 5UC7AI180261-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals at risk of infectious diseases, particularly during outbreaks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for infectious diseases or those who do not live in areas affected by pandemics may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the capabilities of George Mason University's Biomedical Laboratory to effectively respond to emerging infectious diseases. It aims to improve the safety and efficiency of research conducted in Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facilities, which are crucial for studying dangerous pathogens. The project will implement upgrades to the laboratory infrastructure, enhance training for personnel, and establish new research cores to facilitate the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. By addressing vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative seeks to create a more robust response framework for future health crises.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved preparedness and response strategies for future pandemics, ultimately saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Other research initiatives focused on enhancing biocontainment facilities have shown promise in improving pandemic response capabilities, indicating that this approach is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
George Mason University
Fairfax, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alem, Farhang — George Mason University
- Study coordinator: Alem, Farhang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Implementation and Translation Model to spread evidence-based practices
A program at George Mason University aims to help public health and criminal legal system agencies adopt and scale proven strategies to prevent overdoses.
-
Phylogenetic modeling of viral spread at the human-wildlife boundary in Uganda
Researchers will use family tree methods to understand how viruses move between wildlife and people in Uganda to help anticipate and prevent outbreaks.
-
JCOIN 2.0 Coordination and Translation Center for Criminal Justice and Health
A national effort to speed up use of proven practices to reduce overdose risk among people involved with the criminal legal system.
-
Understanding memory changes with aging in mouse brains and how they relate to Alzheimer’s risk
Researchers plan to build a detailed computer model of memory-related brain circuits in aging mice to understand why memory declines with age and how this relates to Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Understanding neuron shapes and connections to help memory-related brain disorders
This grant builds and shares detailed 3D images of neurons to better understand how brain circuits work in Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Wearable ultrasound patch to monitor heart health after pediatric heart surgery
A small, disposable ultrasound patch worn on babies and young children after heart surgery will measure heart function and blood pressure in real time, aiming to catch problems early.
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.