New lab to study influenza viruses
Madison, Wis. - A new $12.5 million University of Wisconsin (UW) facility slated to open next spring will focus on the study of influenza viruses to better understand the disease and possibly help prevent a future avian-flu pandemic. The two-story, 27,000 square-foot Institute for Influenza Viral Research initially will house 24 employees and grow to 35 when fully staffed, says Daryl Buss, DVM, PhD and dean of the UW School of Veterinary Medicine.
MADISON, WIS. — A new $12.5 million University of Wisconsin (UW) facility slated to open next spring will focus on the study of influenza viruses to better understand the disease and possibly help prevent a future avian-flu pandemic. The two-story, 27,000 square-foot Institute for Influenza Viral Research initially will house 24 employees and grow to 35 when fully staffed, says Daryl Buss, DVM, PhD and dean of the UW School of Veterinary Medicine.
The institute's director will be Yoshihiro Kawaoka, DVM, PhD, who is internationally known for influenza research and discoveries, most notably transmission methods.
The building is ranked Biosecurity Level 3 to ensure the safety of the community and the environment as influenza and other agents are studied. "The protection requires not only a well-designed and secure facility, but appropriate equipment within the laboratory, such as biological safety cabinets and many other features, such as detailed laboratory protocols and extensive training of laboratory personnel," Buss says.
