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1. What unique resources does UT-Memphis bring to the SECEBT partnership?
In 2003, Dr. Malak Kotb, an active member of SECEBT, spearheaded efforts for UT-Memphis to be awarded nearly $18 million in federal funding from the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) to be used to build a laboratory on the UT-Baptist Research Park site for biomedical and biodefense research and research training. The primary purpose of the research conducted at the RBL will be to develop new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to protect the general population from infectious diseases and bioterrorism. One of 13 NIAID funded regional biocontainment labs in the country; the UTHSC RBL will be limited to research requiring Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment as defined by the Centers for Disease Control. BSL-3 facilities are designed to safely and effectively study contagious materials. Scientists at the UT RBL will investigate: multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, tularemia, streptococci, cholera, and Chlamydia infections. Other pathogens will be added as the facility and faculty expand. The RBL will enhance collaborations and research efforts with SECEBT partners as well as partnerships surrounding the Mid-South.
2. What areas of expertise or current UT-Memphis projects will be of particular interest to SECEBT partners?
The Mid-South Center for Biodefense and Security will be forthcoming with many new and upcoming projects that will be of particular interest to the partners of SECEBT. At this time, the focus of the Mid-South Center for Biodefense and Security is to diligently work with all faculty and staff to ensure The Regional Biocontainment Lab will open in full splendor in the Winter of 2008.
3. How has UT-Memphis been involved with SECEBT?
Since the formation of the partnership with UT Memphis and SECEBT by Dr. Malak Kotb, the partnership has grown and flourished into exciting and novel research findings. UTHSC has actively participated in SECEBT conferences and conference calls. UTHSC applauds and shares SECEBT’s common goals to focus on education and research which are manifested through SECEBT’s unique activities. UTHSC over the years has made great strides in mimicking the unique activities of SECEBT to increase involvement in Public Health, Information and Dissemination to the general public, and also by utilizing the database of expertise that is unique to SECEBT. UTHSC has hosted one of the annual SECEBT conferences here in Memphis and is looking forward to hosting the conference again in the near future. SECEBT has an outstanding training program for upcoming scientists and researchers new to the field of Biodefense where they can receive training in the Biocontainment facilities. UTHSC has encouraged and ensured individuals from the campus were participants and recipients of the amenities and training within the Biocontainment facilities. UTHSC is a proud partner of SECEBT and look forward to working with the partnership for years to come. For more information and upcoming events being hosted by the Mid-South Center for Biodefense and Security, please visit our website at www.utmem.edu/mscbs
Contact Information
Malak Kotb, Ph.D.
Director, Mid-South Center for Biodefense and Security (MSCBS)
930 Madison Avenue Suite 726
Memphis, TN 38163
901.448.7247 – Office
901.448.1288 – Fax
mkotb@utmem.edu
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