UCSD
CAMPUS NOTICE
University of California, San Diego
 

OFFICE OF THE ASSOCIATE VICE CHANCELLOR -
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY POLICY & PROJECTS

November 27, 2002


ALL ACADEMICS AT UCSD

SUBJECT:  NIH Facilities Funding for Biodefense and Emerging
                     Infectious Diseases

Dear Colleagues:

The NIH has released a RFP for a construction grant to build or renovate space to be used as a BSL3/2 facility that would support research on biological agents considered to be likely agents of bioterrorism. In preparation for a response to this NIH request, we are gathering information about potential users of BSL3 space (including animal space) for biodefense-related research. The number of potential users and level of interest at UCSD will influence the magnitude of the proposal. If you have any interest in biodefense research, or have been considering getting into biodefense research, please respond as soon as possible to these few questions.

1. Are you currently working on a project related to category A, B, or C pathogens? The list of these pathogens can be found at :
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/dmid/bioterrorism/bandc_priority.htm

2. Are you currently working on an "emerging infectious disease"? If yes to either of the above, please list the diseases/pathogens.

3. Have you submitted a proposal or are you considering submitting a proposal to work on any of these agents? If yes, please provide the name of the agency, the title of the proposal and an abstract if available.

4. Does your current research require BSL3 facilities?

5. If such facilities were readily available on campus would you then consider using them?

6. Are there any new faculty recruitments under consideration or anticipated that would depend on having such a facility?

7. If you have any suggestions about future research directions or names of colleagues you believe are interested in research requiring access to BSL-3 facilities, please include that information in your reply.

Please send your replies to iherfurth@ucsd.edu or fax to Ida Herfurth at (858)-534-6404.


                                                Edward Furtek
                                                Associate Vice Chancellor
                                                Office of Science & Technology
                                                Policy & Projects