National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories

The National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, or NEIDL, is a biosciences facility of Boston University located near Boston Medical Center on Albany Street in the South End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.

National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL) building

The lab is part of a national network of secure facilities that study infectious diseases, whether naturally occurring or introduced through bioterrorism. The Labs include a BSL-4 laboratory, which study the most dangerous and deadly human diseases.

History

On February 2, 2006, Boston Medical Center received regulatory approval from the federal government to fund construction of a biosafety laboratory on its medical campus in the South End, Boston.

There has been strong community opposition to the planned building, and BSL-2 level research did not begin until 2012 due to court injunctions. BSL-3 and BSL-4 level research is still anticipated to be launched in the future after alleviating community opposition.[1]

In early 2014, BSL-4 research was still being opposed by community groups including the Union Park Neighborhood Association and Boston City Councilor Charles Yancey who was conducting hearings on its safety and recommending a citywide ban on BSL-4 research.

The NEIDL was given final approval for BSL-4 research Boston Public Health Commission on December 6, 2017, with the support of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. Every project at the lab will also need individual BPHC review and approval.[2]

Notes and references
  1. "BU Questions Claims Behind Ordinance to Ban BSL-4 Research: City Council Hearing on April 16", BU Press Release, March 17th, 2014
  2. Research on the world’s deadliest microbes will soon begin at a Boston lab


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