Explore UAB

SEBLAB Southeastern Biosafety Laboratory Alabama Birmingham

Background

Southeastern Biosafety Laboratory Alabama Birmingham (SEBLAB) located at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is one of the 12 Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBL) funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID). Construction of this 43,500 square foot research building was completed in 2008 and SEBLAB was fully operational in 2009. Laboratory space includes 1 BSL-2 suite, 6 BSL-3 suites for in vitro research, 4 ABSL-3 labs for small animal studies, and an in vivo imaging suite.

SEBLAB serves as catalyst for scientific and translational discovery on biodefense and emerging infectious diseases, with a major focus on NIAID priority pathogens. In 2019, SEBLAB enabled UAB investigators with distinguished records in microbial pathogenesis, immunology, drug discovery, diagnostics, and therapeutic development to bring their skills to bear on the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. SEBLAB houses state-of-the art scientific equipment and a scientific core research team to help investigators execute cutting-edge research on BSL-3 pathogens and emerging pandemic threats.

Mission

SEBLAB’s mission is to protect the United States from biothreats, emphasizing biodefense by supporting research for new therapeutics and diagnostics for emerging infections, and ensuring surge capacity during a public health crisis.

Message from Director

Message from the Director



The Southeastern Biosafety Laboratory Alabama Birmingham (SEBLAB) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is one of the 12 Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBL) established and committed to protect the United States from potential biothreats. It is a state-of-the-art high containment research facility with BSL-2, BSL-3 and ABSL-3 laboratories essential for conducting cutting-edge research on existing and emerging infectious diseases. SEBLAB is a vital resource not only for UAB researchers but also for investigators from academia, industry, and governmental organizations, offering a secure high containment research environment that enhances our nation’s ability to respond to emerging pathogens and biothreats. SEBLAB is committed to biosafety providing high quality comprehensive training programs in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. By promoting a culture of safety and excellence in research practices, SEBLAB strives to foster innovation and meaningful breakthroughs that advance scientific knowledge, create vital diagnostics and therapeutics, and protect U.S. citizens from biothreats, benefiting human health on a local, regional, national, and global scale.

To learn more about research capabilities in SEBLAB, contact the Research Operations Manager, Dr. Doug Fox Ph.D and/or the SEBLAB Director, Dr. Sixto M. Leal Jr. MD, Ph.D.

Sixto M. Leal Jr. M.D., Ph.D.



Initiating Research in SEBLAB

UAB researchers and other investigators in academia, non-profit, industry, and governmental organizations interested in performing research in SEBLAB are encouraged to reach out to the Research Operations Manager, Dr. Doug Fox Ph.D. and/or the SEBLAB Director, Dr. Sixto M. Leal Jr. M.D., Ph.D. to discuss project feasibility and next steps. The application process for personnel access to SEBLAB is aligned with all local, state, and federal regulations, and described in detail in the “Training and Access” tab. Once approved, all personnel must complete comprehensive in person training tailored to BSL-3 and/or ABSL-3 containment prior to working within the facility. Proposed research projects also undergo rigorous review by SEBLAB management, as well as, the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Review Entity (IRE). Biosafety is of the utmost importance with project approval necessitating 100% compliance with Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Potential Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen (PEPP) regulations.