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 has and continues to serve as a 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 vaccine development to bring their skills to bear on the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. With a recent influx of UAB and NIAID investment and growth, it now 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
Mission of SEBLAB is to support basic research necessary to develop drugs, diagnostics and vaccines for emerging infections and biodefense, and to provide surge capacity, in the event of a public health emergency.
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) funded by NIAID. 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 pandemic threats. 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, we at SEBLAB aim to inspire innovation and impactful discoveries that will advance scientific knowledge, developing critical diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics, that enhance local, regional, national, and global health.
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.
Availability
SEBLAB is available for use by all UAB researchers, other investigators in academia, non-profit, industry, and governmental organizations, for studies of biodefense and emerging infectious diseases. The application process for working in SEBLAB includes the SEBLAB management team review of the work, Institutional Biosafety Committee approval, and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and Institutional Review Board review, as applicable. Once approved, all persons using the facility must complete comprehensive training tailored to BSL-3 and or ABSL-3 containment.
