Tufts Regional Biosafety Laboratory

The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University has one of the nation's leading research programs in zoonotic diseases (diseases transmissible from animals to people) and in food and waterborne diseases.

In October 2005, the Tufts Cummings School was awarded a $15.6-million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to build a state-of-the-art, regional biosafety laboratory (RBL) in Grafton Science Park. In September 2006, NIH increased the award by $3.75 million, to total $19.35 million.

The RBL will allow Tufts' researchers to build upon the work they have been doing for nearly three decades to improve human and animal health through better detection, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases. The facility will also serve as a regional resource for other New England scientists conducting similar research of public health importance.

RBL Statistics

• Total gross square feet: 37,950 (including 23, 290 sq. ft. of mechanical and basement space)
• Total site: 5.4 acres
• Total BSL-2 space: approximately 649 sq. ft.
• Total BSL-3 space: 8,480 sq. ft. (including laboratory, vivarium and vivarium support)
• Number of researchers to use lab: 29
• Total project cost: $25.8 million
• Federal grant amount: $19.35 million
• Tufts' investment: $6.4 million
• The RBL will be owned and operated by Tufts University
• Construction start date: Summer 2007
• Projected opening date: Spring 2009