MRI launches biological safety center
There is a growing demand for expertise in laboratory services for the biodefense, agriculture, food safety, and vaccine development industries, and MRI steps forward to offer its services
The Kansas City, Missouri-based nonprofit Midwest Research Institute (MRI) has launched its Center for Biological Safety and Security. MRI performs contract research and laboratory consulting services for government and industry. The initiative aims to meet to growing interest in reliable detection and identification of bioterror agents and the growing demand for expertise in laboratory services MRI’s newly announced center will be staffed by a team of certified biosafety and security specialists to provide specialized laboratory consulting services.
“Through this center, MRI is providing an industry unique approach in meeting the complex needs of global clients,” said Michael Helmstetter, senior vice president of MRI’s Research Operations. “Our strategy integrates two technical disciplines, biosafety and security of biological facilities, tailored to help clients improve overall laboratory performance and efficiency.” MRI officials say biodefense, agriculture, food safety, and vaccine development industries have created a need for national and international biosafety laboratories with highly trained biological safety personnel.
The Center for Biological Safety and Security will be located in Frederick, Maryland, as a way to be in close proximity to the nation’s biological defense research hub. “Safety and security are core values at MRI,” said Helmstetter. “The opportunity exists for us to provide others with services to ensure safe and secure practices when conducting leading edge biological research.”
You should know that MRI also promotes science education for youth by supporting Science Pioneers, which holds one of the largest science fairs in the country, and the FIRST Robotics Competition.
