A BIOSAFETY LEVEL 3 NATIONAL LABORATORY AT THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY

Essential to battling viruses like COVID-19 is the ability to conduct research that involves direct contact with the live virus or with specimens infected with it. With the help of the Association of the French Friends, the Hebrew University has built a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) research laboratory, which will enable such research to occur while providing the necessary protection for the researchers and the community. The lab has low air pressure to prevent (virus) leakage, a unique filtration system, and protective gear to allow safe research with the virus itself.

This facility contains a full array of necessary research equipment within, since infected samples may not be taken outside of the facility to be analyzed elsewhere. This lab has two wings: a virus isolation and tissue study wing, and an animal research wing which would house biological (mouse) models infected with the virus.

It is the first and only such lab in Israel outside of the Israel Institute for Biological Research - a government arm for defense against chemical and biological threats. However, that facility is not available only for academic research. This laboratory is a national laboratory, and will help researchers all over Israel to fight the coronavirus and additional viruses and pathogens. This lab positions Israel at the forefront of pathogenic research, and allows investigation of vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments for other life-threatening diseases, including future epidemics.

To learn more please visit: www.bsl3.huji.ac.il