Researchers at a new University of Maryland institute will explore bio-defense pathogens such as anthrax, global infectious diseases and environmental pathogens, according to its director.
The Maryland Pathogen Research Institute will bring together public policy experts, computer scientists, life scientists and others “to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure infectious diseases,” Director David Mosser told The Examiner.
Though Mosser became director of the MPRI in January, he said the College Park-based institute won?t officially open until June.
“The goal of the institutionis to bring people with all these diverse expertise ? and have them apply their research to [pathogens],” Mosser said.
According to Associate Director Debra Weinstein, MPRI is unique because medical schools studying pathogens don?t have bioengineers, computer scientists, public policy experts and other non-life scientists on campus and at their disposal.
“Without somehow having a core institution that will facilitate that collaboration,” she said, “? it doesn?t happen.”
Mosser said the institute already has 30 on-campus faculty members and internal and external advisory boards.
The external board includes representatives from the Center for Disease Control, Johns Hopkins University and the National Institutes of Health.
“We are still in the growing phase,” Mosser said of MPRI.
The university is funding MPRI, but Weinstein couldn?t say Thursday how much money it provided.
“But we are going to reach out to state and federal government and to private foundations for funding,” Mosser said.
MPRI will officially open once the university?s new Biosciences Research Building is complete. The building will include two $2.4 million high-level containment facilities that will enable researchers to safely study pathogens, the university said.
On June 29, Mosser said, the internal and external advisory boards will meet for the first time. In the meantime, Mosser said, MPRI is developing projects, writing grants and recruiting [more internal] faculty.
Eventually, Mosser said, the university will hire people to work at the institute.
“Within the year,” he said, “you are going to see a lot of effects of this institute.”
