Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) has established the first comprehensive modular BSL-3 laboratory in the state of Kerala, located in the new campus at Aakkulam. This state-of-the-art facility has obtained certification from the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM), Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KPCB), and Institutional Bio-Safety Committee (IBSC) for operations. It serves as a central facility, providing a safe and secure work environment for studying Risk Group 3 pathogens and playing a pivotal role in responding to potential viral outbreaks and developing antiviral strategies. The laboratory's scope extends to studying processes related to emerging and re-emerging viral diseases, antiviral and vaccine development, and validation.

RGCB's BSL-3 lab offers vital support for research in both regional and global pandemics, contributing to public health emergencies and the field of pandemic research. In addition, the facility collaborates with other research institutions, government agencies, and international organizations to advance its research efforts.

Our facility is meticulously designed to ensure the highest BSL3 practices through engineering and operational stringency. Features such as the negative air pressure handling system, secure entrance and exit doors, two fully equipped research suites, a procedure room, animal holding facility, pass-through autoclaves, annually certified biosafety cabinets, personal protective equipment (PPE), and 24-hour CCTV monitoring system contribute to the biosafety of all individuals utilizing the facility. The research suites are furnished with essential equipment, including biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, deep freezers, CO2 incubators, microscopes, plate readers, and an efficient waste handling and management system.

Access to the BSL-3 central facility requires medical clearance, approval by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), funding for the project, documented experience and proficiency for the personnel adherence to BSL-3 biosafety and biosecurity requirements, project-specific BSL-3 training, BSL-3 facility orientation and training, and approval by the BSL-3 central facility in-charge. Researchers can schedule access to working suites via the RGCB BSL3 portal, facilitating the coordination of shared space and monitoring researcher usage and needs

PUBLICATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
If any research supported by the BSL-3 central facility results in publication, please acknowledge this support and notify us by sending the citation of publications for the annually required facility report.