Qatar University has awarded the design, build and operational contract for its BSL-3 Select Agent Laboratory, a first-of-its-kind research laboratory in the region, to Working Buildings Companies, based in Georgia, US.

The laboratory located at the New Research Complex in Doha, Qatar, will provide state-of-the-art industry capabilities ranging from research in regional public health threats, clean room applications to investigations involving biological or chemical terrorism, said the US company.

A leader in the delivery of critical research laboratories, current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) facilities and healthcare programmes globally, Working Buildings will provide the laboratory with comprehensive “turnkey” services, which will include long-term operational support.

Michael L Weiss, president and CEO of Working Buildings, said the new laboratory was a very important asset in terms of health and safety for Qatar and the region as a whole.

“This facility, which can safely work with emerging infectious disease and other biological threats, will greatly improve the region's capabilities to respond to a growing list of public health issues,” stated Weiss.

“The university will also be able to expand on intellectual discoveries from research. We are very pleased to add Qatar University as a client and to be able to support them in this critical public health and strategic programme,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service