Encyclopedia > Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology
The Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, also known as the Vector Institute is a highly sophisticated biological research center in Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia. It is roughly analogous to both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Army Chemical and Biological Defense Command. It has research facilities and capabilities for all levels of Biological Hazard, CDC Levels 1-4. It is one of two official repositories for the now-eradicated smallpox virus, and is part of the system of laboratories known as the Biopreparat. Koltsovo was founded in 1979 as a settlement near Novosibirsk for employees of the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology (Vector). ... Novosibirsk Oblast (Russian: ) is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast). ... The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, is recognized as the leading United States agency for protecting the public health and safety of people. ... The international biological hazard symbol Immediate disposal of used needles into a sharps container is standard procedure. ... Smallpox (also known by the Latin names Variola or Variola vera) was a highly contagious viral disease unique to humans. ... Before the collapse of the USSR, all biological weapons programs were grouped under the single organization of Biopreparat (Russian: Биопрепарат) from 1973. ...
Recently the facility has been upgraded and secured using the most modern cameras, motion sensors, fences, and biohazard containment systems. Its relative seclusion make security an easier task. Since its inception there has been an elite army regiment guarding the facility.
The facility has, at least until Soviet times, been a nexus for biological warfare research, though the nature of any ongoing research in this area is uncertain. Many of the researchers at the institution are courted by other research institutions around the globe. Soviet redirects here. ... For the use of biological agents by terrorists, see bioterrorism. ...
Feeds |
Contact