MRI launches biological safety center

Kansas City, Mo. - 9/19/07 - The Center for Biological Safety and Security has been launched by Midwest Research Institute (MRI), a government and industry research and laboratory consulting service.

In an effort to address the growing demand for expertise in laboratory services, MRI's newly announced center will be staffed by a team of certified biosafety and security specialists who will provide consulting services. The Frederick, Md., location was chosen to ensure the center's close proximity to the nation's biological defense research hub.

"Through this center, MRI is providing an industry unique approach in meeting the complex needs of global clients," says Michael Helmstetter, senior vice president of Missouri-based MRI's research operations. "Our strategy integrates two technical disciplines, biosafety and security of biological facilities, tailored to help clients improve overall laboratory performance and efficiency."

MRI officials say biodefense, agriculture, food safety and vaccine development industries have created a need for national and international biosafety laboratories with a highly trained biological safety personnel.

"Safety and security are core values at MRI," says Helmstetter. "The opportunity exists for us to provide others with services to ensure safe and secure practices when conducting leading edge biological research."