The Galveston National Laboratory (GNL) is one of only two facilities funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases that serves as part of a national biodefense network. This state-of-the-art biocontainment research facility provides laboratory space for researchers from around the United States. Work is focused on developing therapies, vaccines and diagnostic tests for microbes that could be used by bioterrorists as well as on naturally occurring emerging infections such as SARS and West Nile virus.

The GNL includes Biological Safety Level 4 (BSL-4), BSL-3 and BSL-2 laboratories and animal laboratories. The 194,000 square foot facility is located adjacent to and connected with the existing Keiller Building and BSL-4 laboratory addition completed in late 2003. The building design allows for a customized building configuration that affords planning flexibility and efficiency for laboratory and laboratory-support spaces through utilization of a laboratory module for planning. The design provides a rigid, cast-in-place concrete superstructure and secure exterior building envelope that will mitigate both the effects of potential Category 4 hurricanes and/or possible blast events based on criteria established by NIH.