March 27, 2008

Gates Foundation funds US$25 million for Global Animal Health
 

The Washington State University (WSU) announced on Monday (March 24, 2008) that it has been granted US$25 million by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to assist in the construction of a US$35 million School for Global Animal Health building within the campus.

Research at the School will focus on discovering new vaccines, diagnostics and other strategies to control global infectious diseases that affect both animals and humans.

The new building will provide about 20,000 square feet of office, meeting and research space for 12 to 15 research scientists and their support staff and graduate students. The building will include a state-of-the-art infectious disease research facility that has been designed and equipped to meet modern standards for investigating emerging disease.

The School will focus on three interrelated approaches to global animal and public health including vaccine development and deployment, emerging pathogen and disease detection, and control of disease transmission from animals to humans.

"We are excited to undertake this remarkable effort in something as important and far-reaching as global animal and human health," said Elson S. Floyd, president of WSU.

The construction of the new building is the first phase in a capital plan for the School for Global Animal Health. The long-term capital plan includes additional laboratory space for emerging disease diagnosis, surveillance and test development.

The support of the Gates Foundation will enhance the work of WSU researchers, said Floyd. The grant represents the largest single private financial commitment in WSU history.

The building will not be housing animals.