About Us

About Centre for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR)

The Centre for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR) is involved in two primary activities: First, providing the intellectual and infrastructural support for infectious disease research. Second, enable researchers to perform studies in the Biosafety Level- 3 (BSL-3) facility, a state-of-the-art biocontainment space to perform research with high infectious organisms, e.g. Mycobacterium tuberculosis etc. The final goal is to better understand the basic biology during infection and explore possible therapeutic avenues

Major Research and Activities

The CIDR integrates research activities in the area of infectious diseases with interactions and collaborations and provide avenues for multi-disciplinary activities. Research activities in CIDR is spearheaded by senior fellows, e.g. Ramalingaswami, Ramanujan, DBT-Wellcome etc, who have procured competitive grants for studies related to infectious disease research. Office spaces for fellows along with a functional laboratory set up is present for research to be performed. Studies on infections caused by Human Immunodeficiency in Indian patients, research on Plasmodium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis have been initiated. This facility will encourage the translation and application of research findings. In addition, it will raise public awareness of infectious disease research.

To address topical research questions to new and emerging infections, a world class BSL-3 facility has been established. This facility comprises ~15000 sq feet of built up space with certified biosafety cabinets, horizontal autoclaves, carbon dioxide incubators, high speed centrifuges and individual ventilated cages for animal experimentation. To separate ducting for rooms dealing with different types of pathogens, negative air pressure relative to the environment, double door horizontal autoclaves of custom design and protective HEPA filters at every return air riser outlet are in place. In addition, constant monitoring through a panel of ten video cameras, fire and smoke alarms, emergency showers and captive waste environment to safeguard the environment have been provided.