A state-of-the-art laboratory complex dedicated to research on infections and immune responses has been inaugurated in Sofia on March 5, 2024. The Competence Center for Fundamental, Translational, and Clinical Research in Infections and Infectious Immunology unveiled its renovated facilities with an official ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the field.
- 05 March 2024
Funded by the Operational Programme "Science and Education for Smart Growth 2014-2020," with a total investment of BGN 23.6 million (EUR 13 million), the complex is a testament to collaborative efforts, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Comprising advanced laboratories, a biological bank, and a training center, the Center offers a comprehensive approach to combat infectious diseases. Its capabilities range from predicting and diagnosing emerging infections to developing effective antibiotic and vaccination strategies, as well as understanding individual and herd immunity.
The Center's contributions are already evident, having diagnosed Bulgaria's initial cases of COVID-19 and conducted pioneering research, including sequencing SARS-CoV-2, assessing T-cell immunity, and tracking viral evolution. Moreover, it identified the first cases of monkeypox in the country.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including two Level-3 biocontainment labs, molecular genetic analysis facilities, electron microscopy capabilities, and advanced immunological assays, the Center is at the forefront of infectious disease research.
Staffed by over 70 researchers and technicians, the Center conducts projects ranging from identifying circulating pathogens like HIV-1, HBV, and HCV to studying microbial resistance and immune system aging. The investment also provided modern equipment, such as an electron microscope for virus detection and unique immunological analysis tools, crucial in addressing current challenges like antibiotic resistance.
Prof. Iva Hristova, director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, highlighted the significance of the Center's capabilities in combating infectious diseases and advancing immunological research. She expressed confidence that the state-of-the-art facilities would elevate research standards and facilitate future breakthroughs in the field.