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The Howard T. Ricketts Regional Biocontainment Laboratory at Argonne National Lab officially opened on April 6, 2008 in Argonne, Ill. Designed by Flad Architects, the 54,100-gsf facility will support multi-pathogen research for the University of Chicago’s Great Lakes Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research and other partner institutions. The Ricketts laboratory will enable the creation of vaccines and diagnostic devices to counter bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases. The building features redundant mechanical systems, HEPA-filtered exhaust, rigorous security systems, and specialized isolation and decontamination technologies. The facility is still undergoing final construction and certification processes with select agent research expected to begin as early as August of 2008.