Manipal Academy of Higher Education Inaugurates New BSL-3 Facility for Infectious Disease Research

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has officially inaugurated a new Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facility designed to support high-containment biomedical research and infectious disease studies.

According to the institution, the newly established facility features specialised infrastructure, controlled access, engineering controls, and stringent biosafety practices. These measures are intended to support research on infectious agents that require enhanced containment protocols.

The institution stated that the facility will strengthen its overall capabilities in infectious disease research, diagnostics, surveillance, and translational biomedical science.

To manage the governance and biosafety oversight of the laboratory, a new committee has been formed. This body comprises representatives from various constituent units of MAHE as well as members of the Institutional Biosafety Committee. The multidisciplinary representation is designed to support effective oversight, coordination, and adherence to established biosafety and regulatory requirements.

A media statement released regarding the launch noted that the facility received certification from the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, in March 2026. The operationalisation of the laboratory marks a step in MAHE's ongoing focus on safe, responsible, and high-quality biomedical research.

"The establishment of high-containment infrastructure like the BSL-3 facility by academic institutions highlights the growing emphasis on advanced research capabilities and regulatory compliance in India. Such specialised laboratories are essential for strengthening diagnostic, surveillance, and translational research frameworks. For the broader scientific and healthcare ecosystem, robust institutional governance and adherence to safety standards are critical for long-term operational success." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes