Biosafety Level 3 Facility

The facility comprises four BSL-3/ML-III laboratory units for research on viruses and bacteria, as well as an animal BSL-3/DM-III unit (within the LUMC Animal Facility). It is accessible to both academic users and external parties.

Depending on the required experimental throughput and complexity, our experienced technicians can either conduct experiments on your behalf, or train you to enter the lab yourself. We offer a range of standard immunological and antimicrobial assays, and can also develop customized assays tailored to your specific needs.

The facility is fully equipped to support advanced viral and bacterial research. All units feature Class II B safety cabinets and all other infrastructure essential for biosafe and efficient work with infectious agents.

Available equipment includes (shaking) incubators, microscopy systems, large-capacity centrifuges (including an ultracentrifuge), and low-temperature storage (-80 and liquid nitrogen). In addition, the facility houses specialized equipment such as a flow cytometer equipped for detection of 12 fluorophores  multi-mode plate readers for detecting bioluminescence, fluorescence and optical density under normal and hypoxic atmosphere and two BacTec MGIT960 incubator for detection of slow growing mycobacteria.

Pricing for LUMC and other academic users is based on the direct costs of consumables and staff support. For commercial users, an additional fee is applied to cover overhead costs. Please note that the overall cost may vary depending on the scope and complexity of the experiments.

To initiate discussions, please contact Jessika Zevenhoven (virology), Krista van Meijgaarden (bacteriology), or Sebe Myeni (DM-III animal studies). Initial consultations will also include a preliminary cost estimate.  

Given the sensitive nature of the work—particularly with respect to biosafety, biosecurity, and the requirement for specific permits—any new activities must be discussed well in advance with BSL-3 facility representatives and LUMC Biosafety Officers. Depending on the specifics, work involving pathogens already handled within the facility may benefit from existing permits.

To initiate discussions, please contact Jessika Zevenhoven (virology), Krista van Meijgaarden (bacteriology), or Sebe Myeni (DM-III animal studies). Initial consultations will also include a preliminary cost estimate.  

At the Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), which manages and operates the LUMC BSL-3 facility, we bring 25 years of experience in research on viral and bacterial class-3 pathogens. Our highly trained and dedicated research teams continue to leverage our advanced infrastructure to conduct groundbreaking research.

Since the late 1990s, pioneering work has been carried out on mycobacteria (including tuberculosis and leprosy), coronaviruses and other emerging RNA viruses, such as alphaviruses and flaviviruses, all within a consistently safe and controlled environment.

BSL-3 Virology
Primary contact: Jessika Zevenhoven (email or telephone 071-526 1213)
Secondary contact: prof. dr. Eric Snijder (email or telephone 071-526 1657)

Animal BSL-3
Primary contact: dr. Sebe Myeni (email or telephone 071-526 4830)
Secondary contact: Marissa Linger (email or telephone 071-526 5278)