Bioterrorism is considered by some experts[1][2] to be one of the greatest current threats to human health and National Security in the aftermath of September 11, 2001 and the anthrax mailings to Congress and news media.
Founded by an increase in research funding for bioterrorism defense (biodefense), including development of vaccines, by the NIH and other government organizations.
Fields of study at the Center include microbiology, virology, immunology, mycology, and genomics.
[citation needed] The major focus of the STCEID is to research emerging infectious diseases (i.e. cholera, SARS, anthrax, AIDS) and their mechanisms of pathogenesis.
One of the main research issues is microorganisms that are potentially usable for biological warfare, like cholera, anthrax, ebola, etc.