Objectives.
Section 3
SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act seeks to establish a Virology and Vaccine Institute that shall focus on research and development to address pathogens and potential disease-causing agents affecting plants, animals, and humans. Its mandate shall include, but not limited to, the following: (a) Undertaking discovery programs in the field of virology and related disciplines, including molecular biology, bioinformatics, and other related fields of research; (b) Conducting vaccine research primarily from discovery to the pre-clinical phase of development; (c) Conducting research and development of diagnostics and therapeutics on viruses and other pathogens; (d) Collaborating, coordinating, and disseminating evidence-based policies on virology and vaccine science to stakeholders; (e) Establishing linkages with local and international networks through cooperation and collaboration with institutions engaged in virology and vaccine research and development; (f) Training and engaging with experts for capacity building of virology and vaccine research; (g) Investing and operating on virology infrastructure, including high-containment facilities, biobanks, and genome laboratories, for the research of potential emerging and reemerging outbreaks; and (h) Providing technical assistance and laboratory use to support research communities.