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Research Services

 

The Tulane National Primate Research Center provides a highly specialized, secure environment for collaborative and contract research. We offer deep scientific expertise, robust support services, and comprehensive resources to help investigators advance biomedical research using nonhuman primate models and Novel Alternative Methods (NAMs).

Our faculty specialize in infectious disease research and its connection to chronic disease outcomes. Through partnerships with academic institutions,  government agencies, and biotech and pharmaceutical companies, we help drive the development of diagnostics, preventatives, and therapeutics that improve global health.

Ready to get started? We’re here to help you move your research forward. Contact the Unit of Collaborative Research to start the conversation. Our team will assess your needs and guide you through the next steps.

 

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Cutting-Edge Infectious Disease Research
Our faculty focus on the pathogenesis, transmission, and progression of infectious diseases using well-characterized NHP models—making us a leading center for translational and preclinical research.

Academic Excellence
Our researchers hold joint appointments at Tulane University’s School of Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and the School of Science and Engineering—and are fully dedicated to advancing research from our primate center campus.

Nationally Recognized Resource
TNPRC is one of seven National Primate Research Centers supported by the NIH, serving as a regional and national hub for NHP-based biomedical research.

Unique Biocontainment Capabilities
We’re the only National Primate Research Center with an on-site Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL), a 40,000 sq. ft. BSL-3/Select Agent-registered facility. Our high-containment capabilities support advanced infectious disease research, including aerobiology, in-lab PET/CT imaging, surgical procedures, and real-time wireless biotelemetry. With over 25 years of BSL-3 experience and a strong commitment to biosafety and biosecurity, we uphold the highest standards for safe, ethical, and impactful research.

Extensive On-Site Primate Colony
We maintain a colony of ~5,000 nonhuman primates, including SPF and eSPF rhesus macaques of Indian and Chinese origin, as well as an aging cohort. This allows us to offer highly tailored animal models based on age, sex, and health status—available on-site for timely research execution.

Expert Research Support & Core Services
Our experienced teams and specialized Cores and Services provide comprehensive research support, from sample analysis to protocol implementation—even under BSL-3 conditions.

Streamlined Collaboration Process
Our Unit of Collaborative Research (UCR) offers seamless onboarding for new partners—helping with study design, budgeting, IACUC navigation, sample logistics, and access to internal expertise.

The TNPRC Quality Program is an institutional initiative designed to support rigorous, reproducible research across all laboratories. Led by the Quality Assurance Unit, the program helps investigators implement best practices that reduce error, enhance traceability, and improve data integrity.

Key components include:

  • Laboratory-Specific Risk Assessments to identify critical factors affecting data quality
  • Standardized Procedures to ensure consistency across studies
  • Targeted Training and Proficiency Programs for research staff
  • Robust Record-Keeping that supports transparency and reproducibility
  • Support for Grant Submissions and Compliance Requirements
  • Start to finish project management

 

The program is tailored to each project's needs and evolves alongside research goals. By embedding quality practices from project planning through data collection and reporting, TNPRC ensures a high standard of scientific reliability.

Whether you’re pursuing collaborative studies, pilot data, or regulated research, the Quality Program provides the infrastructure to support accurate and reproducible results.

The Unit of Collaborative Research is your dedicated gateway to working with TNPRC. Our experienced team guides collaborators through every step of the process—from study design and protocol development to sample acquisition and shipment.

Our services include:

  • Study design consultation and budgeting
  • IACUC navigation and protocol support
  • Technical and veterinary assistance
  • Laboratory assays and sample processing
  • Database and records management
  • Logistics and compliance support

 

Our goal is to simplify the process for our collaborators—offering responsive, expert guidance at every step to ensure your research progresses efficiently and effectively.

Collaborators can access a wide range of biological samples, including blood and tissue, primarily from the following species:

  • Macaca mulatta (Rhesus, Indian & Chinese origin)
  • Macaca nemestrina (Pigtail macaques)
  • Macaca fascicularis (Cynomolgus monkeys)

 

Samples are available based on availability, age/sex requirements, and study design needs. Our team will provide detailed cost breakdowns covering sample collection, processing, technician time, shipping, and administrative support.

  • Simple sample requests (e.g., blood draws) may be fulfilled within a week.
  • Comprehensive studies involving protocol development, budgeting, and large cohorts may take several months to initiate and could span several years depending on project scope.