The National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases (NCBID) is an integral part of the Life Sciences initiative in the College of Science. Founded in 2001 to address the challenges to national and international security posed by the threat of biological terrorism, the scope of the center has evolved to include the study of infectious diseases that are emerging from populations around the world due, in part, to today's internationally mobile society.

NCBID scientists explore innovative approaches for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases caused by biological agents.

Through the Department of Public and International Affairs, NCBID offers graduate courses in biodefense that prepare students for employment in biodefense-related positions in academia, industry, and homeland security. The courses are part of an overall program that provides students with a background in the science and technology of biodefense and threat analysis of biological weapons.