HT Group starts the construction of the new S3 laboratory at Ulm University Hospital

The new laboratory complies with the second highest biosafety level (BSL-3). In the future, it will be possible to conduct more research on corona, influenza and HIV viruses at the medical faculty in Ulm. "There is plenty to do," emphasizes Professor Frank Kirchhoff from the Institute of Molecular Virology. For example, further research will be carried out into the conditions that must be met for the viruses to be transmitted to humans and multiply.

The building offers a total of six working places on approx. 100 m² of laboratory area on the ground floor.  The technical facilities are located on the upper floor.  The scientists then have to deal with one question in particular, explained Professor Markus Wirth, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine: "What can we do now in research to be better prepared for a new virus?" During the construction of the building he emphasized that he was glad that the project was supported by EU funding. The money is well invested. This is because basic research, which later often leads to concrete applications, is elementary. For Prof. Würth one thing is clear: "After the pandemic is before the pandemic."

HT Lab Tec GmbH, a member of the HT Group, is the general contractor for the construction of the building, so that everything comes from a single source. The building envelope consists of concrete modules that are erected as prefabricated components. The laboratory containment forms a gastight modular room system, which meets the tightness requirements of VDI 2083-19, Class 4 (BSL-3 laboratories). A ventilation system provides a negative pressure during operation and the exhaust air is filtered by fully welded high-performance filter systems from HT Group. With the technology from HT Group, a functioning static and dynamic containment is ensured.

"We are very grateful to be able to support Ulm University Hospital with our fast-track building solutions for research buildings," said Claus Schweinheim, Managing Director of HT Lab Tec GmbH.