Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives (CBRE) research

ESR's core CBRE science competencies are in forensics, microbiology and chemistry.

The following CBRE capabilities are being developed: 

• Development and implementation of rapid screening and confirmatory analysis methods for the priority risk agents
• Extraction of risk agents from environmental sources
• Collection and analysis of gas/vapour samples
• Analysis of clinical samples to confirm whether individuals have been exposed to a risk agent
• Establishing and developing laboratory networks
• Establishing and developing further surveillance systems
• Establishing and developing contacts with key agencies both within New Zealand and internationally.

Biological agents of particular interest include:

• Food and water safety threats
• Biological warfare agents
• Important Australian Arboviral Diseases

Chemical agents of particular interest include:

• Chemical warfare agents
• Pesticides
• Toxic industrial chemicals
• Clan lab chemicals
• Explosives

Funding:

This research initiative is funded using ESR's internal cpability development funding that is provided by the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology.