Southern Research

Southern Research Institute (SRI) is a non-profit scientific research company affiliated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham and located on southside. The president and CEO of the firm is Jack Secrist III.

Beginning in 1945 SRI contracted with the U. S. Army to conduct research into chemical warfare, focusing on detection and defense. Later research went toward the development of protective gear for the military and into technology for the destruction of chemical agents and weapons.

In January 2007 SRI began to dismantle the 2,400 square-foot suite of laboratories which made up its Toxic Agent Facility. The space is expected to be adapted for infectious disease studies under a biosafety level two designation -- which carries less risk than the previous facility's designation.

References

• Parks, Dave (January 31, 2007) "Southern Research dismantling former toxic agent laboratory." Birmingham News.