Center History

The Tulane National Biomedical Research Center was established in 1964 as the Delta Regional Primate Research Center, one of the original centers in a national network created by the National Institutes of Health to advance biomedical research using nonhuman primate models. The program emerged from a recognition in the 1950s that certain human diseases require more biologically relevant systems than lower animal models can provide.

Tulane was selected through a competitive, federally coordinated process evaluating scientific leadership, geographic distribution, and capacity to support long-term research infrastructure. From the beginning, the Center was designed as a shared national resource supporting both in-house investigators and external collaborators.

The Center was led by its founding director, Dr. Arthur J. Riopelle, who established its scientific and organizational foundation. During its early years, Delta also hosted an early organizational meeting of the International Primatological Society in 1964, reflecting its role in shaping the global field of primatology.

From its earliest years, the Center focused on fundamental questions in biology and human disease that require whole-organism models. Research at Tulane helped define key aspects of HIV/AIDS through simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) models, which remain central to studying viral transmission, immune response, and therapeutic strategies. Investigators also advanced understanding of malaria, tuberculosis, and Lyme disease, contributing to the development of diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments still in use today.

Research at the Center has also informed work in immune-mediated conditions, reproductive health, and translational advances, including contributions to the development of LASIK eye surgery.

In the early 2000s, the Center expanded its research capacity, including construction of a Regional Biocontainment Laboratory with support from the National Institutes of Health, strengthening its role in biodefense and emerging infectious disease research.

The Center maintained continuous operations during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, preserving animal care and research without loss of life or critical resources.

More recently, the Center has contributed to national responses to emerging infectious diseases, including West Nile virus, dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, and SARS-CoV-2.

Today, the Center continues to serve as part of the NIH-supported National Primate Research Center network while integrating complementary approaches, including New Approach Methodologies, to ensure the most appropriate model is used for each scientific question.

The Center remains a critical national research infrastructure supporting advances in human health and preparedness for emerging public health threats.

More recently, the Center has contributed to national responses to emerging infectious diseases, including West Nile virus, dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, and SARS-CoV-2.

Today, the Center continues to serve as part of the NIH-supported National Primate Research Center network while integrating complementary approaches, including New Approach Methodologies, to ensure the most appropriate model is used for each scientific question.

The Center remains a critical national research infrastructure supporting advances in human health and preparedness for emerging public health threats.