The Chemical and Biological Defense Division's (CBD) mission is to strengthen the nation's security and resiliency by providing knowledge products and innovative technology solutions to enhance National preparedness against both current and future chemical and biological threats. We do this through research and development programs in threat characterization, advanced agent/disease surveillance, agent detection, event attribution and post-event response and restoration support.

Leadership

Dr. John Fischer is the director for CBD.

Overview

Chemical and biological attacks pose a significant threat to our nation’s population, infrastructure, economy and security. Protection of the public, emergency responders, agricultural resources and critical infrastructure is a national priority. CBD addresses these threats through comprehensive research, development, testing and evaluation efforts.

CBD is supported by a strong and diverse group of scientists, engineers, program managers and analysts. Working with industry, academic, national laboratory and federal partners, CBD develops technologies, systems, and knowledge products to increase national preparedness in four focus areas:

• Threat Awareness
• Biosurveillance
• Detection and Diagnostics
• Response and Recovery

Contact:

sandt-chembio@dhs.gov