The SARS-CoV has revealed a clear vulnerability in the global economy. As the world economy relies increasingly on manufacturing centered in Asia and elsewhere and the transport of those goods globally, pandemic outbreaks of disease have serious global consequences including the potential collapse of the Asian, European and US equity markets, interruptions of trade and travel, manufacturing stasis and decline and reduced availability of goods, foods and medicines. Given the current interconnection of the global marketplace and the speed of transcontinental travel, significant investments in basic and applied biomedical research are essential for maintaining the health of economies and the overall public health of the global community.