Bioterrorism is considered by some experts to be one of the greatest current threats to human health and National Security in the aftermath of September 11, 2001 and the anthrax mailings to Congress and news media. Founded by an increase in research funding for bioterrorism defense (biodefense), including development of vaccines, by the NIH and other government organizations. Fields of study at the Center include microbiology, virology, immunology, mycology, and genomics.