# Wuhan Institute of Virology

> facility in Wuhan, China

**Wikidata**: [Q30292611](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q30292611)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuhan_Institute_of_Virology)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wuhan-institute-of-virology

## Summary
The Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) is a research institute located in Wuhan, China, specializing in virology and affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Founded in December 1956, it is known for operating China's first Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) laboratory, enabling research on highly infectious diseases. The institute focuses on studying viruses, including coronaviruses, and plays a significant role in global infectious disease research.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: December 1956 (as Wuhan Microbiology Laboratory).
- **Parent Organization**: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
- **Location**: Jiangxia District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China (coordinates: 30.3764° N, 114.2625° E).
- **Key Facility**: Hosts the Wuhan National Biosafety Laboratory (BSL-4), China's first such lab.
- **Notable Researcher**: Shi Zhengli, a leading virologist in coronavirus research.
- **Address**: 湖北省武汉市武昌区小洪山中区44号 (No. 44, Central Xiaohongshan, Wuchang, Wuhan).
- **Website**: [Chinese](http://www.whiov.cas.cn/) and [English](http://english.whiov.cas.cn/).

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Wuhan Institute of Virology established?
A: The institute was founded in December 1956 as the Wuhan Microbiology Laboratory and later evolved into its current form under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

### Q: What is the Wuhan Institute of Virology known for?
A: It is renowned for its research on viruses, particularly coronaviruses, and for operating China’s first BSL-4 laboratory, which handles high-risk pathogens.

### Q: Is the Wuhan Institute of Virology part of the Chinese government?
A: Yes, it is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a government-funded research organization.

## Why It Matters
The Wuhan Institute of Virology is a critical hub for infectious disease research, contributing significantly to global efforts to understand and combat viral threats. As China’s premier virology institute, it houses advanced facilities like the BSL-4 lab, enabling studies on dangerous pathogens that require stringent safety protocols. Its work on coronaviruses, led by scientists like Shi Zhengli, has been pivotal in advancing knowledge of viral evolution and transmission. The institute’s role in scientific collaboration and public health underscores its importance in both national and international contexts.

## Notable For
- **China’s First BSL-4 Lab**: The Wuhan National Biosafety Laboratory, established to study high-risk pathogens like Ebola and SARS-related viruses.
- **Coronavirus Research**: Pioneering studies on bat coronaviruses, contributing to global understanding of zoonotic diseases.
- **Affiliation with CAS**: As a key institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, it benefits from national research funding and collaboration networks.
- **Distinguished Scientists**: Home to prominent researchers such as Shi Zhengli, recognized for her work on coronavirus emergence.

## Body
### History
- **1956**: Founded as the Wuhan Microbiology Laboratory in December.
- **2015**: BSL-4 laboratory approved for operation, becoming China’s first such facility.

### Organization
- **Parent Body**: Directly affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
- **Location**: Situated in Jiangxia District, Wuhan, at 30.3764° N, 114.2625° E.
- **Address**: 湖北省武汉市武昌区小洪山中区44号 (No. 44, Central Xiaohongshan, Wuchang).

### Facilities
- **Wuhan National Biosafety Laboratory**: A BSL-4 facility integrated into the institute, designed for research on highly infectious agents.

### Research Focus
- **Virology**: Specializes in virus discovery, evolution, and transmission dynamics.
- **Coronaviruses**: Notable for isolating and studying bat coronaviruses, including those related to SARS and MERS.

### Notable Personnel
- **Shi Zhengli**: Deputy Director and leading expert on bat-borne viruses, recognized for her contributions to coronavirus research.

## References

1. GRID Release 2017-05-22
2. [Personal de laboratorio de wuhan buscó atención en hospital antes de que se conociera brote de covid-19: wsj](https://www.lanacion.com.ar/agencias/personal-de-laboratorio-de-wuhan-busco-atencion-en-hospital-antes-de-que-se-conociera-brote-de-covid-nid23052021)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. CiNii Research
5. [Source](http://www.whiov.cas.cn/)
6. [Source](http://www.whiov.cas.cn/gkjj/jgjj_160219/)
7. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions