Global Center for Health Security

- Our Expertise Overview
- Why Nebraska?
  Nebraska’s difference is an all-star, all-volunteer team that dedicated itself to being ready for any biocontainment crisis at any time.
- Leadership
  The Global Center is led by experts in biopreparedness and high-consequence infections research, education and clinical care.
- Scholars
  Our scholars represent the pinnacle of health security expertise and are integral to advancing the mission of the GCHS in the domains of clinical care, operational response, research and development, and training in health security, and emergency response. GCHS scholars play a critical role by contributing to strategic priorities, shaping initiatives, and advancing the GCHS’s global leadership.
- Affiliates
  Our affiliates are innovative experts collaborating to advance global health security.
- C-STARS
  C-STARS, the Center for Sustainment of Trauma Readiness Skills- Omaha is a collaboration between UNMC, Nebraska Medicine, and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s School of Aerospace Medicine. C-STARS Omaha works closely with UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security, iEXCEL, and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit to take advantage of the medical center’s capabilities and expertise in biopreparedness training and research.
- Our Team
  Our team consists of a variety of professionals providing support and project management to further the Global Center for Health Security’s mission.
- Domains Overview
- Clinical Operations
  The Global Center for Health Security is the premier U.S. institution for management of high-consequence infections. Further, our clinical capabilities include biological, chemical, burn, and radiation domains.
- Education & Training
  Our expertise is now sought worldwide and officially sanctioned by the U.S. government. The GCHS is the home base to the national Training, Simulation, and Quarantine Center and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit.
- Research
  The GCHS has laser-focused existing work by our leading scientists in fields like chemical weapons, drug discovery and public health.
- International Partnerships & Innovation
  The GCHS tackles the most pressing problems in emerging infectious diseases through international partnerships and innovation.
- Programs Overview
- Core Capabilities
  Learn about the GCHS’ 4 core capabilities: Emerging Pathogens Lab , Nebraska Biocontainment Unit , the National Quarantine Unit, and deployable teams.
- Core Programs
  The GCHS works with multiple core programs to enhance our capabilities to respond effectively to public health challenges.
- Partnerships
  The GCHS partners with many outside organizations to strengthen our commitment to addressing global health challenges through research and innovation.
- Associated Groups & Programs
  Learn more about the impactful programs led by GCHS leadership, scholar, and affiliates.
- Academic Programs
  Explore GCHS academic programs which include the Health Security Fellowship and the Biological Defense and Health Security program.
- Health Emergencies Overview
- Outbreaks to Watch
  Find information about emerging pathogens, diseases and outbreaks from around the world. Stay updated on the most recent information on worldwide global health and emerging pathogens outbreaks.
- Measles
  The GCHS is currently monitoring measles cases. This page provides information, resources, and news.
- Emerging Respiratory Infections
  Explore current respiratory infections such as Influenza, Whopping Cough, RSV and more.
- H5 Avian Influenza
  Learn more about the current worldwide H5 Avian Influenza outbreak and explore resources, news, webinars, and our unofficial map.
- Mpox
  The Global Center for Health Security is currently monitoring the spread of mpox. Learn more by viewing our resources.
- COVID-19
  Explore our COVID-19 page for recent news, resources, manuals, and playbooks. Biweekly overviews of new data and developments presented by James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA can now be found on the Health Emergencies page.
The Transmission
- News Overview
- Events
  Find scheduled and past events involving the Global Center for Health Security.
- Annual Reports
  Find annual reports for our center and several of our programs.
- Videos
  Explore our videos.

Proactive Research, Active Response

Cutting-Edge Innovations

Dr. Dan Johnson, MD

January 22, 2026

Dr. Johnson to take new anesthesiology leadership role

Sarah Hankin | UNMC Strategic Communications

January 7, 2026

‘National treasure’ Shelly Schwedhelm ready to step away

Kara Haworth | Nebraska Medicine

December 4, 2025

Global Center for Health Security honored for Uganda collaboration

Stefanie Neumann | Global Center for Health Security

December 3, 2025

Josh Santarpia, PhD, announced as EXHALE award recipient

UNMC Strategic Communications

2025 Year in Review Video

Our 2025 GCHS Year in Review video highlights the milestones, collaborations, and innovations that strengthened health security last year—and sets the stage for what’s ahead. Watch, reflect, and join us as we continue building a more prepared future.

Watch the 2025 Year in Review video

2025 GCHS Year in Review Video

Our state-of-the-art facilities include the 20-bed National Quarantine Unit, the nation's only federal quarantine unit, and a six-bed simulated biocontainment unit for advanced experiential training – the National Biocontainment Training Center. This high-fidelity simulation center includes a mock lab and autoclave.

Project NExT: Transforming Care, Training and Education Response

Project NExT is a transformational public-private partnership to create a federal, all-hazard health security disaster response space that is adaptable and leverages the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine’s experience and global leadership in infectious diseases and biopreparedness.

International Engagement

The GCHS serves as an international resource and continues to lead the way in readiness training all over the world.