Elizabeth R. Griffin Research Foundation
The Elizabeth R. Griffin Research Foundation (ERGF) is a US based private non-profit foundation that supports research into global health threats posed by infectious diseases.
The Foundation was established by the family of Elizabeth R. “Beth” Griffin following her death in 1997. Griffin’s death at age 22 was the result of an occupationally acquired infection that occurred while she was working as a non-human primate researcher in Atlanta, Georgia.
The original mission focus of ERGF was to promote safe research practices with non-human primates and occupational awareness for those involved in such research. From this original area of concern, the Foundation has grown in interest and influence in the broader biological, agricultural, biomedical research and clinical communities through promoting safe research practices, occupational and public health awareness, infection control, professional development in biosafety and biorisk management practices, and the safe, secure, responsible and sustainable development of research capacity.
ERGF is a co-host of the annual 'Eagleson / ERGF Colloquium on Occupational Health for Biological Exposures and provides support of key biosafety and biosecurity meetings and conferences around the world. The Foundation is frequently represented on plenary programs and professional panels in national and international programs addressing safety and security.
ERGF currently serves as the coordinating non-governmental organization of the Global Health Security Agenda Non-Governmental Stakeholder Steering Group. ERGF also works with partners in improving national and international CBRNE preparedness.
The Foundation supports a One Health approach and proactively seeks “whole community” solutions that are innovative, effective, local, practical and sustainable in advancing safe, secure and responsible research capacity throughout the world. ERGF is a founding partner of the International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA) and supports the development, growth and application of biorisk management throughout the world.
Through its Biorisk Engagement and Management Solutions (ERGF BEAMS) program, ERGF develops and manages biorisk programs for public, private and philanthropic entities. ERGF's Global Project Director is Patricia Olinger,JM Assistant Vice President – ORA and Executive Director of EH&S at Emory University. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, DVM of Pennsylvania State University and Harvard University serves as the Global Project Manager.
The ERGF board of directors includes Maureen Best Ellis, Guy Collyer, MSc; David Franz, DVM, PhD; Gary Fujimoto, MD; Rev. Caryl Griffin, MSN, M.Div.; Julia Hilliard, PhD; Jennifer Gaudioso, PhD. Jim Welch serves as executive director.