COLUMBUS, OH-Battelle will continue its important work testing protective equipment for military troops under a new $8 million, two-year contract with the Joint Program Executive Officer for Chemical and Biological Defense.

The contract allows Battelle to conduct performance testing of critical equipment that protects troops against hazardous materials. Much of the work, conducted at Battelle's Hazardous Materials Research Center, involves technical analysis and precise testing of individual protections systems, including suits, gloves, filters, and foot wear.

"We're doing this work so that our troops, who are at the leading edge of U.S. operations overseas, can be confident that they are protected against toxic materials and can survive, safely operate and accomplish their missions within hazardous environments," said Chris Gunther, Vice President of Battelle's Marine Corps Market Sector.

Battelle is a leader in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) technologies. Multi-disciplined, expert staff members provide innovative solutions in the areas such as detection, protection, decontamination and medical preparedness that help guard the homeland and assist military operations.

As the world's largest, independent research and development organization, Battelle provides innovative solutions to the world's most pressing needs through its four global businesses:  Laboratory Management; National Security; Health and Life Sciences; and Energy, Environment and Material Sciences. It advances scientific discovery and application by conducting $6.5 billion in global R&D annually through contract research, laboratory management and technology commercialization.  Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle oversees 22,000 employees in more than 130 locations worldwide, including seven national laboratories which Battelle manages or co-manages for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a nuclear energy lab in the United Kingdom.

Battelle also is one of the nation's leading charitable trusts focusing on societal and economic impact and actively supporting and promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

For more information, contact Katy Delaney Phone: (614) 424-7208 Email: delaneyk@battelle.org

T.R. Massey Phone: (614) 424-5544 Email: masseytr@battelle.org