Already a world-class force in infectious disease research, Winnipeg now has another lab aimed at fighting deadly diseases.

Named after Dr. John Charles Wilt, a medical doctor and microbiology professor in Manitoba for more than 40 years, the $42 million federal project will be associated with the National Microbiology Laboratory.

An old provincial-owned lab was retrofitted to meet needs of current researchers and will employ 200 scientists at the J.C. Wilt Infectious Disease Research Centre.

It will serve as a hub for HIV and AIDS research in North America and will also combat anti-microbial resistant organisms that cause food related illnesses.