The National Collection of Pathogenic Viruses (NCPV)

Celebrating 25 years of NCPV 

In 2025, NCPV celebrated 25 years of operation. Established in 2000, the National Collection of Pathogenic Viruses (NCPV) has played a pivotal role in virology research and global outbreak preparedness. NCPV was formed with support from the Welcome Trust to address the lack of a dedicated national repository for pathogenic viruses in the UK. Over the past 25 years, NCPV has grown into an internationally recognised collection which supports scientific and academic research in the UK and abroad. 

For more information on NCPV see our website and social media channels. 

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We supply well characterised human and animal pathogenic viruses 

NCPV supplies well characterised, authenticated human pathogenic viruses to the scientific community according to national and international guidelines. The collection comprises viruses that require handling at UK biosafety containment levels 2 and 3 (BSL-2 and 3).  Containment Level 4/BSL-4 viruses may be made available on request to users with appropriate containment facilities.  

NCPV also offers a Safe and Patent deposit and storage service.  

For all viruses held within the collection regulatory requirements are followed and due diligence checks are required.   Individuals and organisations must be registered with us to access restricted items.   

NCPV is one of four Culture Collections held by the UK Health Security Agency 

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NCPV is a registered trademark of the UK Health Security Agency in the UK. The trademark must not be used without a license agreement. Parties interested in using the trademarks should contact us