NIAID commissioned the panel to assess the current NIAID-sponsored research related to the development of effective measures for countering the health consequences of bioterrorism; to identify goals for the highest priority areas for immediate, intermediate, and long-term research related to biodefense; and to develop recommendations regarding NIAID's role in achieving these priorities. NIAID has already developed a Strategic Plan for Biodefense Research that outlines plans for addressing research needs in the broad area of bioterrorism and emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. The report of the expert panel supplements the strategic plan by setting goals for research on the specific biological threats of anthrax, smallpox, plague, botulism, tularemia, and viral hemorrhagic fevers. The format for the research agenda for each of these threats is the need for basic research on the biology of the microbe; the host response; and basic and applied research that targets the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines against the agents. Proposed research agendas also address the research resources, facilities, and scientific personnel needed to conduct both basic and applied research on each agent. Research recommendations for each of the agents are preceded by general recommendations for immediate, intermediate, and long-term research. Appended list of names and information on panel members