The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has outlined planes to undertake a multi-pronged program of research to prepare against accidental or deliberate release of biological and chemical agents into the environment. The program, a mix of NIEHS and partnered activities with other agencies, is aimed at advancing research on several fronts to speed development of new technologies and strengthen current vulnerabilities. The overall research strategy includes: building laboratory capacity to improve detection of toxins; establishing a network of investigators who can respond rapidly to release of a chemical and biological agents; funding in diverse areas of basic mechanic research, diagnostic, exposure assessment, therapy, intervention, prevention and population-based studies; and fostering an “interconnected research approach” aimed at understanding the complexities of diseases/dysfunctions caused by chemical and biological agents. The plan targets efforts in the following areas: Advancing the understanding of specific stress responses at the gene and protein level; developing technology-driven advancement of real-time monitors of chemical and biological agents; developing clinical intervention strategies for preventing or treating diseases resulting from the exposure; tracking long-term effects of exposed populations and environmental risk assessment modeling. NIEHS will likely deploy the program through a variety of future grant and contract opportunities.