Research Protections

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) holds the responsibility for the oversight and review of all research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, including clinical gene therapy. This oversight ensures strict adherence to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. Additionally, the IBC evaluates research involving biohazardous materials, including hazardous chemicals, carcinogens, infectious agents, and other safety risks not governed by other institutional committees. 

The committee's duties encompass the assessment of physical and biological containment measures, laboratory infrastructure, operational procedures, and the qualifications and training of research personnel. Investigators are mandated to obtain IBC approval prior to the acquisition, transportation, or experimental use of any regulated materials. The IBC ensures that all requisite safety protocols are in place and conform to institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and standards set by accrediting bodies.

Monthly Meeting Minutes

To promote maximal transparency under the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, the NIH expects that approved meeting minutes from all Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) meetings occurring on or after June 1, 2025, to be posted publicly on an institutional website.  

The IBC meetings occur remotely at least once a month. To find out about the upcoming meeting schedule, please email [email protected].

For any comments or questions, please email [email protected].