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IBC Committee Specifics

The IBC is responsible for reviewing and approving biohazards, rDNA, or synthetic nucleic acids. The IBC is also responsible for support of safety practices, conducting annual inspections of registered laboratory spaces, and overseeing responsibility for biosafety training practices. The IBC must report any significant problems or violations of the NIH Guidelines to the appropriate institutional official and the NIH Office of Science Policy and follow guidelines for membership as defined by NIH.

  • Chair the IBC Chair is a member appointed by the Office of Research Compliance and Assurance. The Chair works closely with IBC members, ORCA, and Investigators to ensure that work with biohazardous materials is done in a safe and compliant manner.
  • Plant Expert at least one member must have expertise in a plant, plant pathogen, or plant pest containment (NIH Guidelines: Appendix P).
  • Animal Containment Expert at least one member must have expertise in animal containment (NIH Guidelines: Appendix Q).
  • Human Participant Expert at least one member must have relevant expertise with recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids involving human research participants if the IBC will review these types of activities.
  • Biosafety Officer (BSO) this role is mandatory and must be a member of the IBC if an institution conducts recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids activities under Biosafety Level (BSL) 3/ABSL3.
  • Community Member(s) represent the community concerning health and protection of the environment. The community member has no apparent affiliations with the University aside from serving on the IBC.
  • Ex-Officio member(s) typically hold expertise in specific areas. Ex-Officio members can be either voting or non-voting members of the IBC and serve on the committee for as long as they keep their position.

Annual Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) reporting.

  • The IBC must file an annual report with a current committee roster of names and roles. In addition, curriculum vitae for each member are submitted as well.