Institutional Biosafety Committee – IBC
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) was established to review research and teaching activities that involve recombinant DNA (rDNA), biological agents or toxins. The purpose of the review process is to ensure the University activities comply with government regulations and provide appropriate safeguards for human health and the environment
The IBC oversight process is based on the requirement that all biological research that falls within the committee’s purview is registered, reviewed, and approved on a recurring basis at meetings of the IBC. The IBC Review and Approval Process is based on the completion and submission of the Registration of Research Involving Recombinant DNA and/or Other Potential Hazardous Molecules of Biological Origin Form to the IBC Office within the Office of Research Compliance. The Manager of the Biological Health & Safety serves as the Institutional Biosafety Officer and Select Agent Responsible Official (SRO).
The IBC provides guidance on research safety issues as described in the NIH Guidelines (Section IV-B-2-b). For example, the IBC will assess facilities, incidents, procedures, practices, training and expertise of personnel involved with rDNA research. The IBC will assure compliance with all surveillance, data reporting, and adverse event reporting requirements. The IBC also works to assure compliance with other relevant state and federal regulations.
At UConn, the IBC must give approval for the initiation and continuation of all biological research involving:
- recombinant DNA technologies
- human, animal, plant, or fungal pathogens including prions
- human cells, tissues, or materials
- use of biological agents at biosafety level 1 (BL1) or greater including viral vectors
- nanoparticle-based nucleic acid or drug delivery systems
The Committee has developed policies establishing guidelines for the safe and responsible conduct of biological research in the laboratory and the use of various biological materials in animals.
For information or assistance with research activities, contact:
- IBC Coordinator (for routine questions and questions regarding the registration process from submission to expiration)
- Institutional Biological Safety Officer (for questions about the scientific elements of your project)
- IBC Chairperson.
