Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)- Introduction

Recombinant DNA, Human, Animal and Plant Pathogens, Biological Toxins

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) must approve any teaching or research project that involves :

• Use of recombinant DNA, including transgenic animals or plants,
• Use of human, animal or plant pathogens (for example, bacteria, viruses, prions, parasites),
• Use of biological toxins,
• Administration of experimental biological products to animals
• Field releases of plant pests or genetically modified organisms

How to Apply

The Principal Investigator (PI) must complete the Institutional Biosafety Committee Application and submit it to the IBC Administrator by emailing the application to bphc@iastate.edu. The signatures should be mailed to 1138 Pearson.

If the project also involves animal use, the PI completes only the IACUC Protocol Review Form and includes the applicable IBC section(s). This version of the application will be reviewed by the IACUC for animal use issues and by the IBC for biosafety issues. Only one copy of the combined application needs to be submitted, with separate approvals being issued from each committee. Each committee, however, must receive a copy of the signature page before final approval can be given.

Review Process

The IBC meets the second Tuesday of each month to review applications. A complete application must be submitted by noon the Tuesday before the meeting date in order to be reviewed at the monthly meeting. If an application is returned to the PI because it is incomplete or the committee has questions, the PI has 45 days to respond. If the IBC does not receive a response within 45 days of the initial request, the application will be administratively closed and the PI must resubmit the application and signature page.

IBC meetings are open to the public. PIs are invited to attend the meetings to discuss any questions or concerns with the IBC.

Authorization

When a project is approved by the IBC, the PI is notified directly by email. The signed authorization form, specifying any special conditions under which authorization is granted, will be forwarded to the PI by campus mail. If approval is denied, a written notification will be sent to the PI. This notification will explain the decision and will identify possible modifications to the project that would allow approval.

Upcoming IBC Meetings (2008)

Venue : VMRI Bldg.1 Conference Room Time : 3:00 PM	Application due date	Meeting date
	February 5	February 12
	March 4	March 11
	April 1	April 8
	May 6	May 13

Modifications to Approved projects 

The Principal Investigator must notify the IBC of any changes to their project, and must obtain approval prior to implementation of modifications. The PI must complete the modification section of a Continuing Review and Modification form and submit it to the IBC Administrator by emailing the application to bphc@iastate.edu. The signatures should be mailed to 1138 Pearson.

The IBC will determine whether proposed changes are major and require a new application. Approval of a modification does not alter the date by which continuing (annual) review must occur.

Annual Continuing Renewal and Five Year Full Renewal

Authorization for projects involving the use of recombinant DNA, infectious agents or biological toxins must be renewed annually.

A reauthorization reminder will be sent to the PI approximately 60 days before the authorization anniversary date. The PI must complete a Continuing Review & Modification form, unless a full new application is due, which is every five years.

The PI must complete the appropriate form and submit it to the IBC Administrator by emailing the application to bphc@iastate.edu. The signatures should be mailed to 1138 Pearson.

If the renewal is not submitted and approved by the anniversary date, the project will be considered terminated and will be administratively closed, and, according to federal regulations and University policy all work with hazardous biological materials on the project must stop. A new application must be submitted and approved by the Committee to establish authorization. 

Questions or Concerns?

For questions, or concerns about questions asked or requirements imposed by the IBC, please contact the Office of Research Assurances.

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