Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is a standing committee that is registered with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and includes faculty, staff, and community members. 

Its purpose is to ensure the safe conduct of research and teaching activities involving potential biohazards. This work includes protecting faculty, staff, and students, as well as the broader community and the environment from potential risks associated with recombinant DNA and other potentially hazardous biological materials. 

The IBC reviews and approves research protocols involving applicable materials and ensures compliance with federal, state, and college regulations.  Its work is directed by guidance provided by the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines), as well as by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), among others.

Training Requirements

Faculty, staff and students who work with materials that require IBC review are required to take applicable CITI Program training modules:

• Faculty and Staff: Initial Biosafety Training
• Students: Basic Introduction to Biosafety
• IBC Committee Members: Institutional Biosafety Committee Member Training 

Note: Additional training modules may be required by the IBC based on the content and nature of the work being done.