|
Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
The IBC provides an environment in which scientific research at Rensselaer can advance in a safe, informed and ethical manner.
Rensselaer is responsible, under federal law (section III of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules), for the approval and supervision of the appropriate performance of all research and teaching activities that involve recombinant DNA research.
It is accepted and recognized, at all academic institutions, that the IBC reviews and supervises all research that involves the following materials:
- Recombinant DNA or recombinant RNA molecules
- Plasmids and transposons
- Viruses and viral vectors
- Human and non-human primate cells, tissues and fluids
- Prions
- Bacteria
- Yeast
- Fungi
- Toxins
- All pathogens and select agents
These research areas are reviewed and regulated without regard to the source of funding.
Basic IBC Review and Approval Procedure
- The biosafety level of the research is classified according to federal guidelines; this classification determines the criteria for safe performance of the proposed work.
- The proposed procedures are reviewed to ensure that the work will be performed with appropriate personnel training, required facility safeguards and adequate biosafety procedures.
Questions and Forms Submission
Direct all inquiries to Joelle Willis (276-4232; willij@rpi.edu)
RPI Researchers Should Know
- Rensselaer has a functioning IBC that is responsible for ensuring the performance of safe and appropriate research procedures.
- The IBC reports to the Vice President for Research, who is the Rensselaer Institutional Official (IO) of record.
- IBC oversight of all research performed by Rensselaer faculty, staff and students is mandated by the NIH Office of Biotechnology Activities (OBA) and, in certain cases, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Rensselaer provides occupational health guidance and care for all researchers and staff.
Responsibilities of Principal Investigators
The Principal Investigator is responsible for full compliance with the policies, practices and procedures set forth under federal guidelines and by the University. This responsibility extends to all aspects of biological safety involving the environment and all individuals who enter or work in the Principal Investigator's laboratory or collaborate in carrying out the research. Although the Principal Investigator may choose to delegate aspects of the biological safety program to other laboratory personnel or faculty in his/her laboratory, the Principal Investigator retains ultimate responsibility and is accountable for all activities occurring in his/her laboratory.
|
