Research and teaching activities that will require IBC review include experiments involving 

1. recombinant DNA that is propagated in a host or vector organism;

2. infectious microorganisms and viruses;

3. biological toxins;

4. human or mammalian derived tissue, including cell lines and blood or body fluids.

A faculty member performing research or teaching activities utilizing any of these agents will be required to submit an IBC protocol submission form that details specific project information, biosafety practices and operating procedures, and details of the utilization of recombinant DNA, infectious microorganisms and viruses, toxins and mammalian tissue. All protocols must be approved by the IBC before initiating research or teaching activity. Faculty whose research and/or teaching activities do not involve these agents is exempt from IBC approval. 

Applicants who will require IBC review are encouraged to read the following documents in addition to receiving specific biosafety training. These resources provide information on biosafety policies and procedures. Applicants may be required to reference specific sections of these documents as part of the protocol review.

1. Recombinant DNA - 

    a. "NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA" [link opens as a pdf from NIH.gov]

    b. "Biosafety Considerations for research with Lentiviral Vectors" [link opens as a pdf from NIH.gov]

2. Microorganisms and biological toxins - 

    a. "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories" [link opens as a pdf from CDC.gov]

    b. "National Select Agent Registry" [link to website]

    c. "Material Safety Data Sheets" [link to website]

3. Human and mammalian tissue, including blood, body fluids - 

    a. "Exposure Control Plan for Blood-Borne Pathogens" [link to website]

    b. "Working with Human and other Primate Tissue" [link to website]

4. General Laboratory Safety - 

    a. "ULM Safety Manual" [link to website]