The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is designated as one of the standing committees of Iowa State University. The IBC serves in all matters involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule studies as required by the Federal Register, May 7, 1986, and amendments.
The IBC was established under the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules to provide local review and oversight of nearly all forms of research utilizing recombinant DNA. The Guidelines were updated in March 2013 to include synthetic nucleic acid molecules. The committee reviews and sets conditions for conducting studies involving:
- use of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, including transgenic/gene edited animals or transgenic plants;
- use of human or animal pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, prions, parasites);
- use of soil, seed, plants, plant pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, or parasites), or other material received under a USDA APHIS compliance agreement or permit;
- use of biological toxins;
- administration of experimental biological products to animals;
- field releases of plant pests received under a USDA APHIS PPQ permit;
- field releases of genetically modified organisms that are under a USDA APHIS PPQ or BRS permit (e.g., not commercially available GMOs).
The committee also has the authority to require changes in operations that do not comply with the required conditions.
The IBC is comprised of no fewer than five members who are selected for their collective expertise, experience, and ability to assess the safety of recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules projects as well as potential biological and public health risks. The ISU Biological Safety Officer must be a member of the committee, and there should be at least one member from a university laboratory technical staff.
At least two of the members will represent the surrounding community regarding public health and environmental protection and should not be affiliated with the University except for their committee membership. Eligible individuals for this position should be officials of state or local public health or environmental protection agencies, members of other local governmental bodies, or persons active in medical, occupational health, or environmental concerns in the community.
Regular meetings of the IBC are held on the second Tuesday of the month. NOTE: Applications must be submitted seven business days before the meeting date to ensure review at the monthly meeting.
Subcommittees of the IBC meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month for non-recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid research, provided there are sufficient applications for review.
