Important Information for Researchers on Recombinant DNA
- All recombinant DNA research must be approved. Approval is required for sponsored and un-sponsored research.
- Approvals are valid for 1 year only. The form must be updated yearly.
- In an effort to streamline the paperwork associated with research on campus, we have instituted a web-based form for approval of research involving recombinant DNA. Most of the recombinant DNA research on campus is considered exempt under the NIH guidelines, but even exempt experiments must be registered and approved by the IBC.
More information about research involving
recombinant DNA and a
description of exempt
and non-exempt experiments
can be obtained from
the NIH
Guidelines. For a quick reference of NIH Level III guidelines, visit our NIH Guidelines at a glance page. For more information about about IBC responsibilities, view the NIH Guidelines and IBC Responsibilities slide show.
If you are using recombinant
DNA in your research
and have not obtained
approval within the last
year, please visit https://utdirect.utexas.edu/vr/recom_dna.WBX (EID required) to complete the form
and submit it for Institutional
Biosafety Committee for
approval. Once
you have completed the
form, the study will
be assigned a number.
That study number can
be used for any OSP forms
for grant applications
involving that research.
Approvals are no longer
linked to specific grant
applications.
To view the Biosafety database, visit https://utdirect.utexas.edu/vr/biosafety_list.WBX (EID required).
Institutional Biosafety Committee
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is charged by Federal law with the planning and implementation of the campus Biosafety Program to ensure the health and safety of all personnel working with rDNA and biohazardous agents. The IBC reviews research conducted at the institution for compliance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules and the Select Agent Rule. The IBC also drafts campus biosafety policies and procedures, and reviews individual research proposals for biosafety concerns.
Institutional Biosafety Committee Responsibilities
From NIH Guidelines Section IV-B-2-b:
"Review recombinant DNA research conducted at or sponsored by the institution for compliance with the NIH Guidelines.....and approving those research projects that are found to conform with the NIH Guidelines."
"Notify the Principal Investigator of the results of the Institutional Biosafety Committee's review and approval."
"Periodically reviewing recombinant DNA research conducted at the institution to ensure compliance with the NIH Guidelines."
"Adopting emergency plans covering accidental spills and personnel contamination resulting from recombinant DNA research."
"Reporting any significant problems with or violations of the NIH Guidelines and any significant research-related accidents or illnesses to the appropriate institutional official and the NIH/OBA....."
If you would like to view the list of IBC Committee members, please visit the IBC Committee Members page.
IBC Federal Mandates for the Institution
Per NIH Guidelines
"As a condition for NIH funding....institutions shall ensure that research conducted at or sponsored by the institution, irrespective of the source of funding, shall comply with the NIH Guidelines." (Section 1-D)
"(The institution must) establish and implement policies that provide for the safe conduct of ....research and to ensure compliance with the NIH Guidelines." (Section IV-B-1-a)
Per Select Agent Rule (42 CFR Part 73)
"An entity may not possess or use....receive from..., or transfer within the United States, a select agent or toxin unless such activities are conducted....in accordance with the provision of this law." (Part 73.3)
"(it is the responsibility of the Institution to) provide information and training at the time of an individuals initial assignment to a work area where select agents or toxins are present.....(and) provide refresher training annually." (Part 73.13)