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UPDATE New procedures for biosafety/recombinant DNA research

UMBC will soon be convening an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) to ensure our research continues to conform to the NIH Guidelines associated with plant, pathogen, transgenic animal and recombinant DNA research Committee members have been selected and the registration of the IBC is pending approval from the NIH Office of Biotechnology Activities (OBA). The first IBC meeting is tentatively planned for late October.

The overall purpose of the IBC is to:

  • advise and approve investigator-initiated protocols,
  • evaluate potential risk to the environment and public health,
  • set responsibilities for investigator compliance with surveillance, data reporting, and adverse event reporting, and
  • provide annual reports to the OBA. 
The ORPC has created a presentation for faculty, students and staff to describe the IBC research review and application procedures, inform investigators of their role and responsibilities in this process, and provide guidance to investigators on steps to transition from the current biosafety review process to the new IBC’s application and review procedures.

The ORPC is offering a one hour information session to discuss the IBC procedures. We have several times available during our “drop-in” sessions in our offices over in the bwtech North (5523 Research Park Drive, suite 310) - directions attached; please click on any of the below dates below to register:

Wednesday, September 24, 2014 from Noon - 1 PM

Friday, September 26, 2014 from Noon - 1 PM

Friday, October 3, 2014 from Noon - 1 PM

Wednesday, October 8, 2014 from Noon - 1 PM

Friday, October 10, 2014 from Noon - 1 PM


We also are available to meet with investigators individually or in a departmental setting. Please send a message to compliance@umbc.edu with the days and times available.

Thank you for your support of this joint effort to help UMBC remain in compliance with the NIH Guidelines.

Posted: September 18, 2014, 11:19 AM