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Research Safety

Biological and biomedical research offers tremendous opportunities for improving our understanding of biological mechanisms and processes and for targeting new and more effective therapies for devastating conditions. At the same time, however, this research involving recombinant DNA, infectious agents, and other potentially hazardous biological materials carries inherent safety risks. Working at an appropriate biosafety containment level and with the appropriate safety precautions is essential for mitigating those risks.

As mandated by the NIH Guidelines, Baylor’s Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is responsible for assessing the biosafety containment level for research involving recombinant DNA and synthetic nucleic acid molecules. The IBC also oversees research with other potentially hazardous biological materials. The IBC currently oversees:

  • Recombinant DNA and synthetic nucleic acid molecules (including human gene transfer studies)
  • Infectious agents
  • Biological toxins
  • Human-derived tissues, fluids, cells
  • Certain animal-derived tissues, fluids, cells
  • Federally-regulated Select Agents, experiments with Dual Use Research of Concern potential, and research requiring BSL3 containment
RESEARCH SAFETY (IBC) NEWS
IBC Moves to BioRAFT

Baylor’s Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) has moved its online submission system from IRBNet to BioRAFT. The biological survey in BioRAFT integrates with the IBC review for new registrations, renewals, and amendments, so there is no longer a need to fill out Word document forms previously used in IRBNet. Submissions through IRBNet will no longer be accepted. For more information, go to the “Research Safety” webpage on the Office of the Vice Provost for Research website.

Change to IACUC/IBC 3-year review process

May 8, 2017 by Baylor OVPR - The Office of Research Compliance continuously works to provide efficient processes for our researchers while ensuring regulatory requirements for research are met. Therefore, we are implementing changes to the de novo review process for research under the purview of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).

IBC Events

Jan
28
2020
IBC - Submission Deadline
Feb
11
2020
IBC - Meeting (Full Committee Review)
Apr
21
2020
IBC - Submission Deadline
May
5
2020
IBC - Meeting (Full Committee Review)
More Events