Institutional Biosafety Committee

Principal investigators are responsible for submitting protocol applications in advance of any research or teaching activity that includes, but is not limited to:

• All use of recombinant DNA (rDNA) or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, regardless of Biosafety Level (subject to the NIH Guidelines)
  • Viral vectors or plasmid vectors
  • Transgenic/Knock-in/Knock-Out animals (see OBA Transgenic Animal FAQs)
  • Genetically modified plants
  • Transfer of rDNA or synthetic nucleic acid molecules into human participants
  • Transactive or infectious proteins
• Use of the following non-recombinant biological materials requires biosafety level 2 or higher containment:
  • Infectious agents
  • Prion proteins
  • Biohazards (e.g.: human or non-human primate tissues or fluids)
  • Select agents or toxins

If your research or teaching activities involve any of the above, you must submit an Institutional Biosafety Committee protocol.

Two Institutional Biosafety Committees are responsible for reviewing all protocols, inspecting biological laboratory spaces, and overseeing training and educational programs at IU to ensure the safe use of biological materials.

Bloomington

The Bloomington Institutional Biosafety Committee oversees research and teaching activities involving recombinant DNA or synthetic nucleic acid molecules and biological materials occurring on the Bloomington campus, as well as the Kokomo, Southeast, East, and South Bend (non-School of Medicine only) campuses.

Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Institutional Biosafety Committee oversees research and teaching activities involving recombinant DNA or synthetic nucleic acid molecules and biological materials occurring on the Indianapolis campus, as well as the Northwest and South Bend School of Medicine campuses.