IBC Heading link
Scope of Review & Responsibility
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) was established to provide local review and oversight of any work that is regulated by the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is required to comply with this regulation as an NIH-funded institution. The NIH Guidelines include the use, modification, and/or transfer of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid materials, including genetically modified organisms.
In addition to the NIH Guidelines, our IBC is charged with oversight of all research and teaching involving infectious agents, biological toxins, human/non-human primate source materials, and select agents. This oversight ensures compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and uses the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories as a guide. The IBC ensures proper concern for the safety of personnel, the environment, and the surrounding communities.
The Biological Safety group within the Environmental Health and Safety office (EHSO) partners with the IBC to provide technical expertise and training on the projects overseen by the IBC. It is important to regularly review all policies and guidance provided by the Biological Safety group to ensure knowledge of updates.
To this end, the IBC reviews, approves, and oversees work performed with the following biological materials in research, teaching, or training:
- Recombinant and Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules: The IBC reviews all work in accordance with the NIH Guidelines.
- Infectious Agents
- Biological Toxins
- Dual Use Research of Concern
- Select Agents
- Human/Non-Human Primate Source Materials
The IBC is managed by the OACIB, which accepts all protocol and modification submissions, coordinates protocol review, notifies the investigator of the outcome of review, and works with investigators during the writing/revision process.
Please submit protocols and modifications directly to oacib@uic.edu and contact us if you have any questions.
Highlights and Updates Heading link
Revisions to the United States Government Policy for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential
- United States Government Policy for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential can be found here.
- Implementation Guidance for the United States Government Policy for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential can be found here.
Revisions to the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules
The NIH Guidelines have been updated to clarify containment requirements, risk assessments, and define additional institutional responsibilities regarding Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) and Biosafety Officers (BSOs). The revision regulation includes new federal oversight for the recommendations of the NIH Novel and Exceptional Technology Research Advisory Committee report, Gene Drives in Biomedical Research (NExTRAC Report).
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-24-093.html
NEW IBC Introduction to Biosafety Training
The course addresses awareness of biohazards, risk assessment, key risk management principles, and compliance requirements for working with biological materials. Required for everyone listed in IBC Protocol including Principal Investigators. Accessible through https://research.uic.edu/compliance/ibc/ibc-education-training/
NEW IBC Policy on Human and Non-Human Primate Source Materials
The Institutional Biosafety Committee has approved a new policy for the use of human and non-human primate source materials. Ensure that you review this policy carefully regarding the requirements for using these materials.