ILRI Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) oversees biosafety aspects of research at ILRI and ensures compliance to regulatory requirements and international standards on biosafety and biosecurity. Thus, the committee reviews, approves and oversees the use of biological materials and other hazardous materials proposed to be used within ILRI research facilities.

These materials include recombinant DNA (rDNA), biohazardous agents and toxins, hazardous chemicals, radioisotopes and any materials than could be harmful to staff, research animals and environment.

The conduct of official IBC business occurs at convened meetings that must meet the quorum requirement. A protocol is approved only if a quorum is present, and if more that 70% of the quorum votes in favor of protocol. For reasons other than conflict of interest, abstentions from voting do not alter the quorum or change the number of votes required.

IBC meetings are held once per month on the last Monday of the month. Rescheduling may occur if the quorum is not achieved. Non-scheduled meetings may be called by the IBC Chair to discuss matters that require urgent resolution.

Application and Approval Process

When reviewing protocols for initial review or review of ongoing research activities, IBC conducts an assessment of the containment levels required, assesses the facilities, procedures and training and competence of research personnel, and finally ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
In reviewing proposed research, IBC considers:
•    Agent characteristics (e.g. virulence, pathogenicity, environmental stability).
•    Types of manipulations planned.
•    Source(s) of the inserted DNA sequences (e.g., species).
•    Nature of the inserted DNA sequences (e.g., structural gene,).
•    Host(s) and vector(s) to be used.
•    Whether an attempt will be made to obtain expression of a foreign gene, and if so, the protein that will be produced.
•    Containment conditions to be implemented.
•    Competency of the workers
•    Approvals from relevant government authorities
To allow sufficient time for protocol review and verification of approval, applicants should submit protocols to the IBC no later than six weeks before the project starts. This lead time is required because IBC meets only once per month to review protocols and protocols frequently require revision before they can be approved.
Training
Training is required for all research personnel working with rDNA and biohazardous materials, agents and toxins. Completion of the courses is a requirement for the approval of new and continuing research projects. All existing training materials and course content required by IBC is reviewed every two years prior to release.

General biosafety training from the CITI online module is mandatory for all Principal Investigators and research personnel. Responsible conduct of research is also a required module for Principal Investigators and research personnel performing rDNA research that is non-exempt. It is the Principal Investigator’s responsibility to complete and ensure all research personnel has received the required training prior to protocol application to IBC. Documentation of successful completion of training is required in order to receive IBC approval.

Click here to see the available training modules.

Policies and Manuals

IBC SOP Manual provides a review of the relevant regulatory requirements. The SOP Manual should be used in conjunction with any other pertinent ILRI policies and procedures in order to ensure that human health, animal health and the environment are safeguarded.

Please refer to the manual for further information.

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