Biosafety (IBC)

About the Biosafety Program

Research involving recombinant DNA, infectious agents, and other potentially hazardous biologics carries inherent safety risks. Michigan Technological University’s Biosafety program to ensure a safe environment for all faculty, staff, and students associated with the use of potentially hazardous biological agents. The program is composed of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), Biosafety Officer(s), Institutional Official (IO), and Research Integrity staff, working in collaboration with various departments and staff on campus.  Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to research involving:

  • Infectious agents (to humans, animals, plants, etc.)
  • Biological toxins
  • Recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules
  • Biological tissues, fluids, cells (derived from human, non-human primates, or other animals)
  • Animals/plants infected with biohazardous materials described above  

About the IBC

Michigan Tech’s Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is responsible for:

  • Ensuring that researchers, community members, and the environment are protected from risks associated with potentially hazardous biological materials used in research
  • Providing training to faculty, staff and students on biological safety practices
  • Review and approval of all research using biological organisms and/or biological materials that require containment at BSL-2
  • Review  and approval of all research conducted at the University that involves recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids subject to the NIH guidelines
  • Review of recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids and biological research
  • Adopting emergency plans for accidental spills, personnel contamination, loss of containment, and research-related illnesses
  • Investigating any concerns raised regarding the use of biohazards within the university

About the IBC Membership

NIH requirements state the IBC must maintain a minimum of five members. Two of these members are unaffiliated with the University and represent the community and its interests. Additional members of the committee bring expertise in plant, animal, and recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids research. Collectively, members of the committee have the expertise needed to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with research involving recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids, and infectious or potentially infectious biological organisms and materials.