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The MSU Institutional Biosafety Committee acts as the institutional review body for all research activities involving the use of recombinant DNA molecules as required and outlined in the National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines). The primary charge of the IBC was to review recombinant DNA research proposals using the NIH Guidelines as a minimum standard. The purpose of the NIH Guidelines and the IBC review process was to provide researchers with guidance for conducting their recombinant DNA studies in a manner that minimized exposure risk for research personnel and the environment at large. As a part of this review, the committee must determine if the Principal Investigator has set the appropriate biosafety level (BSL), evaluate the category of review, methods to be used in the research projects, training records for personnel involved, and other aspects of the project. Over the years, the role of IBCs in the university setting has expanded to include areas such as research use of human and animal cells, infectious agents, select agents, and toxins. This is a timely trend in light of recent bioterrorism events. The MSU Institutional Biosafety Committee membership and mission has been recently revised to meet the changing needs of the MSU research community. In addition to recombinant DNA reviews, the committee may provide guidance and assistance on matters such as animal and plant research containment facilities, use of infectious agents, accreditation issues, and emergency response. The IBC meets on a monthly basis to discuss and review current recombinant DNA projects. These meetings are open to the public. If you would like to attend a meeting, contact Jamie Willard, Ph.D. or Ned Walker for more information and a schedule. |
