Institutional Biosafety Committee

Georgetown University requires that an IBC Protocol be submitted for all projects involving: infectious agents, biologically-derived toxins, animal tissue that pose a zoonotic disease risk, recombinant DNA and synthetic nucleic acids before the project start so that the project can be comprehensively reviewed. The IBC identifies hazards and assesses the risks associated with the project or activity; evaluates the adequacy of safety procedures, facilities, and equipment; and determines the need for immunizations or other preventive medical measures.

To initiate the review process, the Principal Investigator or Laboratory Manager should submit a completed IBC Registration Form. During the review process EH&S may request additional information so that a proper assessment of risk can be made. The Principal Investigator can begin the proposed work once they receive an official Letter of Approval from EH&S. Approval for all projects expires 36 months after the date of approval; EH&S will notify the PI regarding project renewal. IBC registrations must be reviewed by PI annually and be updated as frequently as necessary to reflect changes in experimental protocols, the type or amount of biological material used, changes in personnel, or changes in locations where the work will be performed.

IBC meetings will be held on the third Friday of every month. Meetings will be canceled if no new protocols, renewals, or amendments are submitted by the due date of each month.

Protocols that are not submitted on the due date will be reviewed at the next scheduled meeting. The IBC will not review any submission that is not complete and has not addressed edits or clarifications requested by EH&S. These protocols will also be postponed for review to the next month.

IBC Meeting Minutes

In accordance with National Institutes of Health (NIH) requirements, the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) makes approved meeting minutes publicly available to ensure transparency in biosafety oversight. These minutes document IBC deliberations and actions related to research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids, infectious agents, biological toxins, and other materials subject to biosafety oversight.

Posted minutes reflect committee discussions, protocol approvals, modifications, and determinations, with sensitive or confidential information appropriately redacted as required. Some months may not have minutes if no meeting took place.

Membership Roster

Applicable Policies & Guides:

• Biological Safety Manual
• Overview of Recombinant DNA Experiments Covered by the NIH Guidelines
• IBC Submission Form Instructions

Applicable Forms:

• IBC Registration Form

External Resources:

• NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules