The University of North Dakota Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) requires that any biological research or teaching activities, particularly those utilizing DNA, recombinant DNA, transgenic organisms, or biohazardous research material, be subject to a University Review Process and that these activities must be approved by the IBC prior to their initiation. The IBC is the only authorized University committee that can give approval to projects and activities involving DNA, recombinant DNA and biohazardous research material. The IBC will follow UND laboratory biosafety guidelines and the NIH guidelines for DNA, recombinant DNA and biohazardous material research in determining the suitability of projects and activities. For any proposed activity not approved by the IBC, an explanation of that decision will be provided. Any project or activity not approved can be revised and resubmitted to the IBC for consideration.

All faculty or staff who plan on using recombinant DNA, biohazardous materials or conducting activities that involve the handling of biological materials in a research setting (live or dead animals, plant or animal pathogens, tissue, blood, bodily secretions, nucleic acids, toxins, etc.), teaching, or other activities must submit a completed, signed application form to the IBC Office, University of North Dakota, Twamley Hall Room 106, 264 Centennial Dr, Stop 7134, Grand Forks, ND 58202-7134. All approved projects must be reviewed on an annual basis and any significant protocol changes must be approved as well.

All principal investigators should be familiar with the laboratory biosafety (http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/bmbl5/bmbl5toc.htm) and the NIH guidelines for recombinant DNA research (http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/rac/guidelines/guidelines.html)

One copy of all funded grant applications utilizing recombinant DNA or biohazardous materials must be submitted to the IBC. The PI will not be able to access grant funds or begin the project until the IBC has reviewed and approved the project. Any changes to an approved project must receive IBC approval prior to their implementation.

Anyone having questions regarding the IBC application process should contact the Research Development and Compliance (RD&C) office at the address listed above or call the Administrative Secretary at (701)777-4279.

Membership
as of April 28, 2008