Frequently Asked Questions

compass pointing toward integrityWhat is the IBC?

The National Institutes of Health require any organization that receives funding for recombinant DNA research to have an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) to review and approve relevant projects. Further information can be found in the NIH Guidelines.

What projects need IBC registration?

Any research project involving recombinant or synthetic DNA, microorganisms, biological toxins or venoms, materials from humans or non-human primates, or fieldwork with animals must be registered with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). Registration is also required for any research involving Select Agents or that may be subject to Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) regulations.

Do I need to register with the IBC if I do not receive NIH funding?

Yes. The NIH requires all relevant projects to be reviewed by the IBC regardless of their funding source.

What projects require review by the full committee?

Any work that falls under Section III-A, B, C, D or E of the NIH Guidelines, involves the use of infectious organisms included in Risk Groups 3 and 4, or the use of Biologically Active Toxins listed as Select Agents will require review by the full committee.

Can I use Select Agents in my research?

If your research involves the use of Select Agents or any activities subject to Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) regulations, you should contact Florida Atlantic’s Biosafety Officer before proceeding.

How do I begin an IBC registration?

You can register with the IBC through the SciShield online platform (https://fau.scishield.com). If your SciShield account is not set up for biological research, please contact the office of Research Integrity. If you do not have a SciShield account, please contact EHS.

How do I submit an IBC registration?

Clicking the blue button at the bottom of the Biological Summary Page and initialling each attestation will certify and submit your registration to the IBC for review. Only the PI can certify and submit registrations and any changes made to the registration after submission will not be reviewed until it has been recertified and resubmitted.

How long does an IBC registration approval last?

IBC registrations are approved for three years. Expiring registration must be resubmitted and re-reviewed.

Can I modify an existing IBC registration?

IBC registrations can be amended through SciShield at any time. Changes will not be reviewed or approved until they have been certified and submitted by the PI.

Can I do work at BSL-3 at FAU?

At this time, FAU does not have the capability for BSL-3 work.

Who needs to be listed as personnel in an IBC registration?

All laboratory staff handling or overseeing the handling of potentially biohazardous materials must be listed as personnel in an IBC registration.

What training is necessary to receive IBC approval?

All listed staff (including the PI) are required to have a current certificate for the CITI Initial Biosafety Training course. The PI for any project involving the handling of recombinant or synthetic DNA is required to have a current certificate for the CITI NIH Recombinant DNA Guidelines course. Additional training may be required for projects involving Select Agents or activities subject to Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) regulations and further training may be required by EHS. Information about these courses can be found in the training section of the FAU IBC website. http://www.fau.edu/research-admin/research-integrity/institutional-biosafety-committee/

Who should I contact about IBC questions?

Please contact Andrew Donovan, the IBC Coordinator, at adonovan@fau.edu.