Institutional Biosafety

University policy #50 requires all WCU faculty, staff, or students involved in the study of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules (r-DNA) research to follow established guidelines issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules have been published in the Federal Register (May 7, 1986, plus recent amendments).

All research at WCU that involves r-DNA must be registered with and approved by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). Principal investigators (PI) of any on-campus research or proposals for off-campus r-DNA research funding must submit an application to the IBC prior to initiation of the study.

Request a Review

The IBC meets once a semester to review projects. For Spring 2024, the meeting will take place on February 2nd. All applications must be received by January 26th.  Applications are submitted through InfoEd.

Investigators involved in rDNA research must complete lab safety training available through the Office of Safety and Risk Management. 

 

Useful links from the National Institute of Health Office of Science Policy:

• NIH Guidelines 
• Investigator Responsibilities for rDNA Research
• IBC Roles and Responsibilities