Approval Steps
1. Submit all required documentation
The initial step for approval to work with biohazards in research and/or teaching is to complete the Institutional Biosafety Committee Permit Application. Successful completion of this permit and subsequent review also requires that all listed personnel successfully complete all required training.
All applicable forms are available online with instructions.
The IBC meets the last Friday of each month. In order for permit applications to undergo a full review, they must be received by AR-EHS no later than two weeks prior to their monthly meeting. Permits submitted within two weeks of a scheduled IBC meeting will not be reviewed until the next regularly scheduled meeting (1 to 1.5 months later).
2. Administrative Review
Once all Biohazardous Use Protocol (BUP) IBC permit application documents are received by the Office of Research and Compliance, the office assigns a permit number and assigns an associate biological safety officer who will review the permit application and gather any additional details needed for the approval process. Part of this process includes the verification of required training and a current successful biosafety laboratory inspection.
3. Committee Review
Once AR-EHS and the biological safety officer have reviewed your permit application and verified all training and inspections, your application will be reviewed by the IBC Committee during a convened IBC meeting. The IBC meets on the last Friday of each month (unless the University is closed for a holiday), and will review all proposals submitted to AR-EHS at least two weeks before the scheduled meeting. Permit applications submitted less than two weeks before an IBC meeting will not be reviewed until the next regularly scheduled IBC meeting.
The IBC will receive a review of the permit application by the biological safety officer who conducted the review and laboratory inspection. The committee has three options for voting:
- Approved, or approved pending minor modifications
- Tabled
- Not approved
4. Communicate Outcome
The Principal Investigator will be provided with feedback, regardless of the voting outcome. If approved, the IBC Permit will provide a specific outline of the work permitted. This information will be sent to the Principal Investigator, Department Head, and the Dean. Research and/or teaching involving your permit application cannot begin until a permit approval letter is received from the IBC Chair.
5. Conduct Research
Upon receiving your approved IBC permit, you may begin your research and/or teaching. Principal Investigators must notify the IBC when information changes in the approved IBC Permit. Such changes include, but are not limited to, personnel, laboratory location, procedures, funding, etc. If such changes occur, the Principal Investigator is required to complete and submit an IBC Amendment Form prior to implementing the changes.
Permits are approved for the duration of three calendar years with required annual renewals and annual inspections.
Annual renewal forms must be submitted at least 45 days before the anniversary of the IBC Permit approval.