Overview

The Institutional Biosafety Committee reviews, sets forth requirements, and provides oversight for the safe and secure use of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules and other biohazardous agents, materials, and toxins in compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). The use of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules in teaching, research or testing activities conducted by KUMC facilities or research personnel must be conducted in accordance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines) regardless of funding source.

• For information on protocol submission, policies, procedures and regulations, and reporting concerns please access the Institutional Biosafety Committee website or contact ibc@kumc.edu
• The IBC works with the Biological Safety Program and Officer within the Office of Environmental Health & Safety to establish, monitor, and enforce policies. Contact EHS for information about the use and safe handling of biohazardous materials, select agents and toxins, and disposal of biohazardous waste.

The committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month and welcomes members of the public to attend virtually. Please contact ibc@kumc.edu if you would like to attend a virtual meeting.

IBC Policy & IBC Procedures 

The IBC policy establishes the University of Kansas Medical Center ("KUMC") Institutional Biosafety Committee and sets forth requirements for the safe and secure use of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules and other biohazardous agents, materials, and toxins in compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines. View the Policy for Activities with Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules or Other Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents. 

The IBC procedure sets forth the requirements for review, approval, and oversight of the use of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules in teaching, research or testing activities conducted by KUMC facilities or research personnel.   All such activity, regardless of funding source, must be conducted in accordance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines). View the Procedure for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (Including Human Gene Transfer Research). 

Definitions

Below are the most current definitions regarding each topic pertinent for review from the IBC. The definitions are taken directly from each federally governing body.

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) & Synthetic DNA
In the context of the NIH Guidelines, recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids are defined as:
1. molecules that are constructed by joining nucleic acid molecules and can replicate in a living cell
2. nucleic acid molecules that are chemically or by other means synthesized or amplified, including those that are chemically or otherwise modified but can base pair with naturally occurring nucleic acid molecules
3. molecules that result from the replication of those described in 1 or 2 above

Select Pathogenic Agents and/or Toxins (BSAT)
Biological select agents and toxins are a subset of agents that the United States Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) have determined to have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety, to animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products.

Infectious Agents
An infectious agent is defined as being any kind of microorganism that can cause a human to develop a disease. The definition includes microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.