| Committee Chair – Suzanne Michalek Vice-Chair – Theresa Strong Committee Contact Person – Donna S. Williamson Phone: (205) 934-4752 Email: |
The IBC has been charged with the review and approval of all research (regardless of funding) involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid research classified as non-exempt by the NIH Guidelines, all research involving all agents capable of causing illness in man (designated Risk Group 2 and above), and all work involving the use of toxins. It is important to note that IBC approval is most often required prior to initiation of work. The Committee has the authority to impose disciplinary measures in cases where there is violation of UAB's established practices and procedures.
The Institutional Biosafety Committee is comprised of members from the UAB Research Community, Environmental Health and Safety, as well as representatives from the local community each with expertise in biosafety, biosecurity, bacteriology, virology, public health, and/or animal containment. The Committee reports to the Vice President for Research and meets monthly to review and discuss proposed research activities, review training, facilities and facility modification, standard operating procedures, trends in biosafety and biosecurity, etc. If you have questions about the Committee or have topics of interest for the Committee, please send a brief email to
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1. Is my recombinant work exempt or non-exempt?
Visit NIH Guidelines to determine if your work is exempt or non-exempt. If your work involves animals, this table will help to determine if it must be reviewed and approved by the IBC. Research categorized here is exempt. If it is still not clear how to classify your work, please contact
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2. What are my responsibilities under the NIH Guidelines as a PI?
This NIH brochure outlines your responsibilities as a PI. Basically, PIs are responsible for full compliance with the NIH Guidelines during the conduct of research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules. Your responsibilities start well in advance of the actual work and cover all aspects of the proposed project. Most nonexempt work performed at UAB requires IBC review and approval prior to project initiation. After approval, any modifications must be communicated to and approved by the IBC. You must immediately report any significant problems pertaining to the operation and implementation of containment practices and procedures, violations of the NIH Guidelines, or any significant research-related accidents or illnesses to the IBC, NIH OBA, and other Institutional authorities as appropriate.
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3. What is the deadline to have a project reviewed by the IBC?
Completed registration documents that includes the methodologies planned in the protocol, along with supporting documentation, must be received by the Research Safety Committee office by the last working day of the month to guarantee inclusion in the next month’s IBC review. Submissions should be sent to
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The IBC will convene on the following dates to review completed submissions received by the last working day of the previous month. Completed registration documents include the methodologies planned in the protocol, along with supporting documentation.
2023 IBC Meeting Dates, Monthly, second Monday of the month:
January 9
February 13
March 13
April 10
May 8
June 12
July 10
August 14
September 11
October 9
November 13
December 11