Does a project need IBC review?

March 26, 2025

The Institutional Biosafety Committee is responsible for biological safety review and approval of projects at UAF. Projects requiring IBC review include those utilizing the following: recombinant DNA, synthetic nucleic acid molecules, infectious agents, biological toxins, federally-regulated select agents, and other potentially harmful biological agents.

If you are conducting research and/or experiments involving any of the following actions below, you should reach out to the UAF IBC administrator to learn more about the IBC review and approval process for your project:

• Pathogens/Microorganisms affecting humans, animals, or plants that are Risk Group 1 or higher;
• Recombinant or Synthetic DNA work (including viral vectors) as defined by the NIH Guidelines;
• Cell and organ cultures of human origin to include established cell lines, human embryonic stem cells, and pluripotent cells and their derivatives;
• Biological Toxins (CDC-USDA Federal Select Agent Program toxins above the permissible toxin amount);
• Introduction of genetically engineered microorganisms, infectious agents, recombinant DNA (plasmids), or gene transfer vectors into human subjects (including live vaccines if they are experimental and/or not FDA-approved for use in the specific study population;
• De novo generation of transgenic plants

Faculty and students are responsible for submitting their projects to the IBC for review and approval. A protocol application and all required supporting documents will need to be submitted through the IRBNet.org system to the UAF IBC. The committee will meet to review the risk level associated and issue a determination. IBC approval is required before work can commence. UAF requires that you obtain IBC approval for IBC-related projects regardless of the funding source.

A good resource for learning more about this requirement is the National Institute of Health Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. If you have questions about your project, contact the Office of Research Integrity at uaf-ibc@alaska.edu or call 907-474-7800. You can also visit the UAF IBC website for more information.