IBC Review Process
Principal investigators (PIs) should make an initial determination of the required levels of physical and biological containment in their research labs and/or classroom spaces. They should be trained appropriately and adhere to all Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories guidelines. In addition, PIs should clearly mark BSL2 spaces (labs, freezers, fridges, etc.). Please contact the IBC for signage.
An IBC protocol should be submitted to biosafety@richmond.edu for any project (research or course-based) involving biological materials (BSL2 or higher) and recombinant DNA. All investigators must complete an MUA form even if they think their work might be exempt. This will help ensure that all members of the U of R community will be prepared to answer questions should they be asked about their compliance in the case of an NIH audit.
Due Dates
- IBC protocols may be submitted at any time during the year and the IBC will meet monthly as necessary.
- It is preferably if protocols are submitted 1 week prior to the August, January, and April meetings for approval granted for fall semester, spring semester, and summer, respectively.
- Please see the website for specific dates of meetings.
The IBC will review the MUA forms as needed in fully convened meetings. Please be sure to submit the registrations in a timely fashion, allowing enough time for a full meeting of the IBC to be arranged and convened.
If the registration is approved, the MUA will receive an IBC registration number and will be assigned a biosafety level (BSL) and/or animal biosafety level (ABSL).
Every Fall and Spring semester and summer research period, the student researcher list will need to be updated.
Registrations must be renewed every 3 years.
If your registration is for work requiring IBC approval BEFORE initiation (Sections III-A, III-B, III-C, III-D), you may not start work until an official approval letter has been received.