Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

IBC Authority and Purpose

The University of North Dakota Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) requires that any biological research or teaching activities, particularly those utilizing DNA, recombinant DNA, transgenic organisms, or biohazardous research material, be subject to a University Review Process and that these activities must be approved by the IBC prior to their initiation.

The IBC is the only authorized University committee that can give approval to projects and activities involving DNA, recombinant DNA and biohazardous research material.

The IBC will follow UND laboratory biosafety guidelines and the NIH guidelines for DNA, recombinant DNA and biohazardous material research in determining the suitability of projects and activities. For any proposed activity not approved by the IBC, an explanation of that decision will be provided. Any project or activity not approved can be revised and resubmitted to the IBC for consideration.

Novelution Online Protocol Submission System

The Institutional Biosafety Committee module in the online protocol submission system is now live! While not yet required, researchers submitting new and 3-year renewals are strongly encouraged to utilize the new system. System demonstrations took place for faculty, staff, and students in May 2022. If you were unable to attend a demonstration, you will find it helpful to watch the video demonstration before interacting with the system:

How to Submit an IBC Protocol in Novelution

IBC Application Process

All faculty or staff who plan on using recombinant DNA, biohazardous materials or conducting activities that involve the handling of biological materials in a research setting (live or dead animals, plant or animal pathogens, tissue, blood, bodily secretions, nucleic acids, toxins, etc.), teaching, or other activities must submit a completed, signed application form via email to the Office of Research Compliance & Ethics at UND.ibc@UND.edu.

One copy of all funded grant applications utilizing recombinant DNA or biohazardous materials must be submitted to the IBC with the application. The PI will not be able to access grant funds or begin the project until the IBC has reviewed and approved the project.

All approved projects must be reviewed on an annual basis, and any changes to an approved project must receive IBC approval prior to their implementation.

All principal investigators should be familiar with laboratory biosafety and the NIH guidelines for recombinant DNA research.

Meeting Deadlines

Meetings are held at 2 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month and will be held virtually until further notice. All new submissions and 3-year renewals must be submitted by the meeting deadline indicated below: 

Members

1-Chair
2-Vice-Chair
3-Community Member
4-Non-voting Member

Forms

For new submissions and 3-year renewals, researchers are strongly encouraged to use the online protocol submission system. Submission of protocols in the online system will be required starting July 1, 2023.

• IBC Research Registration Application: To be completed by all investigators conducting biological research.
• IBC Instructional Registration Application: To be completed by anyone using biological materials for educational or instructional purposes.
• IBC Protocol Change and Annual Review Form: To be completed annually by all investigators conducting biological research or when initiating a change to an approved IBC protocol.
• IBC Adverse Event Reporting Form: To be completed within 24 hours of an adverse event occurring on an approved IBC protocol.

Risk Assessment Resources

• IBC Protocol Risk Assessment
• UND Risk Assessment Tool
• Pathogen Safety Data Sheets
• Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories

Material Transfer Agreements (MTA)

Material Transfer Agreements for biological materials are handled via a joint review process involving the IBC and the Office of Corporate Engagement & Commercializaton. Please visit Corporate Engagement & Commercialization for more information.

Policies

• Institutional Biological Safety Policy
• Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
• Sharps Policy
• Occupational Health Plan
• Respiratory Protection Plan
• Biological Safety Cabinet Policy
• Transport of Hazardous Materials Policy

Manuals

• Institutional Biosafety Manual
• Laboratory Specific Safety Manual
• Plant Biosafety Lab Manual

IBC Researcher and Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Who Needs to Complete this Training?

IBC researcher training is required for all investigators and laboratory personnel listed on an IBC protocol. This training is called IBC Principal Investigators and Staff and is available through the CITI Program.

Bloodborne pathogens training is mandatory for all laboratory investigators working with exposed blood, blood components, or any unfixed human tissue; and for other employees whose job responsibilities may expose them to such materials. Any person who handles blood or certain other body fluids as part of their job, or whose job responsibilities include activities that might expose them to such body fluids is required to understand the potential hazards of such exposure and receive bloodborne pathogens training.

Training Resources

• Instructions for Registering for IBC Principal Investigator and Staff Training
• Instructions for Registering for the UND Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Laboratories
• Safe Colleges Training Website
• OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
• OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard Fact Sheet
• UND Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan