Institutional Biosafety Committee

Overview

Last Updated:   9/23/2024

Contact Name

Robin Tyndall, Director, Office of Research Compliance
rtyndal@clemson.edu

Description

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is responsible, following the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules, for reviewing all research that involves the use of recombinant DNA and ensuring that the proposed activities comply with the federal regulations governing them. Recombinant DNA is defined as working with those molecules that are constructed outside living cells by joining natural or synthetic DNA segments to DNA molecules that can replicate in a living cell or that result from the replication of those described above. The NIH Guidelines state institutions need not restrict the IBC's responsibilities to recombinant DNA. Clemson University's IBC reviews research involving the use of biological hazards (including human blood, tissue, infectious agents and cell lines; and select agents/toxins) and chemical hazards (i.e., those defined as highly toxic, mutagenic, teratogenic, carcinogenic, or explosive or listed as Schedule I or II drugs) when used with vertebrate animals. This helps to ensure the safety of personnel working with these materials and that laboratory practices conform to other federal and state regulations (e.g., OSHA, CDC & NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, CDC & USDA Select Agents and Toxins). The IBC has the responsibility and authority to review, approve, disapprove, or require changes in research activities. Clemson University's Institutional Biosafety Committee is registered with the National Institutes of Health's Office of Biotechnology Activities (OBA) and works closely with Clemson University's Department of Environmental Health and Safety and the Occupational Health Nurse. Committee membership is structured following federal requirements and members are appointed by the President of the University. Fifty percent or more of the faculty on the committee will be tenured.

This committee is authorized by the Clemson University Committee on Committees. Changes to its description or composition should be initiated with the Faculty Senate Office.