Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

In accordance with the NIH Guidelines, Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) has established an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) responsible for the review of all research involving recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules (r/sNA) and transgenic animals ensuring compliance with federal regulations, institutional policies, and ethical standards for safe scientific conduct.

On behalf of the Institution, and in accordance with the NIH Guidelines, the IBC is responsible for oversight and review of r/sNA research including independent assessment of containment levels, laboratory facilities, procedures, practices, health surveillance, and training and expertise of personnel involved in the r/sNA research, to ensure safety, scientific integrity, and regulatory compliance.

Additionally, the IBC provides consultation to the Institution’s research community including faculty, staff, and students, concerning issues of biohazards, laboratory biosafety procedures, and appropriate biological techniques (best practices) related to r/sNA to minimize risk and hazard and to promote a culture of responsibility, awareness, and continuous improvement in biosafety practices.