In accordance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has established an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). The IBC is responsible for reviewing projects that involve, but are not limited to, recombinant DNA, RNAi, pathogens, human materials and other potentially infectious material, as well as transgenic animals. The IBC provides recommendations to the intramural community in matters pertaining to the control of biohazards associated with the use of microbiological agents and their vectors. It also represents the interests of the surrounding community with respect to public health and protection of the environment.

Membership Roster

Name Division/Organization
CMDR John McLamb, IBC Contact, Executive Secretary OM / HSB
David Chen, Ph.D. DIR / VVC
Diane D’Agostin, M.S. DIR / STL
Francesco J. Demayo, Ph.D., IBC Chair, Deputy Chief, RDBL DIR / RDBL
Jacqueline Hamilton, M.A., BCBA Community Member
Justin Kosak, M.S. DIR / ESCBL
David M. Kurtz, D.V.M., Ph.D. DIR / CMB
Chris McGee, Biologist, Clinical Research Unit DIR / CRB
John McLamb, CHP, RRPT, Radiation Safety Officer OM / HSB
Steve Novak, CSP, Deputy Chief, HSB OM / HSB
Robert Petrovich, Ph.D., Protein Expression Core DIR / GISBL
Janine Santos, Group Leader, MTB, DTT NTP / SCT
Troy Weaver Community Member

IBC Calendar

Please make note of the 2024 Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Calendar.

The IBC meets once every month, on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Submissions must be received by close of business (5:00 p.m.) at least 10 days prior for consideration at the IBC monthly meeting. You will find a below guide on submitting your biological material registrations through EHSA.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to the HSB Biosafety Specialist at 984-287-3400.

Month Submission Deadline Meeting Date
January January 1 January 11
February January 29 February 8
March March 4 March 14
April April 1 April 11
May April 30 May 9
June June 3 June 13
July June 1 July 11
August July 29 August 8
September September 2 September 12
October September 30 October 10
November November 4 November 14
December December 2 December 12
  1. Principal Investigators are responsible for ensuring IBC review of the following:
    • Animal experiments requiring IBC approval with any of the above (prior to ACUC approval)
    • Biological Toxins (CDC-USDA agent program toxins below the permissible toxin amount)
    • Human and Non-human Primate (NHP): blood, body fluids, tissues and primary or established cell lines
    • Pathogens/Microorganisms: Risk Group 1 or higher
    • Recombinant or Synthetic DNA work as defined by the NIH Guidelines
  2. Please be reminded that any ACUC Animal Study Protocol (ASP) that includes the use of biologicals agents, toxins, human-derived materials, or recombinant DNA, etc. requires a BIO Permit and must be approved prior to receiving ACUC approval.

NIEHS IBC Charter

NIEHS IBC Charter