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In accordance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Safety and Environmental Protection Branch (SEPB) maintains an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).

The IBC reviews, approves, and oversees research involving biohazardous materials to ensure work is conducted safely and in compliance with NIH policy, federal regulations, and institutional requirements. The Committee establishes biosafety requirements for the NIEHS intramural research community and helps safeguard public health and the environment.

The IBC includes scientific, biosafety, veterinary, and community representatives to ensure appropriate expertise and public accountability in the oversight of biological research.

Do You Need IBC Approval?

IBC review and approval are required before initiating research involving:

  • Recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids (r/sNA), as defined by the NIH Guidelines
  • Biological toxins, including:
  • Human or non-human primate (NHP) materials, including blood, body fluids, tissues, and primary or established cell lines
  • Pathogens or microorganisms classified as Risk Group 1 or higher
  • Animal studies involving any of the materials listed above

If you are unsure whether your work requires IBC review, contact SEPB or the biosafety specialist prior to initiating research.

Animal Studies and Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) Coordination

Any ACUC Animal Study Protocol (ASP) that includes:

  • Biological agents
  • Biological toxins
  • Human-derived materials
  • Recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids

Must receive IBC approval (BIO Permit) before ACUC approval can be granted.

Investigators should plan submissions accordingly to avoid delays in protocol approval.

How to Submit

All biological material registrations must be submitted through Environmental Health & Safety Assistant (EHSA).

To be considered for review at a scheduled IBC meeting:

  • Submissions must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. (close of business)
  • At least 10 calendar days prior to the meeting date

Incomplete or late submissions will be deferred to the next scheduled meeting.

Submission guidance and instructions for EHSA are provided below.

For assistance, contact SEPB or the biosafety specialist.

2026 IBC Meeting Schedule

The IBC meets monthly, typically on the second or third Thursday of each month.

MonthSubmission DeadlineMeeting Date
JanuaryJanuary 5January 15
FebruaryFebruary 2February 12
MarchMarch 2March 12
AprilMarch 6April 16
MayApril 4May 14
JuneJune 1June 11
JulyJuly 6July 16
AugustAugust 3August 13
SeptemberAugust 31September 10
OctoberOctober 5October 15
NovemberNovember 2November 12
DecemberNovember 30December 10

Investigators are encouraged to submit early to allow sufficient time for administrative review.

Principal Investigator Responsibilities

Principal Investigators (PIs) are responsible for:

  • Ensuring all applicable research activities are registered with and approved by the IBC prior to initiation
  • Submitting complete and accurate registrations through EHSA
  • Obtaining IBC approval before beginning work
  • Submitting amendments when there are changes in:
    • Research scope
    • Biological hazards used
    • Experimental procedure
  • Ensuring laboratory staff receive appropriate safety training
  • Implementing required containment and safety practices

IBC Membership

The IBC includes representatives from NIEHS scientific divisions, biosafety professionals, veterinary staff, and non-affiliated community members. Community members provide independent representation of public health and environmental interests.

Division/Organization Representation:

NameDivision/Organization
Francesco J. Demayo, Ph.D. ([email protected]) , Ph.D., IBC Chair, Deputy Chief, RDBLDIR / RDBL
Christopher A. McGee ([email protected]) , IBC Contact, Executive SecretaryOM / SEPB
David Chen, Ph.D.DIR / VVC
Jacqueline Hamilton, M.A., BCBACommunity Member
Lawrence Kirschner, M.D., Ph.D.DIR / CTRB
Justin Kosak, M.S.DIR / ERBL
David M. Kurtz, D.V.M., Ph.D.DIR / CMB
John McLamb, CHP, RRPT, Radiation Safety OfficerOM / SEPB
Andrew Newell, Ph.DDTT/MTB
Steve Novak, CSP, Deputy Chief, SEPBOM / SEPB
Robert Petrovich, Ph.D.DIR / GISBL
Huanchen Wang, Ph.D.DIR / MCBL
Troy WeaverCommunity Member

For additional information regarding committee composition or operations, please contact the Biosafety Office.

Contact Information

For questions regarding IBC review, EHSA submissions, or biosafety requirements, please contact:

NIEHS IBC Charter

NIEHS IBC Charter