Purpose and Function
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) reviews and evaluates investigator-generated safety protocols for the proposed use of agents deemed hazardous by the NIH/CDC and UAMS Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S).
These reviews determine whether the IBC approves the safety protocols, with periodic reports to the Safety Coordinating Committee.
The IBC also makes recommendations to the Safety Coordinating Committee about biohazards that may exist or arise on the UAMS campus.
General Information
Organization and Responsibility
Research personnel with expertise in infectious agents, toxicology, recombinant DNA, animals, and/or human gene therapy make up most of the IBC membership. In accordance with NIH/CDC guidelines, members also include Biosafety Officers and two members who represent the interests of the community.
The UAMS Chancellor appoints committee members and a chair. The chair or chair’s designee signs off on behalf of the committee to approve biohazard safety protocols.
The committee meets at least quarterly or when convened.
Membership
IBC members include two community members, a non-doctoral member, and the UAMS Biosafety Officers. Other members have expertise in biosafety, animal science, virology, bacteriology, pathology, and (human) gene therapy.
Their membership and qualifications must comply with Sections IV-B-2-a and IV-B-2-b. Ad hoc members may be called upon for specific expertise.
Members terms are three years, which may be renewed. The UAMS Chancellor may limit or extend terms as needed.
The committee solicits nominations for membership. The Chancellor’s Office makes committee appointments, and the Chancellor appoints the committee chair.
Submission and Meeting Schedule
Specialist Review Due Date (2nd Friday of the Month) |
Committee Review IBC Agenda Set * (3rd Friday of the Month) |
IBC Meeting Date (1st Friday of Next Month) |
---|---|---|
11/8/2024 | 11/15/2024 | 12/6/2024 |
12/13/2024 | 12/20/2024 | 1/3/2025 |
1/10/2025 | 1/17/2025 | 2/7/2025 |
2/14/2025 | 3/21/2025 | 3/7/2025 |
3/14/2025 | 4/21/2025 | 4/4/2025 |
4/11/2025 | 4/18/2025 | 5/2/2025 |
5/9/2025 | 5/16/2025 | 6/6/2025 |
6/13/2025 | 6/20/2025 | 7/4/2025 |
7/11/2025 | 7/18/2025 | 8/1/2025 |
8/8/2025 | 8/15/2025 | 9/5/2025 |
9/12/2025 | 9/19/2025 | 10/3/2025 |
10/10/2025 | 10/17/2025 | 11/7/2025 |
* Note: Only complete protocols that meet the Muse Protocol Checklist requirements will be added to the IBC agenda. |
Proposals to use hazardous agents in research are submitted via Muse. Send any questions to the Institutional Biosafety Committee or the Biosafety Officers.
IBC meetings are held the first Friday of the month. Only Biosafety Officers place protocols on the meeting agenda, which is set two weeks before meetings to allow for IBC member review.
Regulations and Guidelines
Hazardous Agents
The following items require review by the UAMS IBC:
Topics for Researchers
Muse IBC Protocol
The image below is an example protocol home page in Muse. Each Muse protocol follows this workflow.
The following sections describe the steps that occur when you protocol is in each of the states in the headings.
Pre-Submission State (Draft)
This action moves your protocol from the draft Pre-Submission state to Specialist Review state.
Note: Clicking Finish in the Supporting Documents section does not submit your protocol.
Specialist Review State (Review Begins)
Note: You must address all biosafety review comments and complete any needed actions before the Final Specialist Review can occur.
Committee Review State (IBC Meeting)
Review Complete State
See your protocol home page in Muse for the:
Note: CRs must be completed annually to maintain IBC compliance.
Responsibilities of the Principal Investigator or Designee
Principal Investigators (PIs) are responsible for:
NOTE: PIs can assign a designee, such as a lab manager, using the PI Proxy option in Muse. However, this designation must be described in the Muse protocol, and the PI bears ultimate responsibility for all aspects of the research project.
Forms, Manuals, and Policies
Use the Muse Protocol Checklist below as a rubric for your protocol and the following information to assist you in your protocol management.
Note: Only approved protocols can be amended. Only one amendment can be submitted at a time. There are two amendment types:
Note: More information is available on the OH&S Biological Safety Division web page. Please contact the Biosafety Officers if you need assistance inputting your protocol.
Contacts
Biosafety Quick Links
Biosafety Quick Links