IBC Application Process
Step 1: Complete the Required IBC Training
In order for your protocol to receive approval, all personnel listed on the application and working in the lab must complete the required training. The training status of all personnel will be verified by the IBC office once you submit your protocol application.
Step 2: Download and Complete the IBC Protocol Application
To begin, download and complete the IBC protocol application available below:
Step 3: Download and Complete the Required Supporting Documents
Download and complete any required supporting documents. Depending on the nature of the work to be completed, different requirements may need to be met.
Biosafety Manual
A biosafety manual must be posted in each BSL laboratory. This manual must be specific to each lab, and must be adopted and enforced as policy. Download and complete the appropriate BSL manual below:
- BSL-1 Laboratory Manual Template (In development)
- BSL-2 Laboratory Manual Template (In development)
Laboratory Self-Inspection
All applicants must conduct a self-inspection of the laboratory space, based on the Biosafety Level. If your work involves BSL-2 or higher materials, an on-site inspection must also be scheduled for new and renewed protocol applications.
Biohazard Risk Assessment
The biohazard risk assessment is a process that helps you develop a Material Safety Data Sheet for the biohazardous materials you are working with. If your work involves BSL-2 or higher materials, use the worksheet below for each biohazardous material/agent or rDNA molecule you are working with, and submit it with your application:
Laboratory Sketch
A laboratory sketch gives the IBC insight into the space you will conduct your research in. This also helps to verify that the necessary safety precautions and materials are in place to ensure that the environment will be safe for all laboratory personnel. If your work involves BSL-2 or higher materials, complete a laboratory sketch according to your workspace and submit it with your application. An example is provided below:
Step 4: Submit the IBC Protocol Application and Supporting Documents
Once you have completed the protocol application and any required supporting documents, submit them as Word documents to the IBC for review.
Step 5: Status Email & Preliminary Review
Shortly after submitting your application, you should receive a status email from the IBC indicating that your application has been received and that a preliminary review will take place.
The preliminary review should take approximately two weeks to complete, and involves a “completeness” review by the IBC office. This process prepares your protocol application for review by the committee members by identifying common errors, requesting missing documents, and/or asking for any needed clarification.
Step 6: Revision Requests & Resubmission
After the preliminary review has taken place, you may receive an email from the IBC requesting revisions. Once you have corrected or addressed the requests, re-submit the changes to the IBC.
Depending on the complexity of the study, multiple revision requests may be required. Responding to revision requests promptly will greatly increase the IBC’s ability to quickly approve your application.
Step 7: Protocol Review
Once your application is ready, it will be distributed to the committee members for review.
Step 8: Delivery of Decision
If your study is approved, you will be notified by the IBC office. At this time, you will receive an approval letter that is signed and dated by the IBC Chair, along with the appropriate biohazard signage.