IBC Background

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) was formed October, 1976, per a national directive from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The initial purpose of the IBC was to review all research with recombinant DNA on the University of Arizona campus, subject to rule provided by the Office of Recombinant DNA Research at NIH. Later, a similar set of rules governing recombinant DNA research in agriculture was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). At that time, the Committee began to work closely with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Office of the USDA and with the Arizona Department of Agriculture and Horticulture. In the fall of 1988, in response to local needs and federal regulations, the Committee expanded its role to include the review of research involving microbial organisms pathogenic to plants, animals and humans. In February 1991, the Committee agreed to review research protocols involving biohazards submitted by the Tucson Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

• What we review
• Our Committee Members
• When we review
• Frequently Asked Questions About the IBC