The Committee provides expert review of research projects to ensure compliance with all relevant biosafety guidelines. Examples of projects covered by the Committee include work which involves PCR, recombinant DNA, microbial pathogens, transgenic plants or human gene therapy projects. In this form researchers describe the nature of the research and specify biosafety practices and containment that will be used during the course of the research. All relevant research projects must be reviewed regardless of funding status.

In May, 1995 the IBC initiated biosafety reviews of U of A courses involving recombinant DNA, microbial pathogens (including human blood, fluids, tissues, or bone), and field trips. These reviews are annual and updated teaching forms are required only when changes to the course are made that necessitate additional biosafety practices.