Regulated Biological Materials in Research

Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is a university committee mandated by Federal granting regulations to oversee the safe and responsible use of certain biological materials in research. The committee, in conjunction with EHS Biosafety, reviews applications known as Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement (MUA). The IBC committee has an electronic MUA submission system known as RASS-IBC and reviews MUA applications at their monthly meetings. To get started with an IBC application, learn more about what needs IBC approval, find helpful guidance material, or if you have any questions you can reach out to the IBC office staff or reach out to the trusted advisor for assistance.

BSL3 Research

Cornell University coordinates research involving risk group 3 infectious agents under Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) containment in collaboration with multiple groups across campus. The coordination involves shared information and processes between the IBC, BSL-3/ABSL-3 Operations group, and the BSL-3/ABSL-3 Strategy and Planning group. The IBC is responsible for the review and approval of research involving RG3 agents in BSL3 conditions. The operations group oversees BSL3 facility training and operation, while the strategy and planning group coordinates the activities and allocation of space within BSL3 facilities. For further information about BSL3 research and training please see the BSL3 written program or contact the Cornell Biosafety Officer Joshua Turse joshturse@cornell.edu. To inquire about space availability and cost for use of the facility please reach out to the College of Veterinary Medicine Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education, Robert Weiss.

Research with Select Agents and Toxins

Research involving Select Agents and Toxins must be approved by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) before the agent can be acquired and research conducted on it. For information about Cornell’s Select Agent Program please visit EHS Biosafety Select Agents and Toxins or contact the University Responsible Official for Select Agents Josh Turse joshturse@cornell.edu.

Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC)

Research involving any of the 15 agents designated as Dual Use Research of Concern, must go through an additional review by the Institutional Review Entity (IRE) to determine if the research qualifies as DURC. In the event the research is classified as DURC, a risk assessment will be performed and communicated to the NIH or funding agency as applicable for approval. All DURC agents are also Select Agents or toxins so the DURC process may coincide with the FSAP process. After the DURC and FSAP processes have been completed, the IBC will then conduct their review as required by Federal regulation. Further information about DURC and the DURC process.

Research with Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Research involving human embryonic stem cells (hESC), human embryos, or the derivatives of these materials must be reviewed and approved by the Cornell human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee (ESCRO).  The committee looks at the ethics and the adherence to policy of the proposed research to determine if the research is allowable under the regulations for research with human embryonic stem cells or tissues. Registration with the ESCRO is required for all work with human embryonic stem cells. For further information or questions please reach out to Michael Betteken.

Research requiring a USDA APHIS permit

USDA APHIS BRS Permits: Research involving the importation, interstate movement, or environmental release (outdoor field trials) of certain organisms(plants, insects, and microbes) that may pose a plant pest risk require a USDA APHIS BRS permit to conduct. These permits can be applied for through the USDA APHIS eFile system and are required in order to conduct work that involves the use of genetically modified plants or insects outside of a laboratory, growth chamber, or greenhouse. A USDA APHIS Permit may also be required to receive a shipment of a transgenic modified plant or insect. As part of the IBC process, the USDA APHIS BRS permit must be attached to the IBC application. Certain transgenic plants are exempt for these regulations. Please see the USDA website on exemptions for further details.  

USDA APHIS PPQ 526 Permits: Research involving the importation, interstate movement, possession, and/or release into the environment of plant pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, mycoplasmas, and nematodes require a PPQ 526 permit. These permits can be applied for through the USDA eFile system. As part of the IBC process, work with certain plant pathogens will require an approved USDA APHIS PPQ permit to be uploaded to the IBC application before approval for the work can be issued. Please note that plant pathogens isolated in the state of New York (unless being shipped to you from out of state) and certain pathogens do not require PPQ permits.

For questions about USDA APHIS BRS or PPQ permits please reach out to Michael Betteken.

About Environment, Health and Safety (EHS)

Research Safety, part of Environment, Health and Safety, is staffed by a team of Biological Safety, Chemical and Laboratory Safety, and Radiation Safety professionals who have the expertise to assist researchers mitigate and manage the risks associated with their research and meet regulatory and compliance requirements. See the Research Safety page for more information. 

Report an Incident   OR   Report Research Misconduct