IBC Review Processes

IBC Review Processes

Initial Review

All biosafety applications receive an initial review by the Biosafety Officer (BSO), in consultation with the Institutional Biosafety Committee Chair and the Office of Research Protections and Integrity (ORPI), to determine appropriate risk group (RG) and biosafety containment levels (BSL). If additional information is required, the BSO will contact the investigator.

Applications proposing the use of recombinant/synthetic nucleic acid molecules will be reviewed against the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules to determine whether the proposed use is considered exempt from—or subject to—NIH Guidelines.

Turnaround Time

Please allow 3-6 weeks for review and approval of biohazard research proposed at BSL-2/RG-2 or BSL-3/RG-3. Review and assessment of BSL-1/RG-1 and exempt recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule work may occur in less time.

Review Process Flow Charts

All IBC review scenarios:

  • BSL-1 & Exempt recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule work: click here.
  • BSL-2 or BSL-3 submissions eligible for Designated IBC Member (DMR) review: click here.
  • Submissions requiring Full Committee Review (FCR) at a convened meeting: click here.

Contact Dr. Cathy Moore, Biosafety Officer, at 704-687-1825 or uncc-ibc@charlotte.edu for more information.