The federally mandated Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is responsible for the planning and implementation of the campus biosafety program to ensure the health and safety of all personnel working with biohazardous agents. The IBC makes certain that research conducted at the College is in compliance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Select Agent Rule. The IBC drafts campus biosafety policies and procedures and reviews individual research proposals for biosafety concerns. 

The IBC meets every other month (3rd Thursday) and may have additional meetings to review studies qualifying for Full Board review. Studies qualifying for Exempt or Expedited review are considered on an ongoing basis.  Any and all research activity on MMC’s campus involving Meharry personnel must register with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). 

New research proposals that involve work with biological or Infectious Agents, Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, Biological Toxins or Toxic Chemicals, Radiation or Physical Hazards.  An IBC registration is also required in the absence of any of the aforementioned categories.  IBC applications are approved for a period of three years and are contingent on the submission of annual / continuing reviews. 

The IBC, not the researcher, determines the review level. All applications for review and correspondence with the IBC should be directed to the administrative office of the IBC. For IBC forms and documents, application information, study submission deadlines, administrative concerns, and general inquiries, see additional information below.