UT’s Biological Safety program is managed by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). One part of the Biological Safety program is Biosafety Compliance which is administered by the Office of Research Support and Compliance (ORSC). Biosafety Compliance includes the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), Institutional Review Entity (IRE), and Stem Cell Research Oversight (SCRO).
The IBC provides review and oversight of all University research and teaching activities conducted by faculty, staff, students and/or visiting scientists that involve the use of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules research, or biohazardous agents, materials or toxins to minimize risks to research personnel, the community and the environment. Additional oversight may be provided by the IRE or SCRO depending on the agents and materials involved and the nature of the research.
Activities Requiring Biosafety Review
Biosafety Compliance Program reviews research and teaching activities using the following materials:
- Recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules
- Human or nonhuman primate body fluids, cells or tissue
- Infectious agents or toxins of a biological origin
- Select Agents and Toxins or Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC)
The University of Texas at Austin Revised Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP) regarding Recombinant DNA and Biohazards:
Policy 7-1330 – Use of Recombinant DNA and Biohazardous Agents, Materials, and Toxins