Biosafety

The Howard University Biosafety Program ensures the safe handling, storage, and disposal of biological materials. The program aims to protect researchers, the public, and the environment from potential hazards associated with biological agents. It encompasses the HU Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) which reviews research protocols that involve a biosafety component, as well as policies, procedures, and training to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

The Howard University Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) reviews all institutional research activities involving the use of biohazardous agents, recombinant DNA (rDNA) molecules, cell lines, and human tissue including stem cells, viruses, vectors, and any agent that requires approval for biosafety activities as described in current governmental regulatory requirements.

The IBC:

• Ensures that all persons, procedures, and facilities engaged in these activities meet the highest standards of laboratory safety and research efficacy in the interest of protecting the environment and the public.

• Conduct thorough reviews and risk assessments of research protocols involving biological materials to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, including the NIH Guidelines for research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules.

• Develop and implement procedures for responding to biosafety incidents, including reporting and corrective actions.

IBC Membership

The IBC is composed of persons who collectively have experience and expertise in recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules technology and the capability to assess the safety of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules research and to identify any potential risk to public health or the environment. The IBC also includes members with expertise in biological safety and physical containment, as well as including, or having available as ex officio members or consultants, persons who are knowledgeable in institutional commitments and policies, applicable law, standards of professional conduct and practice, community standards and the environment.

The HU IBC is comprised of the following:

• The Howard University Biosafety Officer.

• At least two Howard University practicing scientists from various academic units who are involved in biomedical research or on-going activities involving infectious diseases, and recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules in microorganisms, plants, or vertebrate animals.

• At least two members from a nonscientific background, who are not affiliated with the University.

The IBC Chairperson and University Biosafety Officer is
Karl Thompson, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Graduate Director of Microbiology