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Human Subjects
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SDSU is responsible for ensuring that recombinant DNA research or experiments involving biological materials or potentially hazardous materials are conducted in compliance with the NIH Guidelines to promote safe and responsible practices. On behalf of SDSU, the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) reviews research for this purpose. The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is a committee of the University Research Council appointed by the Associate Vice President for Research. Graduate and Research Affairs’ Division of Research Administration provides administrative support to the IBC. The Institutional Biosafety Committee membership is determined based on federal guidance and includes a biosafety officer, a veterinarian, scientists, and private citizens.

Principal Investigators using biohazardous materials or conducting experiments involving recombinant DNA in their laboratories must obtain approval from the IBC. To initiate this process, the investigator must complete a Biological Use Authorization (BUA) Form, which can be found at http://bfa.sdsu.edu/ehs/forms.htm. The BUA may be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Biosafety Officer (IBO) for BL-1 experiments. The IBO and the IBC will review research involving BL-2 or BL-3 experiments.

For information regarding SDSU’s Biosafety Program, please visit the Environmental Health and Safety website at http://bfa.sdsu.edu/ehs/ or contact the Institutional Biosafety Officer (BSO), Millie Tran (mdizon@mail.sdsu.edu or (619) 594-2865). For information specific to the Institutional Biosafety Committee, contact Graduate and Research Affairs’ Division of Research Administration (619-594-0905 or ibc@mail.sdsu.edu).