The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) at Texas A&M University- Kingsville (TAMUK) reviews and approves research and teaching activities with recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules (r/sNA) and other hazardous biological agents, materials or biological toxins. Principal investigators (PIs) and/or laboratory teaching faculty at TAMUK who either store or conduct research or teaching activities involving potentially biohazardous materials or biological toxins must obtain approval from the IBC prior to beginning work.

Our core responsibility:

IBC at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) is the designated administrative body responsible for the comprehensive oversight and regulation of all research and educational activities involving biohazardous materials and recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, regardless of the funding source. The IBC ensures institutional compliance by meticulously reviewing and approving these protocols according to the strict standards set forth in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Guidelines for Research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules and all other relevant institutional and regulatory requirements.

 

In accordance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, institutions that receive NIH funding are required to establish an IBC to ensure that such research is conducted safely and responsibly. The IBC works closely with biosafety professionals to assess risks, determine appropriate containment levels, and promote best practices that will protect researchers, the public, and the environment. The IBC has the authority to approve, require modifications (to secure approval), or disapprove research and teaching proposals involving biohazards. Its primary role is to ensure the safety of researchers, the university community, and the environment by promoting responsible practices and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. To fulfill this mission, the IBC uses a collaborative review process to evaluate research protocols and related documentation—such as biosafety procedures, containment strategies, and training plans—to ensure that all risks are appropriately assessed and mitigated.

At TAMUK, any research or instructional activity involving biohazardous materials must be reviewed and approved by the IBC prior to initiation.

Biohazardous materials include, but are not limited to:

• Recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules
• Human or animal pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites)
• Biological toxins
• Human or non-human primate tissues, fluids, or cell lines

For more information on IBC policies, submission procedures, or to determine whether your project requires IBC review, please contact the Office of Research Compliance (TAMUK.IBC@tamuk.edu).