The use of recombinant DNA or infectious agents has the potential of endangering the health of members of society, individual laboratory members, human research participants and/or vertebrate animals. Federal regulations require that all procedures involving the use of recombinant DNA (rDNA) undergo review by the Institutional Biosafety Committee. The Institutional Biosafety Committee is responsible for reviewing all activities utilizing rDNA or infectious agents, assuring the safe conduct of the research, assessing decontamination and containment levels, and ensuring the rDNA research is conducted in compliance with the NIH Guidelines for Use of Recombinant DNA Molecules.

This site describes the current policies of Tulane University’s Institutional Biosafety Committee and how it regulates research involving biohazardous agents. It is intended to help investigators, Committee members and Biosafety Officers comply with federal, state and local regulations.

Policy on the use of Recombinant DNA

Research involving recombinant DNA conducted at or sponsored by Tulane University, or research conducted by Tulane University faculty members or students, must be conducted in a manner that does not pose a significant risk to the health or safety of laboratory workers, others in the Institution, the public, or the environment. Federal law on use of recombinant DNA mandates the establishment of the IBC, which reviews, approves and oversees projects involving recombinant DNA.

A. All NIH-funded projects involving recombinant DNA techniques must comply with the NIH Guidelines. Non-compliance may result in (i) suspension, limitation, or termination of financial assistance for the noncompliant NIH-funded research project and of NIH funds for recombinant DNA research at the Institution, or (ii) a requirement for prior NIH approval of any or all recombinant DNA projects at the Institution.

B. All non-NIH funded projects involving recombinant DNA techniques conducted at or sponsored by the Institution must comply with the NIH Guidelines. Noncompliance may result in (i) suspension, limitation, or termination of NIH funds for recombinant DNA research at the Institution, or (ii) a requirement for prior NIH approval of any or all recombinant DNA projects at the Institution.