As a condition for NIH funding of recombinant DNA research, the Institution is required to ensure that such research conducted at or sponsored by the Institution, irrespective of the source of funding, complies with the NIH Guidelines. The Principal Investigator must make an initial determination whether the subject research is Exempt or Non-Exempt under the NIH Guidelines. It is the Principal Investigator’s responsibility to be knowledgeable of and abide by the provisions of the NIH Guidelines when making this determination.

Annual Recombinant DNA Registration(Download Form Here) Each Principal Investigator utilizing recombinant DNA molecules must complete an annual registration certifying whether Exempt or Non-Exempt recombinant DNA research is being conducted by him or personnel under his supervision. All Non-Exempt recombinant DNA research must be reviewed and approved by the IBC.

Application for Non-Exempt Use of Recombinant DNA Molecules (Download Form Here). All Non-Exempt recombinant DNA research protocols and any subsequent changes (e.g., changes in the source of DNA or host-vector system), if covered under Sections III-A, III-B, III-C, III-D, or III-E (Experiments Covered by the NIH Guidelines), must be submitted to the IBC for review and approval or disapproval using the Application for Non-Exempt Use of Recombinant DNA Molecules. Approval is for a three (3) year period, after which a new application must be submitted for review.

Modifications. Modifications of approved Non-Exempt research protocols require IBC review and approval before implementation of the changes. The modification application and instructions can be obtained by contacting the IBC Office at ibc@tulane.edu. Modification can be submitted by E-mail to ibc@tulane.edu or by hard copy to the IBC Office via Campus Mail to IBC, TW5. The IBC Chair and BSO will perform an initial review of the modification. Some modifications may require full committee review and/or a separate approval by the IBC prior to initiation of such experiments.