Mission

  
 

To ensure that all activities involving recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids conducted at WRAIR, its Directorates and NMRC comply with the most current NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines) by providing guidance, oversight and review.

  
 

Vision

  
 

​To promote a culture of responsible research that protects the health and safety of the community and the environment.

  

 

 

Overview of the Institutional Biosafety Committee 

  
 
NIH Guidelines mandate the establishment of an IBC by all institutions that receive NIH funding for research involving recombinant/synthetic nucleic acids. This means that if an institution receives ANY funds from NIH for research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids, then ALL projects conducted at or sponsored by that institution must comply with the NIH Guidelines. WRAIR policy #77 provides an overview of the requirements for IBC review and oversight by the WRAIR-NMRC IBC.   
All work that falls under the categories listed below MUST be registered with the WRAIR-NMRC IBC
  • Generating or using recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids (i.e. anything that can replicate in a living cell such as plasmids.)
  • Recombinant organisms. Examples include non-wild-type bacteria, viruses, arthropods, animals, plants, etc. that have been genetically manipulated (e.g. insertion/deletion of genes, transformed/transfected with plasmids), including genome editing (e.g. Viral vectors, CRISPR, TALENS, Zn fingers)
  • Transgenic animals & microorganisms (Commercially purchased animals may be exempt, but it must receive a formal exemption by the IBC Chair)
  • High volume cultures (≥10 L in a single vessel)
At the present time, WRAIR does not conduct the following types of research:  
  • Research requiring BSL 4 containment
  • Research requiring the use of biological select agents and toxins (BSAT)
  • Dual use research of concern (DURC)
Contact the IBC Chair for additional guidance, if necessary.
WRAIR Headquarters IBC and WRAIR AFRIMS IBC both provide oversight for recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids studies. Each directorate must submit their registration to their respective overseeing IBC as shown below.