Research Insights
New NIH Guidelines for Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules
The Office of Biosafety has recently updated its webpage with the latest information on NIH Guidelines for Recombinant or Synethetic Nucleic Acid Molecules.
Office of Biosafety has recently updated its webpage with the latest information on NIH Guidelines for Recombinant or Synethetic Nucleic Acid Molecules.
NIH Guidelines for Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines) is a set of federal guidelines that specify the practices for constructing and handling (i) recombinant nucleic acid molecules; (ii) synthetic nucleic acid molecules, including those that are chemically or otherwise modified but can base pair with naturally occurring nucleic acid molecules; and (iii) cells, organisms, and viruses containing such molecules.
ALL recombinant DNA research conducted at UGA, irrespective of the source of funding, must be reviewed by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) as a condition for UGA to receive NIH funding. Noncompliance with this requirement jeopardizes all NIH funding for recombinant DNA research at UGA .
To help UGA researchers understand these requirements and requirements associated with recombinant DNA research at UGA, the Office of Biosafety has recently updated the IBC webpage. These updates include the most recent version of the NIH Guidelines, an introduction to the NIH Guidelines and IBC responsibilities, FAQs on reporting of incidents involving rDNA, and training on Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC).
The University IBC has the responsibility of assessing the safety of research involving biological agents and recombinant DNA to identify potential risks to personnel, the public, or the environment through the review and approval of proposed activities.
Prior to commencement of work, the UGA IBC must approve any teaching or research projects that involve the use of:
- Recombinant DNA, including transgenic animals, plants, or invertebrate organisms
- BSL2 or higher human or zoonotic pathogens
- Animal pathogens that cause diseases reportable to the State Veterinarian
- Plant pathogens that have not been established in the State
- Any work involving a select agent or toxin
If you have any questions regarding any of this information, please contact Nancy Mead (IBC Coordinator) at ngm@uga.edu or Patrick Stockton (Director of Biosafety) at pstock@uga.edu.