Office of Research and Sponsored Projects

Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

Application Process

The person submitting the Protocol must be the principal investigator (PI) and have faculty rank. Principal investigators (PIs) are responsible for the biohazardous or recombinant agents used by their students and staff. Texas A&M International University policy requires the submission and approval of an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Protocol Application for all activities involving the use of biohazardous or recombinant agent research at TAMIU.

Prior to the initiation of any biohazardous or recombinant agent research at TAMIU, the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) has the responsibility to review and approve, require modifications to, or withhold approval to a biohazardous or recombinant agent Protocol and to inspect all biohazardous or recombinant agent facilities annually.

The TAMIU Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) meets a minimum of twice yearly. Submit the forms to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) as soon as the need is anticipated, and all protocols must be submitted to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) no later than 10 days before the meeting (contact ibc@tamiu.edu to find out the next meeting date). The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) cannot expedite the review of an application because the investigator failed to submit it in time. It is the responsibility of the principal investigator (PI) to submit a protocol with sufficient lead time to meet all University and agency deadlines.

Procedure

• The principal investigator (PI) must complete the IBC Protocol Application in CAYUSE, effective 9/22/2025
  
• All personnel listed on the application form who will enter the biosafety facility must complete CITI IBC Training.
• Personnel may also be required to: 
  • Complete additional face-to-face biosafety and bloodborne pathogens training as necessary
  • Submit the TAMIU Medical Health Questionnaire (page 2) to the PI of the IBC Protocol Application and submit page 3 to the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (KLM 426)
  • have current vaccines (as applicable) prior to the initiation of any biohazardous research.

Initial Review Process

• All protocols are reviewed by the entire committee.

• After review, one of three outcomes is possible:
  
  • Approval with no modifications - The protocol meets all standards and is approved without modifications by the full committee
  • Modifications required to secure approval - Modifications required to secure approval, with final approval by the Full Committee or IBC Chair (or designated member), once PI has completed revisions necessary for approval. PI is notified in writing of the required changes that must be made to the protocol before approval will be granted.
  • Disapproval - The reasons for disapproval are given to the PI, who may submit a Revised Protocol.
• Upon approval, the PI will receive written notification and is responsible for submitting an annual review on the anniversary date of the approval and resubmission prior to the third anniversary. Failure to submit the renewal in time for review prior to the third anniversary will result in a lapse of approval.

Amendment to Protocols

Any changes in the protocol procedures, biohazards, and/or agents, or personnel require the submission of the IBC Amendment form in CAYUSE.  If the submission does not require review at a convened IBC meeting, the IBC Chair is authorized to review and approve the submission on behalf of the IBC.

In addition to the amendment form, for additions of new personnel, prior to amendment approval, the new personnel must complete: CITI IBC Training, and may be required to complete additional face-to-face biosafety and bloodborne pathogens training (if necessary), submit the TAMIU Medical Health Questionnaire (page 2) to the PI of the IBC Protocol Application & submit page 3 to Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (KLM 426), and have current vaccines (as applicable).