Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) reviews research activities performed by agents of the University (i.e., faculty, staff, and students) involving hazardous biological agents, recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, materials derived from humans and nonhuman primates, toxins, select agents, or agents of dual use research concern. The IBC provides oversight for biological safety at SJSU and ensures compliance pursuant to the NIH Guidelines [pdf] and University policies as stated in our charge [pdf].

If you intend to do research with agents under IBC purview, you must submit a Biological Use Authorization (BUA) application for IBC review and approval before initiating the research. See the BUA page for more details on who needs to submit a BUA for approval.

Accidents or Breach of Containment

Any significant problems, violations of the NIH Guidelines, or any significant research-related accidents and illnesses must be reported to the IBC (biosafety@sjsu.edu). Certain incidents, as described in the NIH Guidelines, must be reported to the NIH Office of Science Policy (OSP). Incidents will be reviewed by the IBC. The IBC may recommend or require probationary approval and specific actions such as training and additional inspections of the Principal Investigator to the AVPR. Additional sanctions may be delivered by the AVPR.