Policies

Recombinant DNA

For any project involving the use of recombinant DNA molecules, Tarleton State University assumes primary responsibility for complying with both the intent and the procedures of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules. This responsibility includes:

• Ensuring a standing Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is maintained in accord with Part IV of the NIH Guidelines and also ensuring the research plan is reviewed and approved by the IBC prior to commencing substantive work under the project.

• Registering all experiments involving recombinant DNA molecules conducted with funds provided under the project and complying with the containment requirements specified in Part III of the NIH Guidelines. Records of this research must be kept in a form that is readily available to grant sponsors.

Principle investigators' responsibilities include:

• Being aware of recombinant DNA biosafety requirements and assuring that Tarleton's requirements and procedures are followed;
• Assuring that all work involving recombinant DNA is registered with the IBC;
• Assuring that necessary safeguards and procedures are maintained in the work place; and
• Folllowing NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules.

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is responsible for: reviewing, approving and maintaining a registry of research projects and/or proposals involving the use of recombinant DNA at Tarleton State University. The IBC also provides oversight, review and assessment of adherence to NIH requirements for recombinant DNA research; training and expertise of personnel; lab safety, security, and biological containment practices; and emergency contingency plans, including containment and cleanup of spills and exposure of personnel to bioharzardous materials.

Institutional Biosafety Committee members:

• Chairman: Dr. Bert Little, geneticist
• Dr. Allan Nelson, biologist
• Dr. Russell Pfau, geneticist
• Dr. Harold Rathburn, biochemist

Sent IBC applications to: Office of Sponsored Projects, Box T-010, Stephenville, TX 76433.