The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is a standing committee responsible for ensuring that research involving a biosafety risk is well planned and ethical. External to USM and would like a project reviewed: External Review Request form

All IBC Members as well as Primary Investigator and Key Personnel working under an IBC protocol are encouraged to take this training. 

CITI training basic course register here: https://www.citiprogram.org/
Please select the University of Maine System as the Participating Institution
Check the box for “Basic Biosafety Training” then take the “Training for Investigators, Staff, and Students Handling Biohazards.” 

CITI training basic course registration guide (pdf)

IBC Board Member CITI registration guide (pdf)

Only complete protocol submissions will be accepted for review.  A submission is considered complete ONLY when it satisfies all four of these requirements:

  • Each submission must utilize the appropriate form below.
  • Each submission must answer all questions fully and in sufficient detail to allow reviewers to make the determinations required.
  • Each submission must include all attachments requested in the form or email to usmorio@maine.edu
  • Applicants please note that most applications require more than one review because the IBC often requests additional information and/or changes. Therefore, applicants should leave ample time for additional review before the anticipated research start date. If submitting A Continuing Review, the form has a section for Revision/Amendment if applicable.

IBC- Policies and Procedures (pdf)

HRPP 018 IBC Coordination (pdf)

IBC-001 Transportation and Disposal of Bio-hazardous Materials (pdf)

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (external link)

Summary of Changes to the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories 6th Edition (BMBL-6) (pdf)

NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules 2019 (external pdf)

Experiments that are Exempt from the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules 2017 (external pdf)
(please note, you are still required to submit an IBC Application Form even if your activity is exempt from IBC review.  The IBC has sole authority in determining whether an activity is exempt or not.)

Useful Information on rDNA: Fact Sheet 2002 (pdf)

Request for Destruction of Select Agents Form

The University of Southern Maine campus does not have a Biosafety Officer. “The institution will appoint a Biosafety Officer (BSO) if it engages in large-scale research or production activities involving viable organisms containing rDNA molecules, biological agents in RG-3 or 4, or Select Agents.”