The NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules
(Guidelines) require institutions that receive NIH funding for recombinant DNA (rDNA)
research to establish an institutional biosafety committee (IBC) to review and approve
rDNA experiments, and to ensure that rDNA research is conducted according to the
Guidelines. Three national surveys of IBCs registered with the NIH were
conducted in 2002, 2007, and 2010 to assess IBC practices and identify trends over time.
The surveys showed that over time IBCs increased compliance with the
Guidelines and improved IBC management and staffing levels. The NIH
site visit program resulted in enhanced oversight of rDNA research by IBCs that
participated in the site visit. The data from the surveys suggest that many IBCs do a good
job of compliance with the intent of the Guidelines while others struggle
to meet their obligations in terms of research review, training, and other aspects of
Guidelines compliance.
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