Frequently Asked Questions – IBC

Protocol Submissions

• Why do I need to submit a protocol to the IBC?

  The KSU IBC is chartered to review research with recombinant nucleic acids as required by the NIH. Our charter is also extended to cover any research with biohazardous materials or potential biohazards such as human samples. By registering research with the IBC, KSU can better help researchers maintain safe laboratory environment and practices, to ensure that all individuals involved in research on our campus are not exposed to any unnecessary hazards.

• What is the process and how long will it take?

  After you submit a protocol, it will be pre-reviewed by the IBC office to determine whether it is exempt (and thus automatically approved) or if it requires full review. The next step is review by the Biosafety Officer, and next by the entire IBC. The IBC meets monthly and will discuss the submission at the next meeting. You will get feedback from the IBC after the meeting. Please note that to ensure review at the next meeting, protocols need to be submitted at least 2 weeks before the meeting. The committee meets on the third Friday of each month.

• How do I know what category my research belongs in?

  It is not necessary that you make this determination yourself before submission. The IBC will review the experiments to determine the category. For your reference, we have posted brief descriptions of the categories. You can also review the full NIH recombinant nucleic acid guidelines.

• Do I need to submit separate protocols for each experiment in my lab?

  You should submit protocols for each particular research material that falls under the classifications of recombinant DNA/RNA, human samples, or biohazardous materials. The IBC is currently considering any work with a particular material in the lab to be an individual experiment, no matter how many times the protocol is executed or for which research question. Be sure to include all the personnel who will be working with the material and update the protocol as necessary when new individuals join the project or new uses of the material change or add procedures that could impact lab safety.