The IBC reviews initial proposal submissions and modifications to approved protocols two times a year (August 31st and January 31st).  Ad hoc reviews can be requested and may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Modifications to approved protocols include: 

• Changes in the recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules utilized, and/or changes of cells, organisms, or viruses containing these nucleic acid molecules. 
• Changes in the duration or frequency of the previously approved protocols.  

NOTE:  All Principal investigators must complete CITI IBC online training prior to submitting a proposal for review. Additionally, all student researchers and staff participating in the use and/or handling of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules must complete training before performing the research. 

If you are preparing a grant proposal that requests funding for research involving recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules, an IBC protocol must be submitted to the IBC before or at the same time as submission of the proposal, even if the funding agency doesn’t require IBC approval until after the grant has been awarded.  This is to ensure IBC has sufficient time to review the proposal so that there is not a delay when the funding agency requires approval.  

The proposal review process requires a convened meeting of a quorum of the IBC members. Proposals reviewed must receive the approval vote of a majority (>50%) of the quorum present in order receive approval. Outcomes from a full committee review include:  approval; require modifications (in order to secure approval); withhold approval. Work can NOT begin until the protocol has received IBC approval.  

While we will make every attempt to review submissions as quickly as possible, new protocol submissions can take up to one month from the submission deadline to review, modify, and approve.  During the review process, there is occasionally the need for additional information or for protocol modifications to be made in order to secure approval.  Therefore, it is imperative that principal investigators are prepared to work with the committee to ensure a timely review.   Immediate review of protocol submissions and modifications can be requested; however, there is no guarantee on the timeline for these submissions. 

Principal Investigators will be notified IN WRITING of all IBC actions regarding submitted protocols.