Minneapolis VA Health Care System Research Service
Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
The Minneapolis VAHCS Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) evaluates the safety of basic and clinical research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules. The Department of Veterans Affairs follows the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines) for the safe and responsible conduct of research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules.
The IBC is specifically responsible for review of all research protocols that propose research techniques or procedures under the purview of the NIH Guidelines, including any studies involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, or use or creation of transgenic animals. All research programs that recieve funding from the NIH must have an approved and registered IBC. The Minneapolis VA IBC registration is reviewed and approved annually by the NIH Office of Science Policy.
During review of the Research Protocol Safety Survey (RPSS), the SRS/IBC Coordinator will determine whether proposed research protocols require IBC review. To submit a new RPSS, or to modify an RPSS for an existing study, complete all necessary forms in IRBNet.
For help with IRBNet, staff with VA network access can review the information on the VA Innovation and Research Review System (VAIRRS) University SharePoint at https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHAORPPE/VAIRRS/SitePages/VAIRRS-University.aspx (copy and paste this link into your browser). All staff can also email our local support team at VHAMINIRBNet@va.gov.
For IBC-specific assistance, contact the SRS/IBC Coordinator, Kendra Fleming or email VHAMINSRS@va.gov.
IBC Standard Operating Procedures
IBC-001 Institutional Biosafety Committee
IBC Minutes
Under current NIH regulations, approved IBCs must make committee minutes publicly available. Minutes from Minneapolis IBC committee meetings are archived below.
