The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is responsible for overseeing research involving potentially biohazardous materials. They have been charged with protecting faculty, staff, students, research participants, visitors, the general public and the environment from exposures (or potential exposures) to biological hazards. Furthermore, the committee will ensure that all research activity involving biohazardous materials and the facilities used to undertake such activity are in compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines.
Federal IBC Registration & Public Information
Purpose: The EWU Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) oversees research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules and other biohazards. This page provides public information required by NIH Guidelines and supports transparency in biosafety oversight.
Committee Information
Registration Status: Registered with NIH Office of Science Policy
. View NIH IBC Registry
- Date of last registration update: x/x/xxx
Training Requirements
There are training requirements for anyone working with biohazardous materials.
- PIs, EWU staff members, and graduate students must take the CITI training course Training for Investigators, Staff and Students Handling Biohazards.
- Undergraduate students must take the CITI training course Biohazards and Biosafety for Students.
- Additional training may be warranted based on the nature of your work and role.
IBC Review and Approval
Submission of Research Form: Researchers must submit the IBC New Research Submission Form and any supplemental documents via email to ibc@ewu.edu.
- Submissions must be received at least three weeks prior to the proposed project start date to allow adequate time for review and discussion.
Initial Review: A designated committee member reviews each submitted project to determine whether it requires committee notification only, or requires a full committee review. Please contact ibc@ewu.edu for committee meeting schedule.
Distribution to Committee: All submission forms are distributed to the full committee. Each form includes a note specifying whether the project is submitted for notification or review.
Committee Member Input: Any committee member may request a full review of a project if they have questions or concerns, regardless of its initial classification.
Researcher Notification: The assigned committee member contacts the researcher to inform them of the result. If they may proceed with the project, or if the project requires full committee review.
Follow the Approved Protocol: Conduct the research exactly as described in the IBC-approved protocol. Do not initiate any changes without prior IBC review and approval.
Submit Amendments for Any Changes: Notify the IBC before implementing any changes to:
- Research methods
- Biological agents used
- Personnel involved
- Laboratory location or procedures
Complete Annual or Continuing Reviews: Submit continuing review applications as required (typically annually). Provide updates on research progress, safety incidents, and any changes.
Report Adverse Events or Noncompliance: Immediately report:
- Spills, exposures, or accidents
- Protocol deviations
- Biosafety violations
A full report must be submitted to the IBC and, if applicable, to NIH within 30 days
Ensure Proper Training and Supervision: Ensure all personnel are trained in biosafety procedures, understand the IBC-approved protocol, and use appropriate PPE and containment practices
Maintain Containment and Safety Standards: Follow the biosafety level (BSL) and containment practices approved by the IBC. Maintain lab safety equipment and documentation.
Maintain Records: Keep records of:
- Training
- Incident reports
- IBC correspondence
- Protocol amendments
Meeting Minutes
Please contact ibc@ewu.edu for any questions.
- October
- November
- December
Useful Links
IBC Members
Dr. Nicholas Burgis – IBC Chair, Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Jackie Coomes – IBC member, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs
Dr. Jeni Walke – IBC Member, Associate Professor of Biology
Dr. Jason Ashley – IBC Member, Associate Professor of Biology
John Shields – IBC Member, Biological Safety Officer
Buck Somes – External IBC Member, CEO GenPrime
Lindsay Matern – External IBC Member, Head Microbiologist Selkirk Labs
Alex Steiner – External IBC Member, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
