Research and Sponsored Programs

Why is institutional biosafety important?

The primary mission of The University of Toledo Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is to ensure the safety of faculty, staff and students participating in biological research at The University of Toledo, as well as humans and vertebrate animals enrolled in such studies. In addition, protocol review and approval by the IBC also serves to protect the general public and the environment from adverse consequences related to that research.  University policy #3364-70-06 requires that all research involving the use of biological agents (or potential biohazards) must be submitted to the IBC for review and approval before research faculty may engage in any activities including such materials.

Biological agents include but are not limited to: viruses; bacteria; fungi; parasites; recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids; select agents and toxins; human blood, cells/cell lines, and other human tissues and products; stem cells; plant cell lines; non-rodent transgenic animals; and animal blood, cells/cell lines, and other animal tissues and products.

When such agents are to be introduced into live vertebrate animals, final approval of the associated animal use protocol by The University of Toledo Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is contingent upon IBC approval of the associated protocol for use of a biohazard.  When such agents are to be introduced into live humans, final approval of the associated research protocol by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is contingent upon IBC approval of the associated protocol for the use of a biohazard.

For additional information, see the Frequently Asked Questions below or contact the IBC Administrator.

• Research Lab Safety & COVID-19 Impacts

• Research Involving Coronavirus

institutional biosafety committee administrator

Elaine Joseph, PhD, BS

Project Administrator, IACUC, IBC, IRE
The University of Toledo
Office of Research & Sponsored Programs
Health Science Campus | CCE 2102

Phone: 419.383.4251 | Email: Elaine.Joseph@utoledo.edu

Sushant Khandekar, PhD

Associate Compliance Analyst, IACUC/IBC
The University of Toledo
Office of Research & Sponsored Programs
Health Science Campus | CCE 2104

Phone: 419.383.5321 | Email: Sushant.Khandekar@utoledo.edu

Biosafety protocol submission

All new or current investigators submitting IBC protocols for the first time, MUST undergo a pre-review prior to submission to the IBC Committee. This means that the protocol must be submitted two weeks before the deadline to provide time for review and potential edits before going to the committee. To help streamline this timeline, we strongly encourage these investigators have an IBC-experienced member of their department review the submission prior to submission. Please email the IBC Office (IBCommittee@utoledo.edu) for instructions on how to print a PDF of your XForm, if you need assistance in this process.

Pre-reviews are also encouraged for anyone submitting to the IBC Committee. All submissions to the IBC are through IRB Manager.

ibc meeting schedule

Federal Regulations

IBC Protocol & FAQ's

If your research requires an IBC Protocol, review the IBC Protocol & FAQ.
Updated: 06.19.2020