Jump to section:

  1. Whom do I contact?
  2. What approvals do I need prior to working with biological materials and organisms?
  3. How do I get started if my research does require approval? What are the recommended steps?
  4. What are the training obligations? Are educational resources available?
  5. Will EHS monitor my laboratory after approval?
  6. What are other relevant policies, procedures, and links? 

1.  Whom do I contact?

The Biological Safety section within the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHS) administers programs for managing biological and infectious agents and other biohazardous materials in research and non-research settings. Program areas include: 

  • General biological safety  

  • Bloodborne pathogens  

  • Recombinant DNA  

  • Select agents and toxins  

  • Stem cell research 

Contact information 

EHS biological safety officer
319-353-5679 
Staff Directory
EHS Biological Safety website 

2.  What approvals do I need prior to working with biological materials/organisms?

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) research  

Authorization 

As required by the National Institutes (NIH) of Health Guidelines, the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) must approve all rDNA research covered under the guidelines. To begin the review process, submit an rDNA Registration Document through the electronic IBC (eIBC). 

Expiration 

Registration documents are valid for three years from the date of IBC approval. You must submit a new application and receive IBC approval before the expiration date to continue the research. 

Modification  

The IBC must approve any changes to the research as an amendment before implementation. Contact Biological Safety staff for guidance.  

Stem cell research  

Authorization 

The Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Committee (hPSCC) must review and approve a protocol application for research involving the derivation or use of human embryonic stem cells. The hPSCC must also approve research use of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) designed to yield gametes or integrate cells into the central nervous system of animals. 

Expiration 

Protocols are valid for three years from the date of approval. You must submit a new application and receive approval from the hPSCC before the expiration date to continue the research. 

Modification  

The hPSCC must approve changes to the research before implementation. Contact the biosafety officer for guidance.  

Select agent and toxin research 

Authorization

You must receive Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) approval before accessing select agents and toxins. The biosafety officer can assist with this process.  

Research conducted in Carver College of Medicine Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories also requires review and approval by the Carver College of Medicine’s BSL-3 Oversight Committee (CCOMBOC). 

Expiration 

For work conducted in BSL-3 facilities, standard operating procedures are reviewed annually. You must submit updated procedures before the expiration date to continue research. 

Select agent and toxin research modification 

FSAP and/or the oversight committee must approve changes before implementation. Contact the biosafety officer for guidance. 

Additional approvals  

The use of animals, radioisotopes, or human subjects may require additional approvals. Use of the Carver College of Medicine’s BSL-3 Core Facility may also require additional approvals. 

3.  How do I get started if my research does require approval?  What are the recommended steps?

  1. Contact EHS to set up a site visit to your laboratory. 

  2. Review materials provided by EHS staff. 

4.  What are the training obligations?  Are educational resources available?

Mandatory and recommended training courses are available. Review the training requirements for biological safety in the safety training course guide and laboratory-specific training requirements.   

EHS staff will help identify training relevant to your research during the site visit. Follow the instructions for university and non-university registration logins. 

5.  Will EHS monitor my laboratory after approval? 

EHS will assign a safety advisor to your laboratory. The advisor conducts safety observations, monitors laboratory practices, and reviews the annual laboratory self-audit to support compliance with safety regulations and university policies. 

6.  What are other relevant policies, procedures, and links? 

Principal investigators working with biological materials or organisms must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as university policies and guidelines. Depending on your research, consult the following resources: 

  • Occupational medical surveillance for research staff: University Employee Health Clinic, 1097-1 BT, University of Iowa Health Care 

Additional external resources