Chairman
Fred Ferraro
Biological Safety Officer, Laboratory Manager of Physical Sciences, Biology, and Biomedical Research
frferrar@bridgeport.edu
IBC/LSC
Institutional Biosafety and Laboratory Safety Committee
Biological and biomedical research offers great opportunities for a better understanding of biological mechanisms and pathways that lead to targeted and more effective therapies for diseases and harmful conditions. Often, this research involves the use of recombinant DNA, infectious agents, and other potentially hazardous biologicals and chemicals that pose risks to our safety. Working at an appropriate biosafety containment level and with the appropriate safety precautions is essential for mitigating those risks. University of Bridgeport (UB) is committed to adhering to the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules and all pertinent requirements for research involving:
- Recombinant DNA
- Synthetic nucleotides
- Infectious agents (pathogens)
- Biological toxins
- Nanotechnology
- Human and non-human derived materials
- Risk group agents
- Dual use research
Therefore, UB IBC’s primary responsibility is to work with the UB research community to ensure that research involving the criteria described above is carried out accordingly (PDF).
UB researchers who propose to conduct research with materials or agents listed above are required to submit an application to the IBC for review and approval prior to initiating the proposed research.
UB IBC/LSC meetings are open to the public. UB reserves the right to hold executive sessions during IBC meetings that are not open to the public.
As mandated by the NIH Guidelines, UB’s IBC/LSC is responsible for assessing the biosafety containment level for research involving recombinant DNA, synthetic nucleic acid molecules and other potentially hazardous biologics. The UB IBC/LSC currently oversees proposed research involving:
- Recombinant DNA and synthetic nucleic acid (SNA) molecules
- Infectious agents (Pathogens)
- Biological toxins
- Nanotechnology
- Human and non-human derived materials
- Federally-regulated Select Agents, experiments with Dual Use Research of Concern potential, and research requiring BSL3 containment
Principal investigators or project directors at UB are responsible for:
- Understanding the requirements governing research involving potentially hazardous biologics, including recombinant DNA and SNA (synthetic nucleic acids), infectious agents, and biological toxins.
- Submitting an IBC application to secure required approval for all research involving recombinant DNA or SNA before beginning the project.
- Amending the approved IBC application prior to implementing changes to the research.
- Ensuring that all laboratory personnel have received the required training for the work they will perform.
- Adhering to and promoting applicable biosafety procedures that include ensuring the use of proper microbiological practices and laboratory techniques at the approved biosafety level
- Fulfilling any additional PI/PD responsibilities as detailed in Section IV-B-7 of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (PDF).
The IBC/LSC has jurisdiction over research occurring at UB that includes materials and agents listed above as well as all aspects of Laboratory Safety. The IBC/LSC reports to the Vice President of Graduate Studies and Research, and the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs who have authority over this compliance area at UB, including appointment authority to the committee.
Trainings are conducted through The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program) is dedicated to serving the training needs of colleges and universities, healthcare institutions, technology and research organizations, and governmental agencies, as they foster integrity and professional advancement of their learners.
For membership:
- CITI Institutional Biosafety Committee Member Training
For applicants:
- CITI Initial Biosafety Training
- CITI Lab Chemical Safety
- CITI Hazard Communication
- CITI OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens
- CITI Emergency and Incident Response to Biohazard Spills and Releases
- CITI Personal Protective Equipment
- CITI Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research
- TBD as determined by the chair and/or committee at the time of application
- Chemical Hygiene Plan (PDF)
- Employee Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan (PDF)
- Laboratory Personal Protective Equipment (PDF)
- Student Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan (PDF)
NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (PDF) April 2024
CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (PDF) 6th Edition
IBC/LSC members
Voting members for the IBC
Institutional Member
Khaled Elleithy
Dean, College of Engineering, Business, and Education
elleithy@bridgeport.edu