The University of California, Office of the President invites comments on a proposed new Presidential Policy on High-Containment Research. The policy includes the following key issues: If you have any questions or if you wish to comment, please email Director-Research Safety & Animal Welfare Jennifer Klahn or IBC Manager Kristina Britchford by May 31, 2025.
IBC Update: New DURC/PEPP Policy & SafetyNet Enhancements
IBC Insights We are thrilled to launch our very first IBC Insights, your quarterly guide through the world of biosafety and compliance. Our Mission? To empower your research with the knowledge and tools you need to excel safely and responsibly. UCLA to Implement Updated Federal Policy on High-Risk Biological Research Effective May 6, 2025, UCLA must be compliant with the … Read More
Systemwide Review of Proposed Presidential Policy on Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential
The University of California Office of the President invites comments on the proposed Presidential Policy on Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential. This policy revises the current UC Dual Use Research of Concern Policy with new and updated provisions, per the White House communication on dual use research issued May 6, 2024. Specifically, the Office … Read More
2024-25 Winter Holiday Closure
The Office of Research Policy & Compliance (RPC) will be closed to external business from December 21, 2024 through January 1, 2025 for the Winter Holidays, reopening on Thursday, January 2, 2025. While our offices are closed, the Chancellor’s Animal Research Committee (ARC), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and Academic Radiation Safety Committee (ARSC) and Medical Radiation Safety Committee (MRSC) / … Read More
Update to the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules
We are forwarding an important announcement from the NIH Office of Science Policy (OSP) regarding the recent amendments to the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (r/sNAs). These updates include critical information on the containment and risk assessment requirements for Gene Drive Modified Organisms (GDMOs), adjustments to the Risk Group categorization for certain viruses, and … Read More
Laboratory Safety Awareness Week
Colleagues: please see the below communication from EH&S. February 12-16 is Laboratory Safety Awareness Week! EH&S is celebrating with a themed week’s worth of educational activities around campus that give participants a chance to learn valuable safety skills and win prizes for themselves and their labs! Participants have a chance to… Scan the QR code for the most detailed and … Read More
PI Responsibility for Lab Closeout
Safety Oversight Committee To: Administrative Officers, Deans, Department Chairs, Directors, Faculty, Principal Investigators, Vice Chancellors and Vice Provosts Dear Colleagues: Principal Investigators (PIs) of research laboratories that are ending their supervision of the laboratories, for example due to retirement or new employment, have an obligation to ensure that they do not leave hazardous materials (biologics, chemicals, gas cylinders, equipment, radioisotopes) … Read More
Invitation: 2023 Workshop On Laboratory Safety @ UCLA Sept 17-19
Colleagues: please see the below communication from EH&S. August 22, 2023 Dear Research Community, You are invited to attend the 2023 Workshop on Laboratory Safety, hosted this year at UCLA! Please register soon, as spots are limited and going fast. We hope you all are doing well and staying safe. Please send any questions you may have about this event … Read More
IBC POLICY UPDATE
The IBC recently updated the policy “Use of Glass Pipettes in BSL-2 or Higher Laboratories.” While the substance of the policy remains unchanged, minor edits have been made. We encourage you to review and discuss this policy with your research team. All IBC policies are available on the IBC website: https://rsawa.research.ucla.edu/ibc/ibc-policies-guidance/. Please do not hesitate to contact us at ibc@research.ucla.edu or call (310) … Read More
Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) Research Involving the Use of Animals
Dear Colleagues: I am writing to you about animal research that requires the use of a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) facility. As you know, certain life sciences research is categorized by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as BSL3: research involving “indigenous or exotic agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease through the inhalation route of exposure.” Animal … Read More