Executive Order: Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research

On May 5, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order (EO) on Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research and an accompanying Factsheet regarding dangerous gain-of-function (GOF) research[1]. The EO struck down the recently implemented 2024 US Government Policy for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Pandemic Potential (USG Policy). Two days later, NIH released Notice … Read More

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

Category 1 and Category 2 Research

Based on federal requirements, the ARC has identified several kinds of reportable incidents that may serve as examples to guide individuals in making their determinations. These incidents include, but are not limited to, the following: a condition that is or may be a threat to the health or safety of animals; the conduct of animal-related activities or protocol modifications without prior ARC review and approval; continuing activities past the protocol expiration date; the conduct of activities by uncertified and/or unlisted personnel; continuing noncompliance.

Institutional Review Entity (IRE)

Dual use research refers to scientific activities conducted for legitimate purposes that generate knowledge, information, technologies, and/or products that can be utilized for both benevolent and harmful purposes. Conceivably, much of research could be considered dual use. The effective oversight of dual use research of concern (DURC) is based on identifying potential dual use research and its associated risks, then devising ways to mitigate these risks.