Does your Undergraduate Research Fellowship proposal require an IBC Protocol?
The University of Texas at Austin requires all research and teaching activities that involve or use recombinant or
synthetic nucleic acid molecules (rsNA) and biohazardous agents, materials, and toxins are registered with the IBC.
What is a rDNA protocol?
Answer: rDNA protocols are an IBC registration that describes a research or teaching activity that involves recombinant
or synthetic nucleic acid molecules. This document must be completed by all Principal Investigators (PIs) wanting to use
recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, including transgenic animals in research or teaching activities. See the
detailed description below.
What is a Biosafety protocol?
Answer: Biosafety protocols are an IBC registration that describes a research or teaching activity that involves
biohazardous materials including: human fluids, tissue, or cells, recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules,
infectious agents, and toxins. This document must be completed by all Principal Investigators (PIs) wanting to use
biohazardous materials in research or teaching activities. Biosafety protocols are often required with rDNA protocols.
See the detailed description below.
Who can submit a rDNA or Biosafety protocol?
Answer: Protocols are submitted by a PI. In general, a PI is a tenured, tenure track, or research faculty with assigned
research space.
What do I need to do?
Answer: Confirm with your faculty advisor that your project is covered under as existing protocol or set of protocols.
Make sure the IBC protocol number(s) have been listed on your URF application form.
Do I need to complete any training?
Answer: Yes. The training required depends on the type of work described in your proposal. You may already have
completed this training. Contact the IBC Coordinator to find out what training you may need.
Questions: Contact the IBC by phone at (512) 232-9674 or email: ibc@austin.utexas.edu
rDNA Registration (protocol) for research or teaching activities that involve or use recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid
molecules (rsNA):
 Clone and express recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid sequences or proteins
 Use, synthesize, or amplify recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules that can replicate in a living cell or can base pair
with naturally occurring nucleic acid molecules
 Use, culture or genetically modify infectious, pathogenic, or opportunistically pathogenic organisms and Select Agents
 Clone and/or express toxins or toxin subunits with LD50 <100 mg/kg BW including Select Toxins
 Use recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, genetically modified cells, or genetically modified organisms in
animals
 Use, create, or release into the environment genetically modified microorganisms, cells, plants, or animals including insects
 Use or create recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules modified or manipulated (e.g., encapsulated into synthetic or
natural vehicles) to render them capable of penetrating cellular membranes
Biosafety Registration (protocol) for research or teaching activities that involve non-exempt rsNA, biohazardous agents, and
materials:
 Any activity using recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules that is non-exempt from the NIH Guidelines or requires >
BSL-2 or ABSL-2 containment,
 Infectious, pathogenic, or opportunistically pathogenic organisms
 The collection, use, or testing of animals (including fluids, tissue, or cells) known to be reservoirs of zoonotic diseases
 Biological toxins with LD50 <100 mg/kg BW including
 The collection, use, or testing of human or nonhuman primate body fluids, cells, or tissue
 The use of human cell lines or tissue in animals