Institutional Biosafety Committee

Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) were established under the NIH Guidelines to provide local review and oversight of nearly all forms of research utilizing recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules. Princeton University’s IBC, which reports to the University's Institutional Official (IO), ensures the safe and compliant conduct of research activities at Princeton University that involve:

  • Recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules (r/sNA), as defined in the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant and Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines).
  • Biological Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC)
  • Biological toxins
  • Microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasitic agents, and prions that could be harmful to humans, plants, or animals
  • Infected research animals
  • Genetically engineered models (GEMs)
  • Gene drive modified organisms (GDMOs)
  • Human and non-human primate blood and tissues, and other animal tissues that may present zoonotic and/or other infectious disease concern(s)
  • Field research with animals and/or animal specimens known to be reservoirs of zoonotic disease.


The Responsibilities of the IBC include:

  • Develop, implement, and periodically review policies, procedures, and guidelines related to the activities under the IBCs purview, to ensure adherence with, at minimum, the requirements set forth by the NIH and the CDC.
  • Review proposed research involving the activities under the IBCs purview that are conducted at or sponsored by the University, and approve those projects that comply with NIH Guidelines, other applicable regulations, and University polices.
  • Perform thorough risk assessments to determine the appropriate containment level for each specific use or application of the activities under the IBCs purview.
  • Assist Principal Investigators (PIs) and others at the University in meeting their responsibilities for full compliance with NIH Guidelines, other applicable regulations, and University polices (e.g., assessing risks, establishing lab-specific policies and procedures, training personnel, and maintaining facilities and equipment), as detailed in The Princeton University Biosafety Manual[LD1] 
  • Provide guidance and support to the Biological Safety Officer (BSO) and the EHS in carrying out the requirements of the University’s Biosafety Program, including aspects of the Occupational Health and Safety program (OHSP) (e.g., the medical surveillance program).
  • Investigate, and report as needed, any significant problems, violations of NIH Guidelines, or any significant research-related accidents and illnesses and issues to NIH Office of Science Policy (OSP), as detailed in Policy “Reporting Requirements for Incidents Involving Recombinant and Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules[LD2] ”.
  • Engage with the IO, currently the Dean for Research, to communicate any concerns (e.g., non-compliance, exposures) or need(s) for resources.


IBC Roster

  • Alexander Ploss, Chair, Molecular Biology
  • Mridula Bajaj, Non-affiliated member, Mount Laurel Schools
  • Mark Brynildsen, Chemical and Biological Engineering
  • Laura Conour, ex officio, Laboratory Animal Resources
  • Irini Daskalaki, MD, University Health Services
  • Meagan Fitzpatrick, ex officio, Environmental Health and Safety
  • Jeffrey Grosser, Non-affiliated member, Deputy Administrator/Health Officer
  • Oliver Huang, Princeton Neuroscience Institute
  • Andrew Leifer, Physics and Princeton Neuroscience Institute
  • Jamus MacGuire, ex officio, Laboratory Animal Resources
  • Celeste Nelson, Chemical and Biological Engineering
  • Mario Rodriguez, Primate Research Resources