Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

The University of Wisconsin–Madison, as an institution receiving research funds from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is subject to the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules. As mandated by the Guidelines, the Chancellor of the university has appointed an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and established, as its administrative office, the Office of Biological Safety (OBS), directed by the Biological Safety Officer. Roles and responsibilities, biosafety requirements and best practices, and general biosafety information can be found in the UW–Madison Researchers’ Biosafety Manual.

IBC Protocol Process Review Report

IBC Agenda 1/8/25 for public notification

IBC Calendar 2025

Contact

Andrea Ladd
Biological Safety Officer
andrea.ladd@wisc.edu
Phone: 608-263-9013
Cell: 608-575-3738

IBC Info and Resources

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Charge to the IBC

The IBC is charged with responsibility for oversight of research using biological materials that entails a potential risk to humans, animals, plants, or the environment. This research includes, but is not necessarily limited to, studies involving recombinant DNA, infectious agents, toxic chemicals used to elicit a biological response, or other substances that may be toxic to living organisms. The IBC is authorized to approve, require modifications to secure approval, or disapprove these proposed research activities. The IBC is further authorized to suspend or revoke authorization for previously approved research that is not being conducted in accordance with the approved protocol, the IBC’s requirements, federal or state laws or regulations, or institutional policies applicable to biological research. The IBC may also suspend or revoke authorization for previously approved research when the research or its conduct creates an unexpected serious potential threat to safety, health, or the environment. In addition, the IBC is authorized to draft and implement policy and to set other requirements related to the use of biological materials in research or teaching, and to conduct assessments of potential Dual Use Research of Concern.

Meeting Schedule

In 2024, the UW-Madison IBC is tentatively scheduled to meet during the first week of the month.  Beginning in January 2025, the UW-Madison IBC will meet twice a month, typically during the first and third week.

Meeting Location

Virtual meetings are held, unless otherwise arranged

Meeting Time*

1:30 p.m., unless otherwise arranged

Meeting Date

During the first and third week of the month, unless otherwise arranged. Please see calendar at the top of this page.

*Information is tentative and will be confirmed in advance by announcement from the Office of Biological Safety.

IBC Member Roster

UW Faculty/Staff

Garret Suen, Ph.D. (Chairperson)

Andrea Ladd, Ph.D. (Biological Safety Officer)

Barak Blum, Ph.D.

Marta Gaglia, Ph.D.

Steve Garvis, PhD

Gregory Gauthier, M.D., M.S.

Yevgenya Grinblat, Ph.D.

Peter Halfmann, Ph.D.

Dennis Halterman, Ph.D.

Joel Malak, DNP, MPH, RN

Donna Neumann, Ph.D.

Sabine Pellett, Ph.D.

Matthew Reynolds, Ph.D.

Warren Rose, Pharm.D.

Megan Spurgeon, Ph.D.

Alana Sterkel, Ph.D.

Ryan Stoffel, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Public Members

Jake Scherf, M.S.

Lindsey Moser, Ph.D.