Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBC)

Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBC) are groups within research institutions responsible for overseeing projects involving biological materials, especially those that are genetically modified or potentially dangerous. Their role is to ensure safe handling, minimize risks to researchers and the environment, and comply with legal and ethical standards. IBCs review research proposals, assess potential hazards, and establish safety protocols before any work begins. They serve as a protective oversight body, balancing scientific progress with safety considerations to prevent accidents or unintended consequences from working with biological agents.