UTEP IBC Composition

As an Institutional Officer (IO), the Vice-President for Research (VPR) is responsible for appointing members to the IBC annually for three years.  To ensure effective evaluation of research proposals, consecutive terms may be allowed to maintain collective experience and expertise in assessing safety and risks.  The Biological Safety Officer (BSO) is the only permanent voting member of the IBC, but the BSO, IBC Chair, or any existing member can nominate new committee members.  The appointment of new members is confirmed after a vote during a full committee meeting. If an IBC member fails to attend at least half of the scheduled meetings a year, the BSO or IBC Chair may propose a replacement nomination.  

Members are selected to ensure compliance with membership requirements articulated in the NIH Guidelines . The UTEP IBC has at least five voting members.  

The UTEP IBC membership will consist of the following:  

1. IBC Chair  
2. BSO  
3. At least two members not affiliated with UTEP (apart from their membership on the IBC). These individuals will represent the interest of the surrounding community concerning health and protection of the environment ( e.g., officials of state or local public health or environmental protection agencies, members of other local governmental bodies, or persons active in medical, occupational health, or environmental concerns in the community).  
4. At least two members with expertise in creating and using rDNA or SNAMs.  
5. At least one member with knowledge and experience handling RG2 or RG3 infectious agents and biocontainment.  
6. At least one member with expertise in the use and containment of arthropods.  
7. When applicable, at least one individual with expertise in animals and animal containment principles.  
8. When applicable, at least one individual with expertise in plants, plant pathogens, or plant pest containment principles when experiments utilizing Appendix L of the NIH Guidelines require prior approval by the IBC.