Before commencing experiments, researchers (including undergraduate and postgraduate students) who wish to undertake research with biosafety implications must obtain approval from the Institutional Biosafety Committee. No experimentation can take place without ethics clearance.
USQ is committed to promoting ethical conduct of research and require all staff and students to ensure:
Applications for biosafety ethics approval are processed through the Office of Research & Higher Degrees.
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) assesses and reviews all research proposals involving the use of genetic manipulation technologies as well as certifying PC2 physical containment facilities and, where required by the guidelines, submits them for assessment to the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR). The OGTR is responsible for overseeing the development and use of novel genetic manipulation techniques in Australia.
A register of work, personnel involved, staff training, current manuals and containment facilities is also maintained to comply with Gene Technology Regulations 2001 reporting requirements.
A meeting of the committee must be held annually during August when the draft Annual Report can be reviewed and endorsed by members prior to its submission to the Office of the Genetic Technology Regulator (OGTR) by the required date.
Staff members who propose to use genetic manipulation techniques in research or teaching must submit a proposal to the USQ’s IBC prior to the commencement of any studies.
It is mandatory for staff and students involved in Genetically Modified Organism research or using certified facilities to attend training on gene technology procedures. Training sessions are held each semester.
For queries or further information regarding biosafety ethics and the process for applying for biosafety ethics clearance, please email ethics@usq.edu.au or telephone + 61 7 4631 2690.
