The National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines) govern the construction and handling of recombinant DNA (rDNA) molecules and the organisms/viruses that contain them. The NIH Guidelines provide detailed procedures and practices for the containment and safe conduct of rDNA research. All researchers working with rDNA at Syracuse University must comply with the NIH Guidelines regardless of their individual source(s) of funding.
The University’s Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) reviews proposed use of rDNA in research and approves those protocols in conformity with the NIH Guidelines. IBC approval is required prior to the commencement of any proposed rDNA experiment that involves pathogenic agents, human subjects, live animals, plants, and/or planned release of rDNA organisms into the environment.
Researchers are also required to notify the Environmental Heath and Safety Services (EHSS) of all rDNA experiments conducted under their supervision by completing an online registration. The University must maintain accurate information regarding the rDNA research conducted and researcher must provide updated information anytime rDNA experiments are modified, and on an annual basis regardless of change.